Due to the popularity of the scheme, funding set aside for the electric cycle subsidy has been exhausted less than a month after the campaign was launched.
A total of 366 electric cycles have been bought as a result of the private/public partnership between the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure and local retailers. The scheme, funded via the Integrated Transport Strategy, was designed to promote the use of electric cycles as an alternative to the motor car.
The three most popular brands sold during the initiative were Raleigh, Scott and Whisper. Initial indications to date show that 46% of new owners are female and 53% male. Electric cycles sold for between £650 and £3,000, attracting varying levels of subsidy discount up to the maximum of £375 per e-bike (£300 funded by the Committee and £75 funded by the cycle retailer).
Owners who have purchased within the initiative will be sent three surveys during the first 12 months of ownership. The surveys will ask e-bike owners for information on how the bikes are being used so that the Committee can determine whether the initiative succeeded in shifting people away from the motor car or helped improved the health of owners.
Deputy Barry Brehaut, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said:
“The Committee is ecstatic that so many people have taken the opportunity to buy an electric cycle. It is hoped the subsidy scheme will help reduce traffic congestion on our roads and help owners enjoy the many health benefits that come with increased activity.
“The anecdotal feedback we have heard from e-bike users is that they are delighted with their new form of transport and are enjoying the freedom and ease of use that they bring, so we look forward to seeing the results of the surveys in the future.“
The Committee worked with retailers to secure a 25% discount on purchases up to the value of £1,500. A 20% subsidy towards the purchase is being offered by the Committee with cycle retailers making up the remaining 5%.
Once the surveys are completed and the results are analysed, they will be made available on www.gov.gg. Until the results of the survey are known, the Committee has no plans at this stage to extend the scheme.
