Independent Member for Kurrajong Thomas Emerson MLA has joined local community groups in calling for the ACT Government to expand the Sustainable Household Scheme to include e-bikes in the face of the ongoing fuel crisis. 

The proposal is one of over 30 initiatives included in Mr Emerson’s community-led submission into the Government’s consultation process for the ACT’s next Climate Change Strategy. It is also included in a package of fuel crisis response measures Mr Emerson has called for the Chief Minister to implement.

Mr Emerson said including e-bikes in the scheme was a simple step the ACT Government could take in the upcoming Budget to support Canberrans impacted by the fuel crisis.

“This is an easy, low-cost measure the ACT Government could implement in the upcoming budget to support increased active travel uptake and reduce transport emissions across the Territory,” said Mr Emerson. 

“It doesn’t make any sense to continue excluding e-bikes from the Sustainable Household Scheme.”

He said adding e-bikes to the scheme would give Canberrans an appealing option to reduce their transport costs and participate in the energy transition, especially for those unable to make the switch to an electric vehicle. 

“For too long, climate policy settings have tended to favour wealthier community members who’ve been able to purchase EVs, solar panels and home batteries.

“We need to do more to actually follow through on the promise of a just transition and provide affordable options for Canberrans looking to reduce their energy costs and their carbon footprint.”

Mr Emerson’s submission also calls for separated bike lanes along key transport corridors like Northbourne Avenue, utilising vacant offices for secure bike storage, constructing the proposed Cycling Network in the ACT Active Travel Plan, expanding SEE-Change’s e-bike library, introducing evidence-based e-bike safety regulations, and funding bike buses for school children. 

Quotes attributable to Mel Gregory, Electrify Canberra Co-Founder & Coordinator:

“Electrify Canberra has been a long-term fan of e-bikes and advocates for approved alternative electric vehicles to be included in the Sustainable Household Scheme.

“In a cost of living and fuel crisis we need our governments to help those struggling the most. E-bikes are cheap and efficient to run, help people be active and get out into nature on their commute. It makes great sense in cost, health and environmental terms.”

Quotes attributable to Paris Lord, Founder of Canberra By Bike:

“Plenty of households are sick of having to drive everywhere to get life done. Improving the scheme to include e-bikes means some of those car trips will evaporate, and be replaced by bikes.

“The ACT Government could support 15 households with a $1,000 subsidy for an electric bike, instead of the current scheme which gives $15,000 for one household to get an EV.”

Quotes attributable Kathy Ehmann, Executive Director of SEE-Change:

“The Sustainable Household Scheme has been very effective in increasing the uptake of energy-efficient upgrades across the Territory. 

“The scheme has helped with the transition to electric transport but there is a missing piece that could really make a difference. Electric bikes are cheaper to buy and run than cars, faster and easier to ride than a traditional bike and just good fun. 

“If the ACT Government could make it easier for Canberrans to buy electric bikes, there would be fewer cars on the roads and more people arriving at work energised and with a smile on their face. And that means increased productivity, better health outcomes and a better city.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Will Devine | 0402 183 296 | [email protected]

BACKGROUND

You can read Mr Emerson’s submission to the Government’s next ACT Climate Strategy here. 

The Sustainable Household Scheme provides low-interest loans of $2,000 to $15,000 to help with the costs of electrification and energy-efficient upgrades.

These include:

• household battery storage systems
• electric heating and cooling systems
• hot water heat pumps (HWHP) and evacuated tube solar hot water systems
• electric stove tops
• electric vehicles
• electric vehicle charging infrastructure
• ceiling insulation
• installation costs for these products.

You can learn more about the scheme here.