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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?

Step One

Apply online. Upon approval, you will receive;

• Letter of Approval
• Terms and Conditions (to print & sign)
• Reimbursement Form
• Instructions on next steps

This stage can take up to one week. (We will accept retro-active invoices from June 1, 2020).

Step Two 

Purchase the bike(s) (accessories) - This is the preferred method, upfront purchase/reimbursement

Step Three

Once you have purchased the bike(s), you will get reimbursed by submitting;

• The signed Terms and Conditions
• Completed Reimbursement Form
• and copy(s) of any invoices

Once the above documents have been received, a cheque will be issued to you (On the Reimbursement form you will indicate whether you wish to pick the cheque up or have it mailed to you).

3. How long does approval take?

Usually, a day or two, but it can take up to one week.

4. Who is this program for?

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, 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. The E-Bike program is administered by Nelson Hydro but it is a City of Nelson tax payer supported program.

7. How will I be reimbursed?

A cheque in the applicant’s name will be issued and in the reimbursement stage, you indicate whether you would prefer to pick it up or have it mailed to you.

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

It can take up to approximately 10 days to be reimbursed.

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

The preferred method is to buy the equipment up front 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 approval?

Yes, but in the event, you are not approved you will need to fund the purchase with your own means. (We will accept retro-active invoices from June 1, 2020).

11. What is the approval based on?

Your Nelson Hydro account must be in good standing and you must own a home within the City limits of Nelson. We review your previous 12-24 months, and if there are several late payments or notices or actual disconnections then your application may not be approved.

12. If I am not 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 go first; to the repayment of the loan, and second to the electrical consumption portion, if you default on your electrical consumption collection procedures may go into 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 balance statement is emailed at the beginning of every calendar year. You can request your loan balance at any time.

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.