E-Bike Purchase Incentives

Advocating for California E-Bike Incentives

Helping more Californians use bicycling as an alternative to driving.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

California’s $31 Million E-Bike Voucher Program

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is running a multi-year program to offer e-bike purchase incentives of up to $2,000 for qualifying low-income Californians. To qualify, you must earn less than 300% of the 2024 federal poverty level, be over 18, and live in California. For more details about the California program, see our FAQs below or visit the program website: ebikeincentives.org.

Interest in the statewide incentive program has far outstripped the number of vouchers available. Applicants are selected by lottery in each application window. CalBike continues to advocate for more funding for e-bike incentives. There are also many local incentive programs that can help with an e-bike purchase.

More information:

E-Bike Purchase Incentives FAQs.

E-bike resources.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Join CalBike’s list to learn more about e-bike incentives.

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 started giving out vouchers in December 2024. Vouchers are 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), 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 bike models 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.

The electric bike is the cleanest electric vehicle and the one that most efficiently reduces GHG emissions.

Donate to Support CalBike’s E-Bike Affordability Campaign

WHAT WE’RE FIGHTING FOR

E-Bikes for Transportation

Electric assist makes bicycling accessible to more people, especially seniors, people with disabilities, people who need to transport children, and those with long commutes. And e-bikes have been proven to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT), helping California meet its goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the pace of climate change.

CalBike thinks e-bikes deserve the same incentives as electric cars. E-bikes use less energy than EVs, and biking can replace many car trips, since most are under 3 miles.

We will continue to advocate for more funding for statewide e-bike incentives in future budgets.

Join the e-bike list

WHY IT MATTERS

6 more reasons to make E-Bikes accessible for all Californians:

Reduce Emissions

California’s current strategies are not effectively reducing greenhouse gases in the transportation sector. A large increase in e-bike use could replace enough car trips to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Make E-Bikes Affordable

The price of an electric bike is out of reach for many Californians. The purchase incentives in AB 117 will give people who couldn’t otherwise afford an e-bike the financial support they need.

Low-cost Maintenance

E-bikes cost pennies to charge. They are one of the most efficient, convenient, and cheap-to-operate forms of transportation. E-bikes will save families money.

Get More People on Bikes

E-bikes allow people who couldn’t otherwise ride to get out on a bike. An electric motor lets you carry heavy loads and passengers you might not be able to manage under your own power.

Improve Public Health

Bike riding reduces health care costs, improves air quality, and provides excellent exercise. E-bikes replace smog-spewing car trips and allow people to realize the health benefits of bikes.

Provide an Alternative Transit Option

E-bikes give people who live in public transit deserts an affordable alternative to costly car dependency.

More About E-Bike Incentives

Global List of E-Bike Programs

E-Bike Incentive FAQs

EBIP Work Group Recording

Advocating for California E-Bike Incentives

Helping more Californians use bicycling as an alternative to driving.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

California’s $31 Million E-Bike Voucher Program

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Join CalBike’s list to learn more about e-bike incentives.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is responsible for the statewide e-bike incentive program, administered by Pedal Ahead. Here are the program basics:

WHAT WE’RE FIGHTING FOR

E-Bikes for Transportation

WHY IT MATTERS

6 more reasons to make E-Bikes accessible for all Californians:

Reduce Emissions

Make E-Bikes Affordable

Low-cost Maintenance

Get More People on Bikes

Improve Public Health

Provide an Alternative Transit Option

More About E-Bike Incentives

The Latest about E-Bikes

Media Guide: How to Report on Collisions Involving E-bikes

CalBike Response to New York Times E-Bikes Article

Joint Statement on E-Bike Safety from California Bicycle Advocates

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