Jersey government offers vouchers for up to £600 off e-bikes through new scheme
Katya Fowler reports
People in Jersey can now apply for a government grant to cover some of the cost of buying an e-bike.
A £300,000 pot of money has been set aside as part of the government's Carbon Neutral Roadmap.
Islanders have a week to apply during the first application window, where 100 people will be randomly chosen to receive a voucher.
The vouchers can be redeemed at one of the local participating bike shops.
If islanders are not successful during this window, further application windows will be scheduled every three months over the next two years.
What can I apply for?
Islanders can apply for one of these three voucher options:
Jersey's Assistant Environment Minister, Deputy Hilary Jeune, said: "The transport sector is the largest source of on-island emissions in Jersey, and we need to accelerate the move away from petrol and diesel vehicles towards the adoption of more environmentally friendly ways of getting around.
"This e-bike grant scheme is particularly aimed at supporting those islanders who have been considering buying a bike but who have perhaps found cost is a barrier.
"We've staggered the application windows over a two-year period to ensure the demand on local retailers is manageable."
Deputy Jeune, who is responsible for the government's action to tackle climate change, says:
"2023 will be the year in which we really start to ramp up the actions agreed in the Carbon Neutral Roadmap, and we need to make quick inroads into our overall emissions to keep us on a path to net zero.
"I'd encourage islanders to submit their applications this week and wish them good luck in the random draw.
"I'd also like to thank local cycle groups and bike shops for their support, input and expertise in preparing this scheme over the past few months."
Islanders can find out more and apply for a grant here.
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