E-bikes are an increasingly common mode of transportation. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

active transportation

New rebate to make e-bikes more affordable

May 25, 2023 | 1:11 PM

NANAIMO — A substantial e-bike rebate program is being introduced province-wide, starting on June 1.

Adults will be able to claim rebates ranging between $350 and $1,400 based on the purchaser’s income level.

The province announced $9 million is committed toward the rebate, potentially benefiting 9,000 British Columbians, according to the province.

Bryan Miller manages Pedego, an e-bike store in Nanaimo — he believes the rebate will have a significant impact.

“It’s going to reduce fuel usage, it’s going to people out there, get them healthier, get them out with the wind in their hair — only good things come from this,” Miller told NanaimoNewsNOW shortly after the rebate was announced.

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Additional information about how the rebate program works can be found here.

Rebate amounts are linked to the buyer’s income level. (bcebikerebates.ca)

With e-bikes costing as high as several thousand dollars, Miller believes a rebate of this magnitude will be enough to entice some people to commit to buying one.

“It’s a busy season for us anyway coming into the good weather, this is only going to help; but it’s also going to allow a lot more people to get into the affordable end of e-bike purchases.”

Miller, 72, commutes year-round on an e-bike, which he said wouldn’t be possible for him to do on a standard bicycle due to an ailing hip.

Miller applauds the province for the new rebate program, stating previously rebates were only available in select municipalities.

Michael Koski, executive director of the BC Cycling Coalition, stated in a news release that e-bikes will assist people struggling with costs associated with a vehicle.

“E-bikes make cycling accessible to a wider range of people, improve personal health and help smaller communities by making more people mobile,” Koski stated.

The province included e-bikes in 2021 to a list of provincial sales tax-exempt active transportation options.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes