Support Proposed CARB Budget with $18 Million for E-Bike Incentives
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has released a proposed budget for the next fiscal year that includes $80 million in vehicle purchase incentive equity programs. The budget allocates $18 million of that for e-bike incentives. CalBike applauds CARB for recognizing the importance of this program and providing ongoing resources to support e-bike incentives.
Please send an email in support of $18 million for e-bikes to CARB to help ensure this critical active transportation funding stays in the budget.
E-bike vouchers in high demand
The pilot of CARB’s E-Bike Incentive Project has not yet launched, though the soft launch is expected to begin soon. Still, it’s clear that interest in the program is high. CARB is in the process of adding $3 million to the pilot funding of $10 million to provide additional resources for what is certain to be a popular program.
If the additional $18 million is approved, total funding for statewide e-bike incentives will be $31 million. CARB staffers can’t confirm whether the additional funding will augment the pilot round of incentives or go toward an additional funding window later in 2024. CARB and the program administrator may be waiting to see how the initial rollout goes before making this decision.
What’s clear is that there is a high demand for e-bike incentives to help low-income Californians afford this practical, essential transportation option. We hope CARB and the legislature provide ongoing funding to help more Californians get around by bike.
