Initial E-Bike subsidy scheme results positive

Sunday 23 September 2018

The Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure is delighted with the feedback from its first e-bike survey and has issued its first month results.

A public/private initiative between the Committee and the island's four cycle retailers meant a 25% discount on purchases of e-bikes to try to promote environmentally friendly and healthy transport services. Those buying bikes were asked to complete a survey.

Deputy Barry Brehaut, President of the Committee said: “The results from this first survey are very encouraging and suggest that the e-bike subsidy scheme has been successful in changing behaviours. The scheme is definitely having and will continue to have an impact in reducing traffic volumes, reducing emissions and helping people to feel more active and fitter."

“As part of the scheme people who bought a subsidised e-bike were asked to complete a one, three and 12-month survey.  387 people participated in the scheme and we had a response rate of 62.5% to the one month survey.  On behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank all those who have contributed to this first survey.  Their assistance is invaluable in helping us to monitor the impact of this initiative.”

Pictured: Graph indicating survey results.

The following key points from the data collated are listed below. 

• New E-Bike owners have travelled around 30,000miles during their first month of ownership, which is almost the equivalent of once around the circumference of the earth. The average mileage of each new e bike owner who responded to the survey was 127 miles. This equates to a saving of around 9,300kg of Co2 based upon an average petrol engine vehicle achieving 35 miles per gallon.  

• 63% reported that their e-bike has replaced motor vehicles as their primary mode of transport.  

• The majority of users ride between 2-4 days a week – for leisure (57%), to and from work (44%). This will have an impact on the number of vehicles being used to transport commuters into work and reduce emissions and demand for car parking spaces.

• 80% of respondents who completed the one month survey said they purchased their e-bike to be more active/healthier.  57% of the respondents said that they felt healthier after 1 month of using their e-bike.  This demonstrates that e-bikes give people a new way to fulfil their goals to be more active or healthy. Greater physical activity will help improve public health and deliver social policy objectives in the island.   

• 8% of respondents said they would have bought an e-bike if the subsidy hadn’t been available and 50% of the respondents reported that they found using an e-bike more convenient than driving and having to find a parking space.

• There was an equal male/female split amongst the respondents showing that the initiative appealed to both men and women. 58% of respondents are aged 41-60, so it shows that the e-bike is a viable and attractive option for both male and female mid-age adults.

The three month survey will be completed shortly and the Committee will issue those results once they are finalised.