Jersey set to re-open e-bike voucher scheme

Vouchers ranging from £300 to £600 are backed by the Climate Emergency Fund

People in Jersey are to get another chance to get vouchers towards buying an electric bike.

The grant scheme is part of the government's Carbon Neutral Roadmap, which wants to reach net zero by 2050.

Vouchers, which range from £300 to £600 will be available from 30 October, backed by the Climate Emergency Fund.

During previous rounds, successful applicants were selected at random, but this time it will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Vouchers totalling £81,300 have already been redeemed, helping the purchase of 233 bikes.

'Speeding up electrification'

Feedback from a recent survey showed the majority of e-bikes purchased with the grants are being used for commuting, with 88% of respondents saying their bike has allowed them to reduce the times they use their car or van.

Deputy Hiliary Jeune, assistant minister for the environment, said: "We're committed to speeding up the electrification of transport in Jersey.

"The feedback we've had from some of those who haven't used their vouchers is that they simply hadn't considered or appreciated the amount they'd need to contribute themselves towards the purchase."

A total of £300,000 has been allocated to the scheme for its two-year duration, aiming to encourage people to reduce the number of car journeys they go on and turn to this low-emission alternative means of transport.