A massive incentive plan to help California residents discover e-bike transportation is pedaling towards a fall 2023 start date.
The California e-bike incentive program offers lower-income residents the money to purchase an e-bike. The details of how the program will be carried out are still being decided, but the goal is to allow those who can’t always afford vehicle transportation to have access to a safe, efficient, and affordable way to travel California streets.
When Does the E-Bike Incentive Program Begin?
The program is slated to provide $10 million in incentive money. There isn’t an official launch date for the e-bike initiative. Streetsblog Cal reports that the e-bike incentives will be fully available in California sometime in the third quarter of 2023.
Meanwhile, several test runs on the program will start in the Summer of 2023. These “soft” launches will happen in four sectors sometime in June of 2023. Twenty to forty e-bike incentives will first be available in these communities:
- Barrio Logan, San Diego
- Fresno
- Bayview Hunters Point, San Francisco
- Incentives Released to California Native Tribal Governments
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) will use these preliminary incentive rollouts to identify any issues that can be fixed before the entire state gains access.
Who Can Get a California E-Bike Incentive?
Applicants for the incentive program will need to be California residents and at least 18 years old. They’ll also need to show they earn an annual household income of at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.
For a single person, the income could not exceed $43,740 annually. For a family of four, the income could not exceed $90,000 in a year. You can learn more about where the Federal Poverty Level stands in 2023 here.
Each person can only get one incentive grant, but multiple people in the same family can apply for assistance. CARB is working on a website for the program and residents will be able to apply for incentive money online. Applicants can expect to have to provide proof of their age and their yearly income.
How Much Will I Get to Buy an E-Bike?
The California Bicycle Coalition details how much assistance residents can expect for buying an e-bike. Most people will receive a voucher of $1,000 to go towards the purchase of a standard e-bike. Those wanting a cargo or adaptive e-bike could receive up to $1,750.
People who make less than 225% of the Federal Poverty Level could receive up to $250 in bonus incentives. Residents in areas deemed disadvantaged census tracts could also seek the extra money.
The funds can also be used to buy helmets. Currently, e-bike riders under 18 years old in California must wear a helmet. Every rider on a Class 3 e-bike must where a helmet.
Those receiving the grants must purchase a qualifying bike within 30 days from a California-based business. They must own the bike for one year. Recipients of the California E-Bike Incentive Program may also be asked to take a bike safety course online.
What Types of Bikes Can I Get with the California E-Bike Incentive Program?
There are still some debates over the types of e-bikes people should be allowed to buy with their incentives.
Right now all three standard classes of e-bikes would be available to participants:
- Class 1: A low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached.
- Class 2: A low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor used exclusively to propel the bicycle and NOT capable of providing assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached.
- Class 3: A low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a speedometer, and a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 28 mph is reached.
The e-bikes will have to carry integrated lights, come fully assembled, and have a minimum one-year manufacturer’s warranty on electrical components.
Used e-bikes won’t be eligible for purchase with incentive money.
Safety Comes First When Traveling By E-Bike
This ambitious plan continues to evolve as it nears full implementation. Some experts believe it will be wildly popular and that more money should be made available to satisfy the demand. The unknowns about the program will likely come into focus as a fall launch date approaches.
In the meantime, it’s important for potential new e-bike riders to understand the risks that careless California drivers pose. Riders must know how to steer clear of accidents as best they can, and know that they can demand full support if a reckless motorist forces them into a serious accident.
Maison Law is an advocate for safe rides for bicycle riders of all ages. You can visit our page on E-Bike regulations and learn about your rights after a driver causes a California e-bike accident and leaves you injured.
