56 E-Bikes Sold Under Grant Scheme

56 electric bikes have been sold so far under a government grant scheme reintroduced a fortnight ago.

A further 238 people have applied for the £150 subsidy towards a new or second hand e-bike.

That leaves just 39 available.

Once 333 grant codes have been allocated, the next 50 people to register will be put on a waiting list and contacted if any applicants decide not to purchase a bike within three months.

Infrastructure Minister, Deputy Kevin Lewis is pleased with the take-up:

"Islanders have jumped on the opportunity to apply for a grant under the new e-bike scheme.  Once again the scheme is proving popular and for the first time islanders can receive a grant towards the purchase of a second-hand bike."

He says his department will be monitoring changes to commuter habits and finding out how islanders feel about using e-bikes as a more sustainable form of transport.

More than 500 were people were helped to buy a power-assisted pedal cycle the first e-bike scheme three years ago.

There has been some criticism of the scheme, with Deputy Kirsten Morel questioning whether the £50,000 is public money well-spent.

The @JEPnews may think the e-bike subsidy is a great idea but the reality is that £50,000 is being spent without evidence that it makes any lasting improvement to traffic and in the knowledge that only those with money will benefit. So much for this govt addressing inequality!

— Kirsten Morel (@KirstenJersey) August 16, 2019