Electrifying the Great Rides

About the fund

The EGR fund is contestable and is available to the 23 Great Rides only. Applicants to this fund must be a Great Ride governance organisation.

The EGR fund is only for e-bike charging equipment and installation (for example, connecting directly into the existing power network, but not for extending the network or upgrading transformers). The EGR fund is not intended to be used for additional facilities associated with the charging station (for example, installing a potable water source, toilets, interpretation panels). Great Rides are expected to fund additional facilities by themselves.

The maximum amount of funding available to each e-bike charging station is $60,000 (excluding GST). Applicants can apply for one or more e-bike charging stations, but only one application per Great Ride. Ongoing maintenance of the e-bike charging equipment is out of scope of this fund. Any approved funding from the EGR should be used within 18 months of contracting.

Who can apply

The EGR fund is open to Great Ride governance organisations that are:

• Part of Ngā Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trails
• Full members of New Zealand Cycle Trails Incorporated (NZCT Inc)
• Hold approved Great Ride status, as provided by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality.

Fund criteria

The criteria are:

• Funding is for e-bike charging equipment and installation costs only (Note: The fund should not be used for additional facilities associated with the charging station)
• The charging station must be located along the Great Ride or an urban centre (within 5kms of the trail) that provides services for Great Ride users
• The project must be completed within 18 months after the funding approval
• The charging station must be primarily for cycle tourists using the Great Rides (Note: The fund is not intended to provide the e-bike charging facilities for commuters)

Co-funding requirements

• Applicants must co-fund at least 50% of each e-bike charging station
• In-kind contributions may be allowed, but will be considered on a case by case bases. Contact MBIE for any questions regarding in-kind contributions.