Dive Brief:
- California will begin its first statewide e-bike incentive program Wednesday, available to residents 18 years or older with a household income of three times the federal poverty level or less.
- The program makes vouchers of $1,750 available to qualifying buyers with an additional $250 available to lower-income applicants or applicants living in state-defined low-income or disadvantaged communities.
- Initial funding of $3 million for the program is expected to help participants purchase up to 1,500 e-bikes in total, according to the California Air Resources Board, which developed the program in collaboration with other stakeholders.
Dive Insight:
E-bike incentive programs such as one in Denver reduced car trips and transportation-related carbon emissions, but these bikes can be expensive. Most high-quality electric bikes cost at least $1,500 to $2,500, according to REI Co-op, a recreational equipment retailer. Colorado, Connecticut and Minnesota are among states offering e-bike rebates, tax credits or vouchers, and cities including Atlanta; Tampa, Florida; and Columbus, Ohio, offer incentives as well.
“By using e-bikes, people can get around and meet everyday needs while improving air quality,” Steven Cliff, CARB’s executive officer, said in a statement. More than 20 community-based organizations will conduct outreach and help buyers with the application process.
New class 1, 2 or 3 e-bikes with a 750-watt or less motor are eligible under the California program. These include throttle-controlled bikes with a maximum speed of 20 mph and pedal-assist only bikes up to 28 mph. E-bikes must be purchased at approved stores or online retailers.
California’s vouchers can also be used to buy a helmet, bike lock, bike rack and lights or reflective clothing if purchased at the same time as an eligible e-bike. Sales tax and assembly and delivery fees are also covered under the program.
The program will start accepting applications at 6 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on Dec. 18 and will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis until the available funding is used up. In Denver, 860 vouchers were snapped up in the first 20 minutes in early 2023.