BC Ebike rebate flawed

[nepal]

The BC Ebike rebate subsidy is flawed. There should not be a minimum value of $2,000, as perfectly good new ebikes are available between $800 and $2,000 (which I’ve owned). This minimum of $2,000 is simply handing subsidy money to greedy bike shops that overcharge or oversell for e-bikes.

The $2,000 minimum should be changed to $2,000 maximum, or removed.

Higher price does not mean better value in ebikes; but can mean unnecessarily fatter tires, exotic frame, deluxe screen, high-tech brakes, special seat, and other unnecessary special features.

https://bcebikerebates.ca/programpolicies/

[rustled]

The BC Ebike rebate subsidy is flawed. There should not be a minimum value of $2,000, as perfectly good new ebikes are available between $800 and $2,000 (which I’ve owned). This minimum of $2,000 is simply handing subsidy money to greedy bike shops that overcharge or oversell for e-bikes.

The $2,000 minimum should be changed to $2,000 maximum, or removed.

Higher price does not mean better value in ebikes; but can mean unnecessarily fatter tires, exotic frame, deluxe screen, high-tech brakes, special seat, and other unnecessary special features.

https://bcebikerebates.ca/programpolicies/

Most often, rebates provided by our government for anything related to "energy saving" require we spend more than anyone who of limited means trying to economize would spend.

These rebates seem to me to be a way to reward organizations of retailers and professionals who see an opportunity to profit.

It's human nature for business folk to take advantage of opportunities to profit from "the government" by accessing taxpayers' money and creating program costs.

It's human nature for people who pay those taxes to think we are getting a deal through a rebate, even though we are spending more for the item, and then taxed more to cover the program costs.

It's human nature for politicians to find ways to curry our favour with the electorate our own money while suggesting they are "helping" us.

This BC government is exceptionally good at telling us how spending more of our money than necessary is making life more affordable for British Columbians.

[Hurtlander]

The e-bike rebate is just another stupid program by a stupid government trying to get everyone to go “green”..
What about pedal bikes which are even “greener” than e-bikes. How come pedal bikes with a price tag greater than $2000.00 don’t qualify for the rebate? Let’s be real, e-bikes aren’t replacing motorcycles, e-bikes are replacing pedal bikes that are already “green”, and from what I’ve seen a great number of e-bikes are being purchased by people to hang on the back of their gas guzzling RV’s so they can cruise the campground with exerting themselves. These people don’t need the rebate.

[featfan]

Then buy a bike from Rad Power bikes.
If you get the full rebate of $1400 you will be out of pocket less than $1300.

[liisgo]

Why is the rebate only on Ebike's?
A normal peddle bike is far more energy efficient than an Ebike, so at least give it as an option.

[countmeout]

Why is the rebate only on Ebike's?
A normal peddle bike is far more energy efficient than an Ebike, so at least give it as an option.

Because someone with a vested interest in the sale of e-bikes has the ear of BC politicians. This is nothing but a transfer of money from taxpayers to large manufacturers of e-bikes. Interestingly, the bike must be purchased brand new from an approved list of suppliers.

The rebate will have zero measurable effect on how much people drive a car or take public transportation. There is nothing in the release of the rebate to measure the effectiveness of spending $6,000,000 on this initiative.

I suspect many will buy a bike and sell it immediately for a small profit. The government will not follow up with the 9,000 people who use the rebate to ensure they retain the bike for 2 years.

[Gone_Fishin]

You bet it's flawed.

The rebate should be $0.00.

If people want an e-bike, people can buy their own bloody e-bike.

[Babba_not_Gump]

Why is the rebate only on Ebike's?
A normal peddle bike is far more energy efficient than an Ebike, so at least give it as an option.

My thoughts as well. Pedal bikes are far more environmental friendly.

And how many of these e-bikes will end up sitting in a garage or on a balcony?

[69cutlass]

Why is the rebate only on Ebike's?
A normal peddle bike is far more energy efficient than an Ebike, so at least give it as an option.

Because someone with a vested interest in the sale of e-bikes has the ear of BC politicians. This is nothing but a transfer of money from taxpayers to large manufacturers of e-bikes. Interestingly, the bike must be purchased brand new from an approved list of suppliers.

The rebate will have zero measurable effect on how much people drive a car or take public transportation. There is nothing in the release of the rebate to measure the effectiveness of spending $6,000,000 on this initiative.

I suspect many will buy a bike and sell it immediately for a small profit. The government will not follow up with the 9,000 people who use the rebate to ensure they retain the bike for 2 years.

[GordonH]

Why should taxpayers money be used to give rebates to EV owners or bicyclists. If these modes of transportation are so damn good for environment, that should be the only incentive for potential customers.

[common_sense_guy]

In my opinion why is there a rebate at all. There are more people struggling than people that are well to do so all you're doing is taking the tax money away from the struggling to help the well to do with the new toy.
If they're going to insist on a tax rebate for some people it should only be on people that only have a bike and not a car also