We know the current fuel crisis is affecting Merri-bek locals, adding more cost-of-living pressure on families juggling trips to school and work.
Switching from driving to riding an e-bike for the school run can save your family money and time on the morning commute, and it’s great for kid’s health and wellbeing.
Our Ride & Stride program wants to support families in Merri-bek to make the switch to more affordable and sustainable ways of travelling.
Over the last few years, we’ve delivered almost 200 subsidies to families at our Ride & Stride schools, pioneering the first e-bike subsidy program in Australia in 2021. We’re now expanding the program to all childcares, kindergartens and primary schools in Merri-bek.
Working with two local bike shops, we’re offering families:
- $500 off the purchase price of a new or refurbished bike, or
- 50% off a weekly subscription for 3-months (up to value of $500).
Offer live from 9am Monday 4th May 2026.
Offer ends Tuesday 30th June 2026, or once all allocated subsidy funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first.
Submitting an application does not guarantee your subsidy or reserve funding. Subsidies are allocated strictly on a first-paid, first-served basis and are only secured upon successful receipt of purchase payment or subscription activation.
Eligibility details
- Available to Merri-bek residents with children at any childcare, kindergarten or primary school within Merri-bek
- Applies to a select range of electric bikes and cargo bikes (including new and refurbished)
- Subsidies are limited to one per household, and you may only apply through one provider.
- $200 refundable security deposits apply for subscriptions.
In the case of high volumes of interest, Merri-bek City Council reserves the right to prioritise allocation to eligible residents on a concession card or those living in suburbs that face higher levels of transport disadvantage.
Available bikes
Scroll through the bikes on offer and click through to your selected providers webpage to reserve your subsidy today!
For enquiries, please call 03 9350 8791 or email us at zerocarbon@merri-bek.vic.gov.au
Comparing costs
Need help deciding whether to invest in the switch from second car to an e-bike?
We have put together the resource below which shows the breakdown in annual costs and potential savings between owning two wheels or four.
