Manchester trials new e-bike subsidy

Source: Cycling Electric

The UK city region has announced a new scheme which will enable eligible citizens to save between £300 to £1,000 when purchasing an electric bike, e-cargo bike, or an adapted e-cycle bike, and associated accessories.

The TfGM (Transport for Greater Manchester) vouchers are available through specialist retailers on a first-come, first-served basis, courtesy of the UK Government’s body Active Travel England.

Vouchers for making e-biking more accessible

The subsidy scheme is targeted at residents in the Greater Manchester area who are over the age of 16 for individuals with:

• Lower incomes
• Living in high-deprivation areas
• Limited access to affordable transport
• Less likelihood to be part of typical cycling demographic groups

About the voucher eligibility, the Beeactive Transport for Greater Manchester website says, “The e-bike voucher scheme actively aims to increase access to e-bikes for those who stand to benefit the most. Higher value vouchers may be offered to applicants with greater need, helping to reduce cost barriers and support more people to begin or sustain cycling.”

Transport for Greater Manchester adds “You may be able to use your TfGM e‑bike subsidy voucher with a Cycle to Work scheme. This depends on whether the retailer supports both the voucher and Cycle to Work scheme and accepts them together.”

At the same time, residents can test e-bikes for free for the short-term before committing to a purchase by applying for a “Borrow an e-bike” scheme.

Voucher exclusions

The terms and conditions of the scheme mean that e-bike conversion kits aren’t eligible for purchasing, nor any vehicle that is throttle-controlled (and therefore unlikely to be an e-bike outside of certain exceptions). For lock purchases using the funds, they must be a diamond-rated security item.

E-bike media, Cycling Electric, are also playing a role in encouraging e-bike awareness in the UK by holding free testing events in Bath, Leeds and London this year.