Saanich offering up to $1,600 in e-bike rebates in new pilot program
The District of Saanich is offering rebates and discounts for people who are interested in purchasing an electric bike (e-bike).
The district says it's the first municipality in B.C. to offer such a rebate, called the Community E-bike Incentive Pilot Program, which Saanich hopes will help reduce local greenhouse gas emissions.
Saanich residents can apply for a rebate online. There are three different rebates available, a $350 incentive, an $800 incentive and a $1,600 incentive. The size of the rebate depends on a resident's household income.
Meanwhile, the municipality is offering discounts for e-bike safety classes with select organizations.
Further details on the rebates, and how to apply for them, can be found on the district's website.
"With the average bike trip length being 3.3 km and the average e-bike trip length being 6.1 km in Saanich, e-bikes can replace the average 5.3 km car trip more efficiently than traditional bikes," the district said in a release Tuesday.
The district say that annual maintenance for an e-bike comes in at less than $1,000, significantly lower than the annual average cost of owning a vehicle, which is $7,000, according to Saanich.
"E-bikes have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation and by providing a rebate on the purchase price, we want to help more folks purchase and use them to get around," said Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes in a statement Tuesday.
"By making them more affordable, we hope more families will be able to utilize e-bikes as a climate-friendly transportation option that shrinks transportation costs, enhances their fitness and helps the environment," he said.
The district says it will work with Greater Victoria Community Social Planning Council and researchers at the University of British Columbia to monitor the pilot program for equity considerations for the rebates, and impacts on local green house gas emissions and commuting behaviour.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.