Select a region
A total of 147 electric cycles have been purchased in just 10 days since the scheme offering a subsidy was launched.
The early success has resulted in about £45,000 in subsidy used of the £100,000 allocated by the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure.
The Committee is seeking to promote the use of electric cycles by offering a 25% discount on purchases up to the value of £1,500.
A 20% subsidy towards the purchase is being offered with cycle retailers making up the remaining 5%. The scheme was introduced as part of the Integrated Transport Strategy and encourages people to make more environmentally friendly and healthy transport choices.
"The Committee is delighted with how many people have taken advantage of the electric cycle subsidy scheme since its launch. While still early days, this shows initiatives of this nature have the potential to influence transport behaviours and choices," Deputy Barry Brehaut, President of Environment & Infrastructure, said.
"Electric cycles are ideally suited to Guernsey we hope the scheme continues to help further establish them as a viable alternative to the motor vehicle. Modern electric cycles can be used for about 60-80 miles before requiring the battery to be recharged - they can also easily cope with hills. Their use contributes towards a healthier lifestyle, reduce emissions and, for many journeys in a Guernsey context, they can get you door-to-door quicker than driving and parking."
Anyone over the age of 14 is eligible to make use of the subsidy. Proof of I.D. is required at the point of sale and customers may only purchase one e-cycle each under the scheme.
Applicants will be required to register for participation in the scheme at local cycle retailers and will be encouraged to participate in feedback surveys over the course of a 12-month period. These surveys will build up valuable information on electric cycle usage in the island and will help the Committee to measure the success of this particular initiative.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.