Discounted e-bikes offered public sector workers

Discounted electric bikes will be available to about 50,000 public sector staff across the country as part of the Government’s work to reduce transport emissions and support healthier transport options.

“The Government has negotiated bulk-purchase discounts on e-bikes which will be made available to interested workers in public sector organisations including district health boards (DHBs), councils and state sector agencies,” says associate transport minister Julie Anne Genter in launching the new initiative at Wellington Hospital on December 13.

Genter says discounts will range from 10% to 50%, or $300 to $1200, expected to be offered over the next year.

Eight e-bike suppliers have been shortlisted to participate, with each public sector organisation able to choose one that best suits their needs.

“E-bikes are increasingly being used as an alternative for short car trips. E-bikes are fast, fun and free from congestion and parking worries,” Genter says

“Having public sector staff bike to work takes pressure of car parking in places like Wellington Hospital, it reduces congestion, and improves health.”

An e-bike advocate, Genter famously rode her e-bike to hospital with partner Peter Nunns in August 2018 to give birth to her first child, Joaquin.

Organisations agreeing to participate in the discount scheme include the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), Conservation Department, transport, environment, health, and primary industries ministries; Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Capital and Coast and Hutt Valley DHBs; the Health Promotion Agency, Kaianga Ora, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Dunedin City and Selwyn District Councils; and Victoria University.

The initiative has been established by the NZTA working with various ministries and other government agencies.

Earlier this year the NZTA and the Sustainable Business Network launched an employer e-bike purchase support guide.

It aims to help private sector employers make it easier for their staff to buy e-bikes through discounted bulk purchases and reducing upfront costs.

Visit www.nzta.govt.nz/employer-e-bike-purchase-support for more information.