California E-Bike Incentive Program
Introducing the California E-Bike Incentive Program, a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing accessibility to electric bicycles for California residents. Eligible individuals, aged 18 or older, with household incomes at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, can benefit from incentives. Priority applicants, residing in disadvantaged areas or with incomes below 225% of the FPL, receive additional support. Administered by Pedal Ahead, the program distributes vouchers redeemable at authorized e-bike retailers. Anticipated to launch statewide in 2024, the program offers a convenient pathway towards sustainable transportation. Stay tuned for updates on the project’s website and gear up for a greener, more accessible commute!
E-Bike Incentive Project Eligibility
Who is eligible for an e-bike incentive?
To qualify for an e-bike incentive, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Must be a California resident aged 18 or older. Residency will be verified using a current, valid California Driver’s License, California AB 60 License, or California ID Card.
- Income: Must have a gross household income of 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or less. The income will be verified during the application process.
- Application: Complete the online application, which includes residency verification, income verification, and education/safety training requirements. This process may take up to 60 days, depending on the speed of completion by applicants and program processing times.
- Approval Notification: An approval notification with the incentive voucher must be received via email before purchasing the e-bike. Purchases made prior to receiving the voucher will not be eligible for the incentive.
Maximum Qualifying Gross Household Income
The table below shows the maximum qualifying gross household income for eligibility based on household size:
| Household Size | Priority Applicants (225% of FPL) | All Applicants (300% of FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $33,885 | $45,180 |
| 2 | $45,990 | $61,320 |
| 3 | $58,095 | $77,460 |
| 4 | $70,200 | $93,600 |
| 5 | $82,305 | $109,740 |
| 6 | $94,410 | $125,880 |
| 7 | $106,515 | $142,020 |
| 8 | $118,620 | $158,160 |
For households with more than 8 persons, add $12,105 for each additional person (225%) or $16,140 for each additional person (300%).
Priority Applicants: Those with a gross annual household income of 225% or less of FPL or who live in a disadvantaged community as defined by CalEnviroScreen 4.0 or a low-income community as defined by AB 1550.
Income Criteria Update: Updated annually to the next calendar year FPL at the IRS filing deadline.
Incentive Vouchers Worth
- Base Incentive Voucher: $1,750
- Additional for Priority Applicants: $250
- Maximum Total Amount: $2,000
Eligible Purchases with Incentive Voucher
Incentive vouchers can be used for:
- Eligible e-bike
- Accessories: Helmet, Bike Lock, Racks, Fenders, Reflective Clothing, Rear Light (if not equipped)
- Assembly and delivery fees
- Any sales tax associated with eligible purchases
These additional items must be purchased at the same time as the e-bike from an approved retailer and are limited to one item per accessory type.
How to Claim Your E-Bike Incentive in California
Imagine zipping through your city on a brand-new electric bike, saving money, and reducing your carbon footprint. The California E-Bike Incentive Project makes this possible with generous incentives for eligible residents. Follow these steps to claim your e-bike incentive and join the green movement today!
Step 1: Complete the Online Application
Step 2: Receive Approval Notification
Approved applicants will receive an email with the incentive amount and voucher expiration date. Be sure to redeem your voucher within 45 days!
Step 3: Find an Approved Retailer
Use our Approved Retailer Map to find a local store where you can redeem your voucher.
Step 4: Choose the Right E-Bike
Consider your lifestyle and needs. Ensure the e-bike meets all eligibility requirements listed in the e-bike eligibility checklist.
Step 5: Complete Education Requirements
Watch the following training videos:
- E-bike Safety Basics (12 minutes)
- Climate Impact Training (5 minutes)
Step 6: Redeem Your Voucher
Bring your approval notification and ID to the retailer. The retailer will handle the documentation for voucher reimbursement.
Step 7: Participate in Follow-Up Surveys
Help us improve the program by completing surveys 90 days and one year after voucher redemption. Your feedback is invaluable!
Step 8: Enjoy Your New E-Bike!
Join the thousands of Californians enjoying better mobility and contributing to a healthier environment.
Types Of Eligible E-Bikes for California E-Bike Incentive
Class 1-3 E-Bikes
E-bikes must meet the following criteria to qualify:
- Class 1:
- Top speed of 20 mph
- Pedal assist only
- Class 2:
- Top speed of 20 mph
- Pedal assist and throttle assist
- Class 3:
- Top speed of 28 mph
- Pedal assist only
Additional Requirements:
- Electric motor of 750 watts or less
- Operable pedals
- Integrated front light powered by the e-bike battery
- Rear light (integrated or battery-operated)
- Compliance with ANSI/CAN/UL-2849 or EN-15194 standards
- Minimum 1-year warranty on electrical components
- Fully assembled upon delivery
Cargo E-Bikes
Cargo e-bikes are designed for carrying groceries, making deliveries, transporting children, and other errands. They must meet the following criteria:
- Electric motor of 750 watts or less
- Designed to carry at least one additional passenger or heavier/bulkier loads
- Operable pedals
- Integrated front light powered by the e-bike battery
- Rear light (integrated or battery-operated)
- Compliance with ANSI/CAN/UL-2849 or EN-15194 standards
- Minimum 1-year warranty on electrical components
- Fully assembled upon delivery
Adaptive E-Bikes [Electric Trike]
Adaptive e-bikes cater to specific needs with various designs such as adult trikes, tandems, handcycles, recumbents, and wheelchair tandems. Criteria include:
- Electric motor of 750 watts or less
- Operable hand or foot pedals
- Integrated front light powered by the e-bike battery
- Rear light (integrated or battery-operated)
- Compliance with ANSI/CAN/UL-2849 or EN-15194 standards
- Minimum 1-year warranty on electrical components
- Fully assembled upon delivery
Ineligible E-Bikes
- Used e-bikes
- E-bike conversion kits
- Bikes modified with e-bike conversion kits
- E-bikes outside of the Class 1-3 system
- E-bikes without integrated lights
- Scooters and mopeds
Incentive Vouchers
- Base Incentive Voucher: $1,750
- Additional for Priority Applicants: $250
- Maximum Total Amount: $2,000
Comparison of Eligible E-Bikes
| Feature | Class 1-3 E-Bikes | Cargo E-Bikes | Adaptive E-Bikes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | ≤ 750 watts | ≤ 750 watts | ≤ 750 watts |
| Top Speed | 20-28 mph | 20 mph (Class 1 & 2) | Varies |
| Pedals | Required | Required | Hand or foot pedals |
| Front Light | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated |
| Rear Light | Integrated/Battery | Integrated/Battery | Integrated/Battery |
| Compliance | ANSI/CAN/UL-2849 or EN-15194 | ANSI/CAN/UL-2849 or EN-15194 | ANSI/CAN/UL-2849 or EN-15194 |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Assembly | Fully assembled | Fully assembled | Fully assembled |
| Additional Design | N/A | Passenger or cargo design | Varies |
Eligible E-Bikes List
The list of program-eligible e-bikes is current as of June 3, 2024. This list represents models available from approved retailers and meets all eligibility criteria. The list is subject to change and will be updated as needed.
For more detailed information and updates, visit the California E-Bike Incentive Project website.
