GRANTS subsidising the purchase of e-bikes will not increase in value, the Assistant Environment Minister has said after hundreds of vouchers went unused in previous rounds of the scheme.
A total of 350 vouchers – more than double the number made available in the second round of awards – are being offered in the third window of the scheme, after only a small quantity were redeemed following previous ballots.
However, Deputy Hilary Jeune said there would be no increases to the value of the grant amount, which is an estimated 10% of the full retail value of an e-bike.
She admitted that the lottery aspect of the scheme could explain the low redemption figures, which was decided on when a 2019 model that was ‘first come first serve’ caused supply problems for local bike retailers.
She said: ‘The issue is the lottery part of the scheme, because it captures people that might not really want an e-bike.
‘That’s why we’ve increased the amount of vouchers that we’re giving out, and hopefully we can see that change and that higher take-up.’
Deputy Jeune added that after this window had closed, she was going to ‘collect the data’ and ‘see if there needs to be other changes’.
She added: ‘But we can’t change the value, because that’s not fair for those that have already “won” a voucher. At the moment we think it’s the right balance.’
Islanders can now enter the latest ballot to win one of the vouchers, which can be put towards the purchase of e-bikes, e-cargo bikes and adapted e-cycles.
The increased number of tickets offered in this latest round comes after high application numbers in January and April were followed by comparatively low redemption figures, with less than a quarter of vouchers used.
In January, there were 1,800 applications with 210 grants awarded, while in April, 165 grants were issued following 1,300 applications.
Deputy Jeune added: ‘We’re regularly reviewing and evolving the scheme, and we’re making more vouchers available this time around to help ensure more Islanders who really want them are able to get their hands on them.
‘We’re committed to helping people make the shift from petrol or diesel vehicles to electric vehicles, and these subsidies support those who are considering buying an e-bike but need that extra nudge and financial help to get there.’
The vouchers can be redeemed at participating bike shops.
The latest window will remain open until Monday and Islanders can register for the ballot at gov.je/ebike.
