December 10, 2024 - (Sacramento, CA) California is launching a new incentive on Dec. 18 that will provide income-eligible Californians up to $2,000 toward the purchase of a new e-bike – the latest example of how the state is expanding access to zero-emissions transportation options to residents who need the boost the most.
The California E-bike Incentive Project is being launched in partnership with more than 20 community-based organizations that will do outreach and provide application assistance. Once approved, income-eligible individuals can redeem the voucher from retailers at the point of purchase. A rider safety video is provided and required before collecting the voucher.
The first installment of the launch will offer $3 million to help fund up to 1,500 e-bikes. The new project is the latest incentive to connect Californians to zero-emissions transportation options, reducing pollution and increasing mobility options.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is responsible for the statewide e-bike incentive program, administered by Pedal Ahead. Here are the program basics:
• The incentives program will start giving out vouchers in December 2024. Applications will be first-come, first-served. Vouchers will be released in batches, during pre-announced application windows.
• To qualify for the incentive program, participants’ household income is capped at 300% of the federal poverty level (FPL), with special priority given to those under 225% FPL or living in a disadvantaged community. You must be a California resident and at least 18 years old. There is no cap on the number of vouchers per household.
• Qualifying applicants will get a voucher of up to $1,750 for a standard, cargo, or adaptive e-bike. People whose income is under 225% FPL or who live in disadvantaged (DAC) census tracts qualify for additional incentives of up to $250, for a total of $2,000.
• The program will support the purchase of Class 1 (up to 20 mph, pedal assist only) and Class 2 (up to 20 mph, pedal assist and throttle) e-bikes and Class 3 (up to 28 mph, pedal assist only). Only approved electric bikes in these classifications will qualify. All qualifying bikes must have safety-certified batteries.
• Participants must purchase a bike from an approved California bike shop or online from a company with a business location in California.
CARB estimates that the $31 million budget of the pilot project will fund approximately 15,000 e-bike vouchers, but demand is likely to be much higher.
For more details about the California program visit the program website here.
