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E-Bike Program
The E-Bike program provides low-interest financing for Nelson homeowners who would like to purchase a commuter bike including electric bikes, do-it-yourself conversion kits, and accessories that are related to safety and commuting (does not include clothing).
The loan is applied monthly on the homeowner’s Nelson Hydro electric bill and repaid over the term of the loan. The maximum loan amount is $8,000 per household, which can support the purchase of more than one bike. Participants can choose an amortization period of two or five years, with an interest rate of 3.5% (subject to change each year).
The program will be available to the City of Nelson residents who own and live in their own homes.
How Do I Participate?
Step 1 - Submit Application
Step 2 - Loan Pre-Approval Process
Step 3 - Receive Reimbursement and Repay the Loan through your Nelson Hydro electric bill.
Questions?
Contact us at ebike@nelson.ca
Are you a Renter?
Although the E-Bike financing program is only available to homeowners, the City of Nelson is exploring other ways to make purchasing an E-Bike more accessible for everyone. From promoting employee E-Bike Financing Programs, advocating for Provincial E-Bike Incentives, and ensuring information is readily available - we're working hard to ensure our whole community is prepared for the future.
Shop Local
The City of Nelson encourages all E-Bike program participants to shop locally. Here is a list of local bike vendors:
- The Sacred Ride - 213 Baker Street (Offering 15% off bike accessories)
- Gerick Cycle & Ski - 702 Baker Street (Offering 15% off bike accessories)
- Boomtown Sports - 510 Hall Street
- Main Jet Motorsports - 708 HWY 3A
Other E-Bike Accessibility Initiatives
PST Exemption
As of April 21, 2021, the Provincial Sales Tax is no longer charged on most e-bikes purchases.
Scrap-It Program
British Columbians who scrap a qualifying car or truck can receive $750 rebate when they buy a new E-Bike. Visit scrapit.ca.
Cargo E-Bike
Business owners in B.C. with a valid business license, non-profit organizations, and public sector organizations can get up to $1,700 when they buy a cargo e-bike. Learn more at pluginbc.ca/suvi
Staff Programs
Talk to your employer to see if they would consider implementing an E-Bike Financing Program at your workplace.
UBC Study on E-Bike Incentive Programs
We are building a low-carbon future in Nelson and we need your help to get us there! To better understand the difference your e-bike purchase is having on travel behaviour and greenhouse gas emissions we have partnered with UBC’s REACT Lab.
Dr. Alex Bigazzi of the University of British Columbia is conducting an independent study on the effects of bicycle purchases on travel behaviour over time. Participation in the study is optional, and will not affect whether you receive a loan through this program. No personal information will be shared between UBC and the City of Nelson.
Data will be collected in three phases and participants are entered into draws for gift cards of up to $50.00 after each phase.
Upon loan approval, program participants will have the opportunity to take part in the study via their Loan Disbursement letter.
Curious to learn more about the study? Reach out to react.lab@ubc.ca
Safety & Motor Vehicle Act Requirements for E-Bikes
It is the responsibility of the Participant to educate themselves and abide by the provincial and municipal legal requirements of operating an e-Bike (motor-assisted cycles). This includes but is not limited to the following Motor Vehicle Act requirements for e-Bikes:
- No individual under the age of 16 will operate such a bike;
- Bikes cannot travel faster than 32 km/h;
- A safety helmet must be worn.
Additional information regarding bicycle safety and relevant rules and regulations is available here.
- Why is Nelson offering this program?
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On June 1, 2020, Council approved the roll-out of a city-wide E-bike Program for residents with the goal of promoting active transportation, community wellbeing and reducing GhG emissions. The E-Bike program aligns with the Province’s active transportation strategy titled “Move. Commute. Connect.” that aims to build a cleaner greener future for all British Columbians.
- What is the process for accessing a loan for the E-Bike Program?
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1) Apply online.
2) Nelson Hydro Reviews the Loan Application
-Pre-Approval: Email Confirmation issued with Loan #, link to the Terms and Conditions, link to the online Reimbursement Form, and the next steps.
-Denied: Email explaining why the loan application was denied.
3) Purchase e-bike(s) and accessories.
4) Complete the online Reimbursement Form and send digital copies of invoices
5) Final Approval with Email Confirmation
6) Reimbursement Issued
7) Loan Payments Start - How long does approval take?
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Approval can take from one to two weeks.
- Who is this program for?
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City of Nelson residents who own and live in their homes.
- Why are renters not eligible for this program?
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The City of Nelson needs to secure the loan by tying the loan to property taxes in the event of a default, and there is no system in place in the case of default for renters.
- Why is this program only for City residents and not for Nelson Hydro customers outside the limits?
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The City of Nelson cannot loan funds to non-residents as per the BC Community Charter. The E-Bike program is administered by Nelson Hydro but it is a City of Nelson taxpayer supported program.