E-bike rebate so popular that BC introduces waitlist

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Just one day after it went into effect, the BC e-bike rebate program has been so popular that a waitlist has been introduced.

If you go to the website to apply, you’re now automatically taken to a page that makes you sign up for a spot on a waitlist.

A statement on the website says, “There has been a great deal of interest in the E-bike Rebate Program.”

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A line in the initial media release from the BC Ministry of Transportation about the e-bike rebate might reveal what has led to the introduction of this waitlist: a limited amount of funding.

“The Province is investing more than $6 million in rebates, which will allow as many as 9,000 people to lower the cost of their e-bike purchase. The rebate program will be administered by the Scrap-It Society.”

The BC Ministry of Transportation told Daily Hive that the program had 12,000 applications in the first 24 hours and that the success of the program is unprecedented.

“The BC E-Bike Rebate program received 4,000 applications less than 8 hours after its launch yesterday. Due to the incredible success of the program, a waitlist was established to keep applications in order and allow staff time to assess the initial 4,000 applications for eligibility and rebate level. The waitlist currently has almost 8,000 applicants.”

The rebate website says, “At this point, you may be placed on a waitlist as we assess the previous applications for approval.”

“Your place on the list will put you in priority for available funds should these other applications not be approved or should the rebates not be utilized.”

According to the ministry, applicants on the waitlist will be notified of their order on the list and asked to apply once the amount of unused funding is determined.

“Once approved for a rebate, residents will have 30 days to purchase an approved e-bike and submit the receipt to claim their rebate.”