Canberrans can now use the Sustainable Household Scheme to buy e-cargo bikes, following years of lobbying by the ACT Greens to have them included in the low-interest loan program.

The ACT government says e-cargo bikes can provide an alternative to a second car for trips including school drop-offs and grocery shopping.

The scheme offers eligible households loans of between $2000 and $20,000 for energy-efficient products and low-emissions transport, with e-cargo bikes becoming eligible from today.

ACT Greens Deputy Leader Andrew Braddock says the party first pushed for electric bikes to be included in the scheme in 2021 and secured a government commitment in May to extend it to cargo bikes.

“For households and families considering whether they need a second car, an e-cargo bike can offer a cleaner and significantly cheaper option,” Mr Braddock says.

Eligible purchases under the scheme also include battery storage, electric heating and cooling, heat-pump hot water systems, electric stovetops, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, and ceiling insulation.

Since 2021, more than 26,000 households have used the scheme, with the government estimating participants have saved more than $178 million through lower household bills and fuel costs.

Belconnen and Tuggeranong account for 55 per cent of all loans issued under the scheme.

Eligibility requirements and approved suppliers are available through the ACT government’s Everyday Climate Choices website.

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