Nat Bromhead
Queensland commuters can save $500 off the price of an e-bike or e-scooter after the State Government announced an e-mobility rebate scheme.
The announcement comes after strong lobbying by active travel advocacy groups We Ride Australia and Bicycle Queensland who presented economic models that detailed a return of $7 for every dollar invested in the scheme.
The scheme applies to pedal assist bikes limited to 25km/h and with a maximum power output of 250watts.
The official government release states:
‘As part of Queensland’s Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy 2022-2032, the Queensland Government has committed $1 million to the E-Mobility Rebate Scheme to provide Queensland residents with rebates to reduce the upfront cost of purchasing a new eligible e-bicycle or e-scooter.
The Scheme seeks to reduce transport emissions and promote the safer usage of e-mobility devices by encouraging the uptake of high-quality e-bicycles and e-scooters for active transport.
It is expected that the scheme will be popular, and funding will be exhausted quickly. Rebate funding is not guaranteed. Completed applications will be assessed at any stage of the application process and applications will be assessed in order of receipt.
If used safely and in compliance with the rules, e-scooters and e-bicycles offer significant environmental and social advantages by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, easing traffic congestion, promoting health, and improving the accessibility of transportation.’
For an e-bike or e-scooter to be eligible for a rebate under the Scheme, the device must:
- be new (e.g. has not been used or sold prior to purchase)
- comply with the definition of either an e-bicycle or e-scooter (see Section 12: of the Guidelines);
- be limited, by software or hardware, to a maximum speed of 25km/h under motorised power;
- include a battery management system; and
- be supplied with a charger that has the regulatory compliance mark and is registered on the Electrical Equipment Safety System national database.
For further details visit the QLD Govt website here.
