B.C. government offers new e-bike rebate program, experts warn of using safe bikes and batteries – BC | 24CA News
The risks of rechargeable batteries are sparking one other warning from first responders after a latest fireplace involving batteries was began in an condominium on the Downtown Eastside.
Crews had been referred to as to 3 separate fires at SROs within the neighbourhood on Thursday.
One fireplace was at East Hastings and Columbia Streets, the second at West Pender and Hamilton Streets and the third at Abbott and Water Streets, in response to Vancouver Fire Assistant Chief Matthew Trudeau.
“Crews were able to help with the final extinguishment of it but did encounter a number of batteries. The source of the fire was a rechargeable battery that was either for an e-bike or an e-scooter,” Trudeau stated.
“Half of the fire fatalities of last year were directly associated with rechargeable batteries.”
While crews say the fires did result in critical burns in at the very least one name, no phrase if that was to any occupants or the unit itself.
This comes simply because the B.C. authorities declares the brand new BC Electric Bike Rebate Program which permits residents to stand up to $1,400 off the acquisition of an e-bike based mostly on revenue.
Starting June 1, 2023, B.C. residents can get a rebate after they purchase a brand new electrical bike. The rebate quantity is predicated on revenue.
bcebikerebates.ca
According to the web site, you’ll want to offer a press release of revenue from final 12 months’s taxes, get accredited, purchase a motorbike that prices at the very least $2,000 and submit your receipts to assert the rebate.
The web site additionally warns individuals to not use aftermarket, low-cost, counterfeit or refurbished e-bike batteries and to solely cost your e-bike battery with the charger supplied by the producer.
Local bike store proprietor Simon Coutts says the location doesn’t but specify which retailers will likely be eligible and says bikes and batteries that lack Canadian certifications generally is a recipe for catastrophe.
“If something really happens where it catches fire or they have a big issue, then yeah it’s buyer beware,” Coutts warns.
He says, you simply have to have a look at the craze of the “hoverboards” from a couple of years in the past and the way that turned out.
“Hoverboards are not actually sold. You can’t find them anymore. The reason why is because they came, they flooded the market, and then they had lots of issues,” Coutts shared.
“They’re very dangerous. People left them charging overnight and things happen.”
Coutts thinks this system received’t drastically enhance demand for e-bikes however says there may be native urge for food for individuals to get an e-bike as an alternate to driving for his or her day by day commute.
“I think it would be more for a commuter. Someone who wants an alternate mode of transportation instead of taking their car to work,” Coutts defined.
“[They] don’t have to pay for gas, don’t have to wait in traffic. They can just take the bike lanes to work and get there. I’ve got lots of clients already doing it.”
The program will open up June 1.
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