Frequently Asked Questions

Can I email you to ask for an exception to any of the policies?
No. No exceptions to the policies will be considered regardless of the circumstances.

Who is eligible for this rebate?
Every resident of BC who is 19 years of age or older (reference the BC Age of Majority Act).

Is there a household limit?
No. Everyone who is of 19 years of age or older, and can provide proof of income with a CRA issued Notice of Assessment, can apply for an electric bike rebate.

What is the process?
Visit our 4 easy steps page for details.

Why do I have to apply and get approved first?
The approval process confirms that you meet the income requirement for the rebate, tracks the rebate expenditures for the program, and holds the funds for you for 90 days while you shop for your new e-bike. Once you are approved, you are guaranteed a rebate (provided you follow the remaining steps and submit a valid and complete claim).

How long do I have to purchase an e-bike?
Once you have been approved, you have 90 days to purchase your electric bike from a participating bike retailer, and claim your rebate. If you have not completed this process within 90 days you may lose your entitlement to a rebate.

Can I claim an e-bike that was purchased prior to June 1?
No. First, you must purchase an e-bike from a participating retailer; and, second, we are not accepting claims for e-bikes purchased prior to June 1, 2023 regardless of the circumstances. If you claim documentation shows that you purchased the e-bike prior to June 1, 2023 the claim will be denied. This policy is in the first section of our Program Policies page.

Did you get my application?
If you did not receive a confirmation email (and you checked your spam) your application did not go through.

What happened to the website on June 1?
We fully acknowledge the technological difficulties experienced by many when the program first went live (8:00am to approximately 11:30am) on June 1. There were so many simultaneous users (over 6,000, plus those clicking refresh) the entire application system slowed down and the website appeared to be either frozen or error messages were received when clicking submit. This information has been fully reported in the media. If you search “BC E-Bike Rebate Program” you will find the various articles. We also fully acknowledge that some applicants were/are disappointed and frustrated that the system prevented them from applying for a rebate. We have encouraged those who would still like a rebate to join our Waitlist.

Why didn’t you plan for this?
We did plan. Our website/database systems can easily manage 1,000 to 2,000 applications per day. Also, as a result of our planning, over 4,000 applicants received their email approval letters in 5 business days and all complete claims (to-date) have been completed in 7 business days or less with the average being 5 business days.

Why didn’t you know this would happen?
There was no way to pre-determine or draw on the experience of other income-tested rebate program for electric bikes at this scale, as there have not been any other provincial programs of this type in Canada. (The District of Saanich had run a much smaller in scope program with a very limited budget which provided some insight, but was not directly comparable for planning purposes).

Am I on the waitlist? I added my name but didn’t receive a confirmation email.
Yes. If you completed the form and clicked submit you are on the list. The waitlist was not designed to send confirmation emails. Once you click “submit” and see the confirmation page, that is your confirmation that you are on the waitlist. We have added a note to the waitlist to indicate that you will not receive a confirmation email (you will only see a confirmation page).

How will the waitlist be managed?
On a first-come-first-served basis, just like the application, and claim process. If a rebate becomes available for you, we will notify you by email.

Where am I on the waitlist?
There is a very large number of BC residents on our waitlist, and unfortunately, we cannot reply to emails asking about your placement on the list. We are still processing over 4,000 applications (and resulting claims) that we received on June 1. Until that is complete, we will not know if additional rebates will become available. When we do, we will notify waitlist applicants, in first-come-first-serve order.

Will I know if there is more funding is available for people on the waitlist?
First we have to complete processing all the applications and claims we received on June 1. As this was more than 4,000 you can expect that to take some time. We are estimating 3-4 months. Once we complete all 4,000 and determine there is still funding available, those on the waitlist will be notified individually, and in first-come-first-served order. Any other decisions related to additional funding of this program will be made by the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure and not by us.

How likely is it that those on the waiting list who qualify will eventually be approved for rebates?
First, as noted above, we have to process the initial applications to see how much funding may be freed up. Some applications may be rejected due to eligibility issues, some may qualify for lower rebates than what was applied for, and some approved applicants may not go through with the purchase. In all these scenarios, funding may become available which will allow invitations to be sent to those who are on the waitlist.

Applying to the program and/or being on the waitlist doesn’t guarantee a rebate. Applications are assessed based on eligibility criteria and are limited to the $6 million currently allocated to this program.

If rebates become available, those on the waitlist will be contacted on a first-come-first-serve basis to apply.

I couldn’t apply on June 1 because of website issues. Can I be prioritized from the waitlist?
No. We understand people were not expecting a waitlist to be put in place on the day the program opened and that some may find this disappointing. This has been an extremely popular program with nearly 1,700 applications in the first 13 minutes. As noted above, this combined with repeated attempts, impacted the ability of the server and application portal to properly process the applications. Those who are on the waitlist will be contacted on a first-come-first-serve basis should more funding become available.

Will government pump more money into the program?
Based on the wild success of the program since it was launched, the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure is going to look at all of the data and information that is gathered to inform a decision on an extension or future structure of the BC E-Bike Rebate Program.

Should I buy an e-bike while I’m on the waitlist just in case?
No. Being on the waitlist does not guarantee you will receive a rebate from this program.

Should I buy an e-bike (at my own risk) if I’m on the waitlist, just in case I do get offered a rebate?
No. Because if you are eventually offered a rebate, the date on the receipt for the e-bike purchase will have to be AFTER the date on your Approval Email. The 4 Easy Steps will still apply.

Can I have the e-bike shipped to a different address (different from the address on my application)?
No. Regardless of who paid for the e-bike (as noted below), the shipping address should be yours. If your typical shipping address is remote (PO Box) the e-bike should be shipped to the closest Canada Post or Canada Postal Service location where you normally pick up items that are shipped to you. There is no reason to have an e-bike shipped to an address that is not yours or not close to where you live. If you submit documentation with your claim that shows a different shipping address, your claim will be set to pending, and it will take longer for us to process your rebate as follow-up will be required.

Can someone else pay for the e-bike on my behalf?
Yes. But please be aware that the documentation requirements for your claim remain the same. Please go to our Program Policies page to review the section below, and to our Complete Claim Documentation page to review the claim documentation requirements, including the requirement highlighted below regarding shipping addresses.

Purchasing Your E-Bike at a Participating Retailer

• The name on your store printed receipt MUST MATCH the name on your application. Even if a friend/mother/uncle is purchasing the e-bike for you, your name must still be on the store printed receipt and/or online purchase email. The POS terminal receipt does not show a customer name, if your friend/mother/uncle purchased the e-bike, they would be the one using the credit card with the POS terminal. There is no reason why the store printed receipt and/or online purchase email  would not be in your name.

What if the retailer will not ship to my remote address?
We suggest you purchase your e-bike from a retailer who will ship to the closest Canada Post or Canada Postal Service location where you normally pick up items that are shipped to you.

When do I claim the electric bike rebate?
When you get the bike. Do not under any circumstances claim your rebate until you have taken delivery of the electric bike. For example, if the retailer has placed an order that will not be delivered for 90 days do not claim your rebate until the electric bike is ready to be picked up. You must have the proper documents from the participating retailer in order to complete your claim.

If someone else pays for the e-bike for me, what documentation do you need for my claim?
See the Financial Section and the question: Can someone else pay for the e-bike on my behalf.

How long will it take for me to get my rebate?
If your claim documentation was accurate and complete, you will get your EFT within the 14 business day time frame noted on your claim confirmation email. If you did not get your claim confirmation email, please check your spam folder.

Can I find out where I am in the Claim-EFT process?
No. We are focusing all our efforts on processing claims. If we stop to answer your email, that takes time away from everyone who is waiting for an EFT. If there is a problem with your claim, we will email you. Otherwise, the processing time is 14 business days.

Can someone else pay for the e-bike on my behalf?
Yes. But please be aware that the documentation requirements for your claim remain the same. Please go to our Program Policies page to review the section below, and to our Complete Claim Documentation page to review the claim documentation requirements.

Purchasing Your E-Bike at a Participating Retailer

• The name on your store printed receipt MUST MATCH the name on your application. Even if a friend/mother/uncle is purchasing the e-bike for you, your name must still be on the store printed receipt and/or online purchase email. The POS terminal receipt does not show a customer name, if your friend/mother/uncle purchased the e-bike, they would be the one using the credit card with the POS terminal. There is no reason why the store printed receipt and/or online purchase email would not be in your name.

Can I combine the rebates for 1 e-bike?
No. You cannot claim more and 1 rebate for 1 e-bike per person. In other words, for example, a husband and wife cannot combine two $1,000 rebates into one $2,000 rebate and purchase only 1 e-bike.

Is there a minimum retail purchase price?
Yes. The minimum retail purchase price of the electric bicycle that qualifies for the rebate is $2,000 (two thousand dollars) before taxes.

Can I purchase an e-bike that cost $1,999.00?
No. The minimum purchase price is $2,000.00 before taxes.

Can I purchase an e-bike that cost $2,150.00 and use a $200 online coupon to bring the price down to $1,950.00?
No. The minimum purchase price is $2,000.00 before taxes.

How much funding is available and when will it run out?
The total program budget is $6M and rebates will be offered until March 31, 2024 or until funds are fully expended.

How are you issuing the rebates?
Rebate claims will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis. If you do not submit the required claim documentation your claim will be set to pending until our scheduled times for a second review. This will delay the processing time for your rebate, but not for others.

Can I use the rebate towards the purchase of an electric bike AND accessories?
No. The rebate can only be applied towards the cost of the electric bike. It cannot be applied towards the cost of accessories.

Can this rebate be stacked with other rebates?
We are not currently aware of another rebate program for electric bikes in BC.

I used the SCRAP-IT program to get an e-bike rebate. Can I apply to this program as well?
Yes, if you already scrapped a vehicle for a prior e-bike rebate, you can apply to this program for another rebate for a new (different) e-bike. You cannot apply for a second rebate for the same e-bike.

Can I also access the BC SUVI cargo e-bike rebate?
Maybe. The BC SUVI rebate is for cargo e-bikes. Applicants to SUVI must have a BC Business License. Cargo E-Bikes are specifically used for commercial/business/institutional fleet use. The SUVI program is not an income-qualified program. If you plan to purchase a cargo e-bike for any of these types of uses, you can apply to thier program. You cannot get a BC SUVI rebate for a regular e-bike used for personal transportation.

Can I return an electric bike to the store and get a refund?
No. You cannot return an electric bike to the participating retailer for refund. Please ensure your decision to purchase an electric bike (including the make/model/type/colour, etc.) is final.

Can I return an electric bike to the store if it is defective?
You can return an electric bike to the participating retailer if it is defective provided it is replaced by another e-bike of the same value or higher. You cannot return the e-bike to a retailer for a refund as noted above.

Can I purchase the e-bike from a private individual?
No. You cannot purchase the e-bike from someone on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or anywhere else, even if the e-bike is new. Only purchases made from a Participating Retailer will be accepted.

Are conversion kits included? In other words if I already own a bike, and want to only buy a conversion kit to make it into an electric bike.
No. You must purchase an e-bike with the motor already attached.

Can I buy a used electric bike?
No. The electric bike must be purchased new, from a participating retailer.

Can I buy an electric bike from a company that is not listed on your website as a program partner? There are cheaper bicycles available in the U.S. even with the dollar conversion.
No. All electric bikes must be purchased from a Participating Electric Bike Retailer. These retailers are BC-based businesses and this program was designed to support BC-based business.

Can I buy a bike online or does it have to be from the list of qualifying retailers?
We encourage you to support BC-based businesses. You can purchase an e-bike online from any of the bc-based participating retailers who offer it. They are on the list because they have a BC-based business license. Don’t forget, if you purchase your e-bike in BC you will not have to pay PST.

Is buying an e-bike online different?
Yes. Many e-bikes purchased online come unassembled (vs. ready-to-ride). You will need to have the tools and knowledge required to assemble it. Also, depending on the brand, you may or may not be able to find a local retailer who can service the e-bike if that was ever required. Most local retailers sell and service particular brands. Some may not provide an assembly service for a brand they don’t carry, alternatively some may charge for assembly service (regardless of whether or not they carry the brand). These additional assembly costs cannot be included in the rebate.

I already own an electric bike can I use the rebate money to buy accessories for it?
No.

Are the following included in the electric bike option? Vespa, Moped or other types of motor scooters or motorcycles.
No. If they are gas-fueled vehicles they are not an electric bike. See our Electric Bike Definition page for details.

Who runs the Electric Bike Rebate Program?
SCRAP-IT Society, a not-for-profit independent society which relies on private funding, grants and contributions from a variety of sources, our own treasury, as well as program partners in order to offer clean transportation programs to customers. Our official name is SCRAP-IT Society we are registered in the provinces of BC and Alberta, “doing business as” SCRAP-IT®.