B.C. government offers new e-bike rebate program, experts warn of using safe bikes and batteries

The hazards of rechargeable batteries are sparking one other warning from first responders after a current fireplace involving batteries was began in an condo on the Downtown Eastside.

Crews have been known as to a few 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, based on Vancouver Fireplace Assistant Chief Matthew Trudeau.

“Crews have been in a position to assist with the ultimate extinguishment of it however did encounter quite a few batteries. The supply of the fireplace was a chargeable battery that was both for an e-bike or an e-scooter,” Trudeau stated.

“Half of the fireplace fatalities of final yr have been immediately related to rechargeable batteries.”

Whereas crews say the fires did result in critical burns in not less than one name, no phrase if that was to any occupants or the unit itself.

This comes simply because the B.C. authorities publicizes the brand new BC Electrical Bike Rebate Program which permits residents to rise up to $1,400 off the acquisition of an e-bike primarily based on earnings.

In line with the web site, you’ll want to offer an announcement of earnings from final yr’s taxes, get accepted, purchase a motorcycle that prices not less than $2,000 and submit your receipts to assert the rebate.

The web site additionally warns folks 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.

Native bike store proprietor Simon Coutts says the location doesn’t but specify which retailers shall be eligible and says bikes and batteries that lack Canadian certifications generally is a recipe for catastrophe.

“If one thing actually occurs the place it catches fireplace or they’ve a giant situation, then yeah it’s purchaser 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 usually not truly offered. You possibly can’t discover them anymore. The rationale why is as a result of they got here, they flooded the market, after which that they had a lot of points,” Coutts shared.

“They’re very harmful. Folks left them charging in a single day and issues occur.”

Coutts thinks this system gained’t drastically enhance demand for e-bikes however says there may be native urge for food for folks to get an e-bike as an alternate to driving for his or her day by day commute.

“I feel it could be extra for a commuter. Somebody who needs an alternate mode of transportation as an alternative of taking their automobile to work,” Coutts defined.

“[They] don’t should pay for fuel, don’t have to attend in visitors. They will simply take the bike lanes to work and get there. I’ve acquired a lot of purchasers already doing it.”

This system will open up June 1.

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