ACT Govt rolls out e-bike initiative

A new salary sacrifice initiative designed to encourage the use of e-bikes is being rolled out by the ACT Government for its public servants.

Staff will have the ability to lease the e-bikes as part of an initiative designed to encourage sustainable transport.

“E-bikes are not only a fun way to exercise, but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion. They are the fastest growing segment of the bike industry and this salary sacrifice option for ACT Government employees should make them an even more attractive transport choice for commuting to work and meetings,” said Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury.

“Choosing to travel by electric bike or car is a really significant way Canberrans can contribute to our shared responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in response to climate change. By 2020 these will have low to no carbon impact, when 100% of the ACT’s electricity will be renewable. Once we have reached this target, transport will be the ACT’s major source of emissions.”

Encouraging people to make this switch to more environmentally friendly travel options is a key commitment identified in the ACT’s Transition to Zero Emissions Vehicles Action Plan 2018–21, and confirms Canberra’s growing reputation as a leader in zero-emissions vehicles.

Rattenbury said the initiative will also help promote active travel and encourage a healthier workforce.

“This is a fantastic way to encourage public servants to get their daily 30 minutes of exercise, without being concerned about arriving at the office in a sweat and needing a shower,” Rattenbury said.

ACT Government staff will be able to lease an e-bike from specialist e-bike leasing provider E-stralian. The cost, dependent on the make and model of the selected e-bike, will then be paid through a salary sacrificing agreement for a calculated amount of time from their pre-tax salary. The lease agreement will also include insurance options and cover maintenance costs of the bike.

“E-stralian has a fantastic variety of e-bike models available including classic roadsters, mountain bikes, hybrids and even compact cycles for an easy inner city commute,” Rattenbury said.

“A two-week trial will be available for staff considering entering into the salary sacrificing agreement, to ensure they can try before they buy.”

A $50 admin fee applies if people decide to not proceed with the lease after the trial.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/mmphoto

Please follow us and share on Twitter and Facebook. You can also subscribe for FREE to our weekly newsletter and quarterly magazine.