$10 million approved for subsidies

We won phase one of our campaign. Now CalBike is working with the California Air Resources Board to roll out a program to help Californians buy e-bikes.

E-bikes combine the bicycle’s efficiency (the “beautiful machine”) with the ease and power of an electric motor. They provide Californians the opportunity to travel much farther, faster, and over more difficult terrain than a regular bike. Studies show that e-bike trips do a great job of replacing car trips. And compared to cars, including electric cars, they are much more affordable to own and operate.

Unfortunately, getting an e-bike in the first place is expensive. Many Californians cannot afford $2,000 or more on an e-bike, so they are stuck paying $100 each time they fill their tank and struggle with repair and maintenance costs that cause many families to sacrifice too much.

E-bikes should be the centerpiece of a strategy to replace gas-powered car trips to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while also advancing equity, promoting public health, reducing traffic, helping families save money, and supporting local economies.  Now, California has provided funding to support e-bikes.

What’s the status of the $10M E-Bike Affordability Campaign?

CalBike’s budget request for $10 million for e-bike purchase incentives is included in the budget approved by the legislature and the governor. CalBike is working with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to help outline the program. We are proposing a $10 million allocation this year, with continued funding in future years, to implement a program that meets the goals originally included in AB 117 (Boerner Horvath) and the goals outlined below.