E-bike Discounts and Rebates

To be eligible for the program you must meet the following criteria while participating in the program:  

• currently employed as staff / faculty and working at the UBC Vancouver Point Grey Campus (student positions or individuals on leave of absence are not eligible)  
• on a minimum 12-month contract or in an ongoing position (time spent in student positions do not count)  
• FTE of 50% or greater (some groups will be 53.33% or greater depending on employment group’s requirements to be eligible for benefits). Hourly employees must work an average of 17.5 or 20 hours per week (FTE 50% or 53.33% depending on employment group's requirements to be eligible for benefits).  
• at least 18 years old
• purchasing an e-bike for your own personal use, with the main purpose of commuting to / from campus

E-bike rebate is for $400 while supplies last and will be offered on a first-come first-served basis based on the time of application. Eligible staff and faculty can receive no more than one rebate every five years. 

• E-bike must be new. Open box items are not eligible.
• E-bike purchase price must be a minimum of $1500 before tax including any discounts, this does not include accessories
• Electric motor must have a continuous power output rating of not more than 500 watts
• Maximum speed of 32km/h
• Functional human-powered pedals
• Must have 2 wheels that touch the ground with a maximum weight of 120kg
• Legal e-bike under motor vehicle act and highway act 

1. Check that you meet the program requirements and eligibility (see above)
2. Complete and submit program application form on or after May 26th prior to purchasing the e-bike, indicating the bike model / make you would like to purchase
3. Upon receiving an approval email you have 60 days to purchase your e-bike. Ensure the receipt has:
   • Your full name
   • E-bike model and make
   • Cost breakdown
   • Payment is paid in full of a credit card or debit. Dealer invoices stamped 'PAID' do not constitute adequate proof of purchase.
4. Submit a rebate claim form online within 30 days of purchase
   • An itemized Receipt and Proof of Payment (e.g. credit card slip or bank statement) must be included. Payment should be made in full with a credit card or debit card. Dealer invoices stamped 'PAID' do not constitute adequate proof of purchase. Ensure the receipt has your full name, e-bike model / make, and cost breakdown. 
   • Please notify your direct supervisor of your participation in the program as they will need to approve the one-time rebate payment in Workday acknowledging that you have purchased an e-bike to commute to / from UBC 

How long will e-bike rebates be available?  

This pilot program is running from May 26, 2025, through Dec 31, 2025. The last day to submit an application is Dec 31, 2025. If and when all available rebates have been claimed, a waitlist will be established. Insights learned from this pilot program may inform similar programs in the future.

How much is the rebate?

The rebate is $400. Eligible staff and faculty can receive a maximum of 1 rebate every 5 years.

Am I guaranteed a rebate after submitting an application?

No, rebates are subject to availability. Upon receiving an approval email you have up to 60 days to purchase your e-bike and another 30 days from the date of purchase to submit a rebate form online.  

Can I apply a rebate retroactively to an e-bike purchase prior to receiving my approval letter?

No, the date of purchase must be within 60 days of receiving your approval email.

Can I purchase a used e-bike with my rebate?

No, the rebate is only available towards the purchase of a new e-bike.  

Can the minimum purchase price before tax of $1,500 of the e-bike include accessories or other service fees (e.g. helmet, lock, delivery fees, set up fee, etc.)

No, the minimum purchase price before tax for the e-bike must be $1,500, excluding accessories or other service fees.  

Can I apply for multiple rebates?

Eligible staff and faculty can receive a maximum of 1 rebate every 5 years.

If my spouse and I are both eligible UBC employees, can we combine our rebates for the purchase of one e-bike?

No, as rebates are limited, only one rebate is available per person / e-bike. Both eligible spouses could apply separately if they each want to purchase an e-bike.

How do I claim my rebate?

Participants can submit the rebate claim form available online within 30 days of purchase to receive your rebate. The rebate will be added to your paystub.

Can I combine other employment benefits such as a personal spending account or local / provincial e-bike rebate program to use towards the purchase of the e-bike?

Participants are responsible to check their eligibility for other rebates and benefits to use towards the purchase of the e-bike. Eligibility for other programs or benefits does not affect the rebate provided through the UBC E-Bike Rebate Program.  

Is the rebate a taxable benefit?

Yes, the rebate is considered a taxable benefit. You will receive the rebate as a one-time payment which will be considered taxable income.

How will I receive the rebate?

After you have completed the online rebate form and been approved, our team will initiate a one-time payment request through the Workday. This request will be routed to your direct supervisor for approval, acknowledging that you have purchased the e-bike for commuting to and from work. Once approved, the rebate will be added onto your next pay cheque.  

Are employees on leave of absence, such as a sabbatical or maternity leave eligible for the program?

Employees currently on leave of absence are not eligible for the program as the e-bike rebate is to support the purchase of the e-bike to commute to and from the Point Grey Campus. We welcome eligible employees to apply for the program once they have returned to work.

Why are conventional pedal bikes not included in the program?  

One of the primary objectives of the E-Bike Rebate Program is to encourage a shift from private vehicle use to cycling. While traditional pedal bicycles can support this goal, the majority of employees reside beyond a practical commuting distance by pedal bike. The upfront cost of an e-bike is also typically higher than that of a pedal bike. To address both physical and financial barriers, and to account for the significant elevation changes along routes to UBC, this program is targeted at reducing barriers to e-bike adoption to improve the overall feasibility and appeal of cycling as a commuting option.

How is this program funded?

The E-Bike Rebate Program is provided by Campus and Community Planning’s Sustainable Transportation Program, which is fully funded by revenues from sustainable transportation levies on ride-hailing and parking.

Can I purchase an e-bike for a family member or friend who is at least 18 years of age and commutes to UBC Point Grey campus for school or work?

No, rebates are available only to eligible faculty and staff towards the purchase of e-bikes for their own personal use for the main purpose of commuting to and from campus.

I reviewed the program eligibility and FAQs but am still unsure if I qualify. Who can I contact to confirm?

Feel free to reach out to us at active.transport@ubc.ca.

All current UBC Point Grey Campus faculty, staff, or students who are 18 years old or older at the time of purchase are eligible for the 10% discount.

Place your purchase through Zygg’s website. At checkout use code “UBC10” along with entering your UBC email under the contact information to receive your discount.