Professor Alex Bigazzi has partnered with the District of Saanich to launch the first local rebate program in BC for residents purchasing new electrically assisted bicycles (e-bikes).
By assisting residents who wish to switch to electric mobility, this rebate program aims to reduce local greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase awareness of the economic and health benefits of e-bikes. Estimated to save between 1,000-2,000 tonnes of GHG emissions, the pilot program aims to cut community emissions by half by 2030.
Providing up to $1,600 in rebates, the program is designed to be equitable and accessible to everyone regardless of income level.
Dr. Bigazzi and his team of researchers at the UBC REACT Lab will take on the crucial role of assessing the impacts of the pilot program on travel behaviour and GHG emissions.
“To successfully incorporate e-bikes (and e-bike promotion) in our climate action plans, robust evidence on the real-world, long-term impacts of e-bike adoption on greenhouse gas emissions is crucial. So we are very excited to be able to partner with Saanich on this initiative, and conduct a rigorous scientific study of program impacts,” said Dr. Bigazzi.
To learn more about the program, including pre-register instructions and a list of participating bike stores, check out the full story.