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£100,000 set aside for an e-bike subsidy in Guernsey has been exhausted less than a month after the campaign was launched.
366 electric cycles have been bought as a result of the private/public partnership between Guerney’s Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure and local retailers Adventure Cycles, CycleWorld, Ian Brown’s Cycles, Millards and AB Marine.
The bikes sold for between £650 and £3,000, attracting varying levels of subsidy discount up to the maximum of £375 per e-bike, including £75 funded by the bike shop.
The three most popular brands sold during the initiative were Raleigh, Scott and Whisper. 46 per cent of the purchasers were women.
Owners who have purchased within the initiative will be sent three surveys during the first 12 months of ownership. The surveys will ask e-bike owners for information on how the bikes are being used so that the Committee can determine whether the initiative succeeded in shifting people away from the motor car or helped improve the health of owners.
Deputy Barry Brehaut, president of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said: "The Committee is ecstatic that so many people have taken the opportunity to buy an electric cycle. It is hoped the subsidy scheme will help reduce traffic congestion on our roads and help owners enjoy the many health benefits that come with increased activity.
"The anecdotal feedback we have heard from e-bike users is that they are delighted with their new form of transport and are enjoying the freedom and ease of use that they bring, so we look forward to seeing the results of the surveys in the future."
