Turn Your Bike Electric and Earn Rs. 100,000 – Is this Offer Real?
Do you recall the exciting news about Punjab offering Rs. 100,000 as a green credit for buying new electric bikes in Lahore? Well, it sparked another rumor that’s been buzzing around social media like a hyperactive bee: “Convert your existing petrol bike to electric and get the same Rs. 100,000 reward!”
Sounds too good to be true? Unfortunately, yes, it is.
The Rumor vs. The Reality
We dug deep to get the official word, and government officials have firmly rubbished this claim. There is no scheme offering Rs. 100,000 for converting your petrol motorcycle into an electric one using kits or any other method.
So, where did the confusion come from? Officials clarified that the term “convert” in their messaging was misinterpreted. It was never meant to imply a technical conversion. Instead, it simply meant selling your old petrol bike and purchasing a brand-new electric one.
Why Conversions Aren’t on the Table (Or Safe)
Rizwana Anjum, Team Lead for the Green Credit Program, made this crystal clear in an interview with BBC Urdu. She stated there is no established system – not just in Punjab, but globally – that officially approves or supports converting petrol bikes into electric bikes in a way that meets safety and regulatory standards.
Here’s the critical safety concern:
“Installing an electric battery into a petrol bike frame can pose serious health and safety risks,” Anjum emphasized. “The government cannot take responsibility for such modifications, which is why they are not promoting or endorsing any conversion initiative.”
So, How Do You Get the Rs. 100,000?
The cash incentive (green credit) is exclusively for purchasing brand-new electric bikes. Here’s the official lowdown:
- One Per Person: Only one e-bike can be registered per person (using one ID card).
- Purchase Date: Your e-bike must have been bought after December 20, 2024.
- Transparent & Digital Process: Anjum emphasized that the system is fully digital and designed for transparency, utilizing global MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) protocols to prevent fraud.
The Two-Step Process
Getting the full Rs. 100,000 isn’t instant; it involves proving you’re actually using your new e-bike. Here’s a detailed guide on how to claim your reward by applying via the official portal.
Step 1: Initial Submission & Verification (Rs. 50,000)
- Submit scanned copies of your purchase receipt and bike registration (if done) online via the Green Credit portal. Documents must be in your name.
- A government official will visit you for physical verification.
If verified, you receive the first installment of Rs. 50,000.
Step 2: Prove You Ride It! (The Remaining Rs. 50,000)
- You must use the government’s official e-bike tracker app.
- You need to ride a total of 6,000 kilometers.
- You must cover at least 1,000 kilometers per month.
- This entire distance must be completed within 6 months of registration.
- The app automatically sends your riding data for monitoring.
Once your 6,000 km are verified, you receive the second installment of Rs. 50,000.
Why the Tracking?
This two-stage process serves a smart purpose. It ensures bikes aren’t just bought for the cash and then left gathering dust. The government is committed to promoting the regular, long-term use of electric transport, reducing petrol consumption, and rewarding responsible ownership. It’s an investment in changing habits, not just handing out cash.
Don’t get swept up in the conversion hype. The Rs. 100,000 Green Credit incentive is a real and promising offer, but only for brand-new electric bike purchases that meet the strict criteria and usage requirements. Converting your old petrol bike isn’t part of the plan – and more importantly, it could be downright dangerous. If you’re eyeing that incentive, focus on checking out eligible new e-bikes and getting ready to ride those 6,000 km!
