California launches its first statewide e-bike voucher project
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SACRAMENTO – 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 (https://ebikeincentives.org/eligibility/) can redeem the voucher from retailers (https://ebikeincentives.org/approved-retailer-map/) at the point of purchase. A rider safety video is provided and required before collecting the voucher.
E-bikes feature a battery and electric motor that can be activated to assist with pedaling, increasing the ease to travel longer distances. The California legislature appropriated funding for the e-bike project to help lower cost barriers to a technology that can help replace car trips, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering transportation costs for low-income Californians. According to the Institute for Transportation & Development Policy (https://itdp.org/2024/03/12/why-we-need-e-bikes-as-a-climate-and-mobility-solution/), e-bikes can be a suitable alternative to car travel, particularly for shorter trips.
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.
“By using e-bikes, people can get around and meet everyday needs while improving air quality,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, CARB’s Executive Officer. “Prioritizing equity and access is key as we work to achieve our zero-emissions goals, and this incentive program will support those efforts by helping e-bikes be part of the solution.”
CARB designed the e-bike project in collaboration with interested parties through an extensive public process. During an initial pilot, key aspects of the program were tested in four locations across California that face disproportionate environmental burdens – Barrio Logan in San Diego, East Bay Area, downtown Fresno and in partnership with a few tribal governments.
The e-bike project is the latest incentive program to prioritize equitable outcomes so that low-income residents are not left behind as we move toward a zero-emissions future. In September, California launched a new income-based grant and loan assistance program (https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/new-242-million-funding-assistance-program-helps-low-income-californians-get-zero-emission) to help with the purchase of clean vehicles. A recently approved funding plan (https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/carbs-updated-incentive-plan-focuses-getting-small-businesses-and-fleets-zero-emissions) focuses incentive resources on supporting small businesses with the switch to cleaner technology for their fleets.
The program will start to accept applications (https://ebikeincentives.org/) on the website at 6 p.m. on Dec. 18 and will be processed in the order received until vouchers are exhausted. Eligible applicants will be notified of the receipt of the voucher, which can then be used at participating retailers (https://ebikeincentives.org/approved-retailer-map/).