The program is part of the Beter Benutten (better use) government program, which aims at reducing rush hour traffic on freeways. People who choose to go by bike will receive a reward of eight to fifteen euro cents per kilometer, depending on the departure times and distance. The program only lasts until next November however. TU/e is negotiating with the province for extension until January 2015.

“In the last week of February, seven or eight types of e-bike will be available at the Forum at MetaForum for a test ride”, says Bert Verheijen, cost expert at DH and member of the TU/e Mobility Team. “An electric cargo bike and a bicycle that can reach a speed of 45 km/h are also there for trying out. People can do a test ride on the stretch of asphalt between Vertigo and the Auditorium.”

According to Verheijen, TU/e is trying to stipulate a discount through joint purchase, and the university is thinking of including a service pack. Whoever wants to buy an e-bike can have TU/e pay for it in advance. After that users sign a contract with Financial and Economic Affairs Services (DFEZ), allowing DFEZ to deduct approximately one hundred euros of the buyer’s monthly salary.