Workers’ good deal on e-bikes

An e-bike scheme to get staff from the Dunedin City Council and Otago Polytechnic back on bikes is progressing.

Three suppliers — Torpedo7, My Ride and Evo Cycles — have been selected to offer staff from both organisations discounted e-bikes.

The tender closed late last year and specified suppliers had to have an operation base in Dunedin for at least 12 months.

Council infrastructure services general manager Simon Drew said work to establish the initiative began late last year, in an effort to promote low-carbon, healthy transport options, reduce road congestion and free up commuter parking.

He said internal surveying of staff suggested there was strong support for such a scheme.

Information about suppliers and payment options was sent to staff about two weeks ago

He said it was too soon to provide information about numbers, but last year estimated up to 300 e-bikes could be purchased under the scheme.

"Staff are able to sign up for another six weeks."

By offering discounts and repayment options, the scheme encouraged council staff to purchase e-bikes as an alternative way to travel.

Staff could buy any bike sold by these suppliers using finance arranged with the suppliers or use an up to $2000 salary advance to be repaid over a year.

"Other councils, including Tauranga City Council and Whakatane District Council, had successfully implemented similar schemes."

A polytechnic spokesman said staff there were offered a 20% discount on e-bikes until March 31.

People indicated that a discount would encourage them to purchase an e-bike and cycle more, he said.

emma.perry@odt.co.nz