e-Transport support

The fourth and final funding round of the e-Mobility Rebate program for e-Mobility devices such as e‑bikes, cargo e‑bikes, e‑scooters and e‑skateboards is now closed, as the funding has been fully allocated.

Rebates of 12 per cent of the purchase price were available, up to:

• $250 for e‑scooters and skateboards
• $500 for e‑bikes
• $1,000 for cargo e‑bikes

Road safety

We recommend you read the road safety rules for personal mobility devices.

We also recommend you read the rules for e-bikes in the Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999 and the Road Rules 2019, which limit the size of the power output for e-bikes.

Battery safety

Generally, e-Mobility devices are very safe. Issues such as battery fires can occur when batteries are not charged or stored correctly, or the device is of low quality.

Please read the Tasmania Fire Service Home Fire Safety Fact Sheet (PDF) for more information about battery safety, or visit the Tasmania Fire Service website for more information about home fire safety.

Tips for battery safety

The final round of e-Mobility rebates for e-bikes, cargo e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards is now closed, as the funding has been fully allocated.

What is the purpose of this program?

The Tasmanian Government is offering rebates to support Tasmanians to purchase an e‑Mobility device for their daily commute.

Emissions from transport are a significant contributor to our greenhouse gas emissions. The Tasmanian Government is committed to supporting e-Mobility as a transport option to reduce emissions and congestion, and improve health and wellbeing.

The program is part of Tasmania’s Climate Change Action Plan 2023-25, which includes actions to reduce emissions from our transport sector by increasing the uptake of electric vehicles, and encouraging public and active transport.

What is an e-Mobility device?

E-Mobility devices are electrically powered transport options for personal mobility. They include e-bikes and personal mobility devices (PMDs) like e-scooters and e-skateboards. To be eligible for the rebate, the e-Mobility device must meet the Tasmanian Government definition of an e-bike or PMD.

What e-bikes are eligible?

An e-bike (regular or cargo-sized) is defined under the Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999 and Road Rules 2019 as either:

• a bicycle with an auxiliary motor(s) with a power output or combined power output of not more than 200 watts
• a ‘power-assisted pedal cycle’ as defined by the relevant Australian Design Rule (ADR), which is a maximum continued power output of 250 watts that progressively reduces as the cycle’s speed increases, and cuts off where the cycle reaches a speed of 25km per hour or the cyclist stops pedalling.

E-bikes that meet these requirements do not need to be registered and riders do not need to be licenced. The road rules for bicycles apply to these categories of e-bikes.

To be eligible for the rebate, an e-bike must meet this definition. Ask your retailer to help you find e-bikes that meet these criteria.

What is the difference between an electric bike and a cargo bike?

Cargo bikes are a type of e-bike designed to carry cargo, luggage, or extra passengers. They are designed to carry a greater load and have a longer frame.

What personal mobility devices (PMDs) are eligible?

A personal mobility device (PMD) is defined by the Tasmanian Government as a device that:

• has at least one wheel
• is less than 125cm long, 70cm wide and 135cm high
• weighs less than 45kg
• is not capable of travelling faster than 25km/h
• is designed for use by one person.

The definition of a PMD aims to include a variety of micro-mobility technologies such as e‑scooters, e‑skateboards, self balancing hoverboards and one wheel devices.

To be eligible for the rebate, a PMD must meet this definition. Bicycles, motorised scooters, motorised wheelchairs, and wheeled recreational devices are not a PMD.

How much is available for rebates?

A total of $200,000 is available until funds are exhausted. Each successful applicant can get a rebate of 12 per cent of the purchase price of an e-Mobility device, up to a maximum amount for each category of e-Mobility device. These maximums are:

• $250 for personal mobility devices, such as e-scooters and e-skateboards
• $500 for e-bikes
• $1,000 for cargo e-bikes

Where can I buy an e-Mobility device?

To be eligible for the rebate, the e-Mobility device must be bought at a Tasmanian-based retailer. This requirement is to ensure customers can be informed by reliable information from a local retailer and select an e-Mobility device that is both appropriate for their needs and meets the other eligibility criteria.

What do I need for the application?

When applying for a rebate, you will need to provide:

• Proof of device purchase from a Tasmanian-based retailer, such as a tax invoice with the retailer’s Australian Business Number (ABN) and purchase date.
• Proof of identification, such as a driver licence, passport, or identification card.
• Proof of residential address, if your identification does not have a residential address. A bank statement, rates notice, utilities bill or similar is acceptable.
• Bank account number and BSB for rebate payment. This bank account must be in the same name as the applicant.
• A completed tax form – this will be available in the application. The form is an Australian Tax Office Requirement to confirm you are not a business for GST purposes.

Am I eligible? Do I need to live in Tasmania?

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a e-Mobility device rebate:

• Be an individual (not a business or organisation).
• Live in Tasmania.
• Be over the age of 16 years.
• Have purchased and received an e-Mobility device after the grant start date (17 November 2023) from a Tasmanian-based retailer.

I already have an e-bike, can I claim the rebate?

No. Applicants are only eligible for rebates on e-Mobility devices purchased after the grant start date (17 November 2023).

Is there a minimum or maximum spending amount on a e-Mobility device to be eligible?

There is no purchase price minimum or maximum limit. However, for each e-Mobility device category there is a maximum rebate available. See “How much is available for rebates?” for more information.

How will the Tasmanian Government manage my personal information?

Personal information will be managed in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act 2004. The Tasmanian Government may use and disclose applicant information for the purposes of the rebate program. Further information can be found in the grant guidelines document.

How many e-Mobility devices can I buy?

One device per applicant is eligible for a rebate.

Can businesses apply?

No, the rebate program is limited to individuals.

Can I hold my place before purchasing?

No. The rebate program will be split into multiple rounds, to ensure funding is not immediately exhausted.

What happens after I have applied for a rebate?

The application will be assessed by the Climate Change Office and you will be advised of the outcome within 15 business days of your submission. If you are successful, the rebate will pay into your nominated bank account.

When do applications close?

The program is to be delivered in four rounds, with $50,000 available in each round. The start dates for each round are listed below.

• Program opens (Round 1):  17 November 2023
• Round 2: 17 December 2023
• Round 3: 17 January 2024
• Round 4: 17 February 2024
• Program closes: when remaining funding is exhausted

Applications for each round will close when the funding for that round is fully allocated. When each round closes, SmartyGrants will not accept further applications in that round. Unallocated funding from the first three rounds has been added to Round 4, which is the final round. The program will close when funding for Round 4 has been exhausted.

If you have an unsubmitted application in the system when a round closes, you will need to re-apply in the following round. Unsubmitted applications are not rolled over. An e-mobility device that was purchased after the program start date (17 November 2023) is eligible for a rebate in any round, subject to other availability criteria.

Are e-Mobility devices safe? What about battery fires?

Generally, high quality e-Mobility devices are very safe. Issues such as battery fires can occur when batteries are not charged or stored correctly, or the device is of low quality.

Information on e-Mobility device safety can be found on the Tasmania Fire Service website.

Your retailer will be able to assist with selecting an appropriate e-Mobility device.

Can I get any bike?

No. To qualify for a rebate as an e-bike, the bike must be electrically powered and meet the definition under the Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999 and the Road Rules 2019. See “what e-bikes are eligible?” for more information.

Can I buy an e-Mobility device for my child under 16 years old?

No. The rebate only applies to e-Mobility devices that are intended for users over the age of 16.

Are accessories for my e-mobility device, such as helmets and baskets, included in the rebate?

No, only the e-mobility device itself is eligible for a rebate.

Will the government measure the effectiveness of the program?

Yes. With your permission, a short survey will be sent to you if you receive a rebate and then a follow-up survey six months later. These surveys will be anonymous and your information will be managed according to privacy legislation. Participation will be voluntary.

What happens if I return my e-Mobility device?

The rebate is provided to assist with the purchase of an e-Mobility device. If you receive a rebate for an e-Mobility device that you then return, you will need to contact the Climate Change Office to return the rebate funds you received.

Are kits that convert a standard bike into an e-bike eligible for the rebate?

No. Only new e-bikes or e-cargo bikes are eligible.

Climate Change Office contact details

Phone: 03 6166 4466

Email: climatechange@recfit.tas.gov.au

The final round of e-Mobility rebates for e-bikes, cargo e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards is now closed, as the funding has been fully allocated.

Download the Fact Sheet - e-Mobility Rebate: Information for Retailers (PDF)

New rebate available

From 17 November 2023, the Tasmanian Government is offering rebates on new e‑Mobility devices purchased from Tasmanian retailers.

The rebate will support the purchase of e‑Mobility devices used for transportation, not recreational purposes.

This initiative is part of Tasmania’s Climate Change Action Plan 2023-25, which includes actions to reduce emissions from our transport sector by increasing the uptake of electric vehicles, and encouraging public and active transport.

Rebate amounts

Post-purchase rebates of 12 per cent of the purchase price will be available to customers who purchase an eligible device. Customers must complete an online rebate application form and provide identification and proof of purchase. If approved, the corresponding rebate amount will be deposited in the customer’s nominated bank account.

The 12 per cent rebate will be capped at the following maximum amounts:

• up to $250 for personal mobility devices
• up to $500 for e‑bikes
• up to $1,000 for cargo e-bikes.

Rebates will be managed by the Department of State Growth and will be offered until available funds are exhausted. A total of $200,000 is available. Fractional amounts will be rounded up to the nearest dollar.

Information about eligibility for the rebate is detailed below.

Eligibility requirements

This rebate only applies to e-Mobility devices that are intended for users over the age of 16, electrically powered, and meet the Tasmanian Government definition of e‑bike or personal mobility device for the purposes of this program. Devices that meet these requirements are legal to use on Tasmanian public streets. (Visit www.transport.tas.gov.au for more information.)

An e‑bike (regular or cargo-sized) is defined under the Vehicle and Traffic Act 1999 and Road Rules 2019 as:

• a bicycle with an auxiliary motor(s) with a power output or combined power output of not more than 200 watts
• a ‘power-assisted pedal cycle’ as defined by the relevant Australian Design Rule (ADR), which is a maximum continued power output of 250 watts that progressively reduces as the cycle’s speed increases and cuts off where the cycle reaches a speed of 25km per hour or the cyclist stops pedalling.

A cargo e‑bike is a type of e‑bike that is designed to carry luggage or extra passengers. They are rated to hold a greater load than a standard e‑bike and have a longer frame.

A personal mobility device (PMD) is defined by the Tasmanian Government as a device that:

• has at least one wheel
• is less than 125cm long, 70cm wide and 135cm high
• weighs less than 45kg
• is not capable of travelling faster than 25km/h
• is designed for use by one person.

The definition of a PMD aims to include a variety of micro-mobility technologies such as e‑scooters, e‑skateboards, self‑balancing hoverboards and one‑wheel devices.

Bicycles, motorised scooters, motorised wheelchairs, and wheeled recreational devices are not a PMD.

Contact

For more information about the e-Mobility Rebate Program or to get in touch with a Program Manager, please contact the Climate Change Office in Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania (ReCFIT):

Email: climatechange@recfit.tas.gov.au

Phone: 03 6166 4466

The Electric Vehicle Rebate program provides funding of $2,000 for new battery electric vehicles and second-hand (but ‘new to Tasmania’) electric vehicles. The program opened on 17 November 2023.

As at 18 April 2024, all 375 rebates have been reserved and the program is not currently accepting new applications.

However, if you missed out, there may be another opportunity to secure a rebate.

All 375 rebates have been reserved through a Stage 1 registration, but these cannot be reserved indefinitely. Applicants need to complete Stage 2 of their application once they have received and registered their electric vehicle. If Stage 2 is not completed within six months, or the application does not meet the program conditions, the rebate will be available for another applicant.

These rebates will be re-released at 11.00 am every Tuesday until there is no funding left. There will only be a small number of rebates re-released and there will be some weeks where no rebates are made available. Given the high demand, there is unfortunately no guarantee you will secure one.

You can check if rebates are available via the Smartygrants link below. Other updates about the program will be published on this webpage.

Guidelines

• Download the electric vehicle rebate guidelines (PDF)
• Read the electric vehicle rebate guidelines (webpage)
• Check if  grants are available on the Smartygrants website

What is the purpose of this program?

The Electric Vehicle Rebate has been designed to support the uptake of electric vehicles in Tasmania.

By providing rebates of $2,000 to individuals who purchase eligible vehicles, the Tasmanian Government aims to:

• reduce Tasmania’s transport emissions by encouraging consumers to replace internal combustion engine vehicles with electric vehicles
• provide financial incentives to the greatest number of consumers
• increase electric vehicle purchases that would not have taken place without the support of the program.

The program is part of Tasmania’s Climate Change Action Plan 2023-25, which includes actions to reduce emissions from our transport sector by increasing the uptake of electric vehicles, public, and active transport.

How do I apply for the grant?

Applications are now open.

There are two stages in the application process.

• Stage 1 – if you have purchased, or intend to purchase, an eligible vehicle after the start date of this program on 17 November 2023 you can apply for Stage 1. If successful, you will be placed on the Register and your grant held for six months.
• Stage 2 – once you have received and registered your vehicle in Tasmania within six months of your Stage 1 application, you can apply for Stage 2 to receive payment of the grant.

You must apply for Stage 1 to be eligible to apply for Stage 2.

Further information on how to apply for the grant is available in the guidelines.

What if I purchase my electric vehicle but by the time it arrives, the rebates have been exhausted?

By allowing applicants to register for the rebate at Stage 1 once they have purchased or intend to purchase an electric vehicle, applicants are not disadvantaged or likely to miss out on the grant if the vehicle takes some time to arrive in Tasmania.

However, applicants cannot hold their spot indefinitely. From the date applicants have been approved for Stage 1, a six-month time limit will apply. If the Stage 2 application is not submitted within this timeframe, the grant will be released for reallocation to a new applicant.

Can I receive the grant for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle?

No. The grant is only available for eligible battery electric vehicles.

Plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles still emit tailpipe emissions. The government is prioritising support to purchase zero emission vehicles to help us achieve our emissions reduction goals.

Can I receive the grant on a second-hand electric vehicle?

Second-hand electric vehicles are eligible for a grant, provided the vehicle is new to Tasmania.

The program aims to reduce transport emissions by increasing the total number of electric vehicles in Tasmania. Both new electric vehicles and electric vehicles that are “new to Tasmania” are eligible.

Purchasers of “new to Tasmania” vehicles will be required to provide proof of the vehicle’s pre-registration inspection, to prove that the vehicle was not purchased second-hand in Tasmania.

Are electric motor bikes and scooters eligible for the grant?

No. Electric motorbikes and scooters were not included in the program because they are typically lower cost options and are less likely to require a purchase incentive.

When does the vehicle need to be registered to be eligible?

Eligible vehicles need be registered in Tasmania after the date of commencement for the program and within six months from the date of submitting an application for Stage 1.

Any vehicle registered before 17 November 2023 will not be eligible for a grant.

My application meets all eligibility criteria, is a grant guaranteed?

No. There are a total of 375 available grants and the program will close when the funding has been exhausted. Applications will be assessed in the order that they are received.

The ReCFIT website will be updated with an estimated closing date as applications are received and assessed.

What if I miss out on a rebate?

We anticipate that there will be a lot of interest in the Electric Vehicle Rebate program. If you miss out, rebates may again become available as funding will be released for reallocation to a new applicant if they are not taken up within six months from the date of being approved for Stage 1.

The ReCFIT website will be updated when any grants are released for reallocation and you can re-apply for Stage 1.

Is there a limit on the number of claims I can make for the rebate?

An individual can only claim the rebate for one eligible vehicle that is registered in Tasmania.

Can I receive both the e-Mobility grant and this grant?

Yes, these are separate support programs. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply and receive both grants.

I purchased my electric vehicle before the date the program commenced, can I apply for the grant?

No. Applicants are only eligible for rebates on eligible vehicles ordered and purchased after the grant start date.

The program is aimed at supporting future purchases of battery electric vehicles to increase the uptake of EVs in Tasmania.

If I purchase an electric vehicle through a lease arrangement (including a Novated Lease), can I apply for a rebate?

No. Electric Vehicles (EVs) purchased under a lease arrangement are not eligible for the EV rebate program. 'Lease arrangements' include all arrangements related to leased vehicles, including those accessed under a ‘novated lease’.

One of the reasons for this is that the outright capital costs to the customer purchasing an EV are typically avoided under lease or fleet organisation arrangement.

Lease arrangements may also cover operational costs such as registration, servicing, and fuel, and may be eligible for some tax exemptions, such as the Australian Government’s Fringe Benefits Tax exemption for electric vehicles.

If my application is successful, how and when will I receive the rebate payment?

If your application is successful, you will be notified of the outcome by email, and the $2,000 rebate will be credited to your nominated bank account.

Please note that it may take up to one week from the date you are notified for the payment to appear in your nominated bank account.

If you have not received your rebate within this time, please contact us on 03 6166 4466 or by email at climatechange@recft.tas.gov.au.

I can’t afford a zero emission vehicle. How is this going to help me?

We recognise the cost of zero emission vehicles may be too high for some people to participate in this scheme.

The rebate is intended to stimulate the supply of new zero emission vehicles in Tasmania, which will eventually flow through to the second-hand market. Large fleets also commonly dispose of their vehicles after one to five years, which provides an opportunity to buy used zero emission vehicles at a more affordable price.

How will the government measure the effectiveness of the electric vehicle rebate program?

Applicants will be asked to participate in a short survey at the end of the application process. Completion of the survey is voluntary. The feedback will help the government decide whether the program should continue or whether another form of support would better contribute to the increased adoption of electric vehicles in Tasmania. Your input will be crucial in shaping the future of sustainable transport initiatives in the state.

How will the Tasmanian Government manage my personal information?

Personal information will be managed in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act 2004. The Tasmanian Government may use and disclose applicant information for the purposes of the rebate program. Further information can be found in the grant guidelines document.

No-interest loans to install charging infrastructure for electric vehicles are now available for households, small businesses and non-profit organisations. Dedicated charging infrastructure is quicker than charging an EV through a standard power point.

Loans are offered as part of the Energy Saver Loan Scheme, which provides interest‑free loans of between $500 and $10,000, over three years, for energy efficient products.

Visit the Brighte website for more information about the scheme and how to apply for a loan.