Set up as a joint venture between the States and the island’s four cycle retailers, the States will offer a 20% subsidy towards the purchase with the bike retailers making up the remaining 5%.
“This initiative is part of the Integrated Transport Strategy to encourage islanders to make alternative modes of transport more convenient, attractive and affordable. E- cycles are ideally suited to Guernsey given the island’s geometry, size and road network. E-cycles are ideally suited to Guernsey given the island’s geometry, size and road network,” Deputy Barry Brehaut, President of E&I, said.
“This initiative will help further establish e-cycles as a viable alternative to the motor vehicle for a wide section of the community, including those members of the public less able to cycle longer distances or up hills without some form of powered assistance.”
Pictured: Deputy Barry Brehaut, President of E&I
A budget of £100,000 has been allocated to the initiative – with anyone over the age of 14 able to take part. Proof of ID will be required at the point of sale and customers may only purchase one e-cycle.
Applicants will be required to register for participation in the scheme at local bike retailers and will be asked to participate in feedback surveys over the course of a twelve-month period. These surveys will “build up valuable information on e-cycle usage in the Island and will help the Committee to measure the success of this particular initiative”.
Electric bikes more powerful than 250 watts or with a top speed higher than 15.5mph require their riders to have insurance, a licence and a helmet. In recent months a number of people on island have been taken to court for riding them without these documents.
“Depending on their use, modern e-cycles can have a range in the region of 60-80 miles before requiring the battery to be recharged; they can easily cope with hills and they are great fun to ride,” Deputy Brehaut continued.
“Their use also contributes toward a healthier lifestyle and cycling can be quicker door to door as compared to driving and parking a motor vehicle.”
More information can be found at gov.gg/cycling. The shops included in the scheme are: Adventure Cycles, CycleWorld, Ian Brown’s Cycles and Millards.