Press Release: Active Transportation Leaders Call on CARB to Restore E-Bike Incentive Funding After Sudden Reallocation
Active Transportation Leaders Call on CARB to Restore E-Bike Incentive Funding After Sudden Reallocation
Contact: Jared Sanchez, jared@calbike.org, (714)262-0921
CalBike and a broad coalition of statewide mobility, climate, and community organizations, following the defunding of the Electric Bike Incentive Project, are urging the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to find ways to support e-bikes in the future.
In a letter sent today to CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez and the Board, the coalition of two dozen organizations warned that the decision undermines California’s climate goals and disregards overwhelming public demand for low-cost, zero-emission mobility.
“This is not what climate leadership looks like. Over one hundred thousand Californians lined up for a modest voucher that would help them drive less, save money, and move freely.” said Kendra Ramsey, Executive Director, CalBike. “ Ending that opportunity now ignores that clear demand and walks back hard-won progress”
EBIP: A Successful, High-Demand Program
- 100,000+ residents attempted to apply or signed up for updates—demand far beyond supply.
- $10 million pilot fully expended, demonstrating both need and administrative success.
What Went Wrong
- CARB eliminated the remaining EBIP funding with no public discussion or transparency.
- Funds were shifted to a car trade-in program, despite the state’s stated commitment to multimodal climate strategies.
What the Coalition Urges CARB to Do
- Restore funding to the Electric Bicycle Incentive Project.
- Reaffirm California’s climate leadership by investing in modes that cut emissions, congestion, and household costs.
