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E-Bike Program FAQs

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1. Why is Nelson offering this program?

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.

2. What is the process for accessing a loan for the E-Bike Program?

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

3. How long does approval take?

Approval can take from one to two weeks.

4. Who is this program for?

City of Nelson residents who own and live in their homes.

5. Why are renters not eligible for this program?

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.

6. Why is this program only for City residents and not for Nelson Hydro customers outside the limits?

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.

7. How will I be reimbursed?

A cheque in the applicant’s name will be issued and mailed to the address provided when completing the online Registration Form.

8. How long will it take to be reimbursed for the purchase?

It can take up to approximately 10 days to be reimbursed after receipts have been submitted.

9. If I cannot purchase the bike upfront myself, what other options do I have?

The preferred method is to buy the equipment upfront and then you will be reimbursed. If this is not an option for you, please email the program manager to make alternate arrangements. Program Manager: ecosave@nelson.ca

10. Can I purchase the bike before I receive my letter of pre-approval?

Yes, but if you are not approved for the loan you will not be reimbursed.

11. What is the pre-approval based on?

To qualify for an E-Bike or Energy Retrofit loan through your Nelson Hydro bill, the Loan Applicant must:

• own and live in the home within the City of Nelson.
• be enrolled in pre-authorized direct withdrawal payment for their residential Nelson Hydro electric bill.

Note: if you are not currently enrolled in a pre-authorized payment plan (i.e. direct withdrawal), please work with a Customer Service Representative in person at City Hall or contact hydroclerk@nelson.ca to enroll.

• have their Nelson Hydro, Property Tax, and Other Utility residential accounts in good standing for up to 2 years. If there are several late payments or notices or actual disconnections then your application will not be approved.
• have two years of credit history, either with Nelson Hydro or another utility.
• have all persons listed on the residential land title authorize the loan.
• not be a commercial account or property.

12. If I am not pre-approved for the loan based on payment history, can I apply again after one year of clean payment history?

Yes, you can apply once your payment history has improved, and we suggest the auto-withdrawal and/or the equalized payment option.

13. What happens if I default on my loan?

Any payment that you make on your Nelson Hydro bill will first be applied to the repayment of the loan, then second to the electrical consumption portion of your bill. If you default any payment of your electrical bill including the loan, the disconnect procedures will take effect.

14. What kind of bike can I finance?

Electric bikes, non-electric bikes, used bikes, and do-it-yourself conversion kits that will be used for commuting. It doesn’t have to be a ‘commuter’ style of bike, so long as you understand that the objective is to reduce GHG emissions by promoting active transportation.

15. What if I don’t use my bike for commuting?

There is no way for us to know this, so we are instituting the honour system and hope that the loan helps you to reduce the time you spend in your non-electric vehicle.

16. Are there any other administration fees I will need to pay to participate in the program?

No, we have waived our usual $100 processing fee for on-bill financing.

17. Can I pay the loan balance before the amortization period is up?

The Participant may repay all or any part of the loan balance at any time.

18. Will I receive a balance statement?

Yes, a loan balance statement is emailed at the beginning of every calendar year. You can request your loan balance at any time by contacting hydroclerk@nelson.ca

19. What other rebates exist for purchasing an E-Bike?

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 a $750 rebate when they buy a new E-Bike. Visit scrapit.ca for more information.

• Please also be aware that instead of receiving an E-Bike credit, you may be able to get a $500 credit that can be used with the Kootenay Carshare Co-op.

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 here.