Discounted electric bikes will be offered up to public sector staff across the country as part of the Government's work to reduce transport emissions and support healthier transport options.

Associate Minister of Transport Julie Anne Genter officially launched the new initiative at Wellington Hospital yesterday.

'The Government has negotiated bulk-purchase discounts on e-bikes which will be made available to interested workers in public sector organisations including DHBs, councils and state sector agencies,” says Julie Anne.

'The discounts on e-bikes will range from 10 to 50 per cent, or $300 to $1200, off the cost of an e-bike.

'E-bikes are increasingly being used as an alternative for short car trips. E-bikes are fast, fun and free from congestion and parking worries.

'Having public sector staff bike to work takes pressure of car parking in places like Wellington Hospital, it reduces congestion, and improves health.

'This initiative is expected to be offered up to around 50,000 public sector workers over the next year,” says Julie Anne.

Guidance is available to private businesses who would like to run a similar scheme at www.nzta.govt.nz/employer-e-bike-purchase-support

Public sector organisations who have already agreed to take part in the initiative include:

• Capital and Coast and Hutt Valley DHBs
• Auckland DHBs
• Bay of Plenty DHB
• The NZ Transport Agency,
• Ministry of Transport
• Ministry of Health,
• Ministry for the Environment,
• Health Promotion Agency
• ·Department of Conservation
• Ministry of Primary Industries
• Kaianga Ora
• Greater Wellington Regional Council
• Dunedin City Council
• Selwyn District Council
• Victoria University