California’s Successful E-Bike Incentive Program Set to Reopen on April 29

April 21, 2025 TruthUSA

The state will randomly distribute $2 million in vouchers for applicants looking to purchase new electric bicycles.

California’s well-received initiative, which provides eligible residents with up to $2,000 to acquire an electric bike, will reopen its application process on April 29.

The initial application period for the state program’s first launch in December 2024 closed within an hour due to overwhelming demand, as noted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

At one point, there were nearly 100,000 individuals in the online queue, as CARB reported on April 10.

“The remarkable interest in the vouchers demonstrates a significant demand and enthusiasm for electric bikes in California,” stated Steven Cliff, CARB’s executive officer. “The advancement of this technology is a vital component of our mission to provide zero-emission transportation options to all Californians.”

The upcoming round will allocate $2 million, which amounts to about 1,000 vouchers to eligible candidates, who will be selected at random to guarantee equitable distribution, according to CARB.

Individuals can access online waiting rooms between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Friday by clicking a button on the state’s website. All applicants entering the waiting room by 6 p.m. will be placed in a randomized queue, giving them an equal opportunity to apply.

To qualify for the vouchers, applicants must be residents of California aged 18 or older. Residency is verified with either a valid California driver’s license, a California AB 60 license (available to undocumented immigrants living in the state), or an official state identification card.

Applicants must also have a household income of up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level. The federal poverty level is set at $15,650 for an individual household, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, making 300 percent of that amount $46,950.

For a two-person household, the federal poverty level is $21,150, and for a three-person household, it is $26,650. You can check the guidelines here.

Applicants for the e-bike vouchers must provide proof of residency and income, as well as fulfill education and training criteria.

According to CARB, application approval may take up to 60 days.

Eligible e-bikes for the program include classes 1-3 bikes, which can reach speeds of 20 to 28 miles per hour.

Electric bikes make pedaling up hills much easier while enjoying the Kauai Coastal Trail in Hawaii. (Janna Graber) — Electric bikes make pedaling up hills much easier while enjoying the Kauai Coastal Trail in Hawaii. Janna Graber

The e-bikes must have an electric motor not exceeding 750 watts and must be equipped with operable pedals.

Additionally, the bikes must feature an integrated front light that operates off the e-bike battery and has been certified by an accredited laboratory, among other criteria.

Certain cargo e-bikes and those adapted for individuals with special needs are also eligible.

The voucher initiative is a partnership with over 20 community-based organizations throughout California, as reported by CARB. These organizations assist in outreach and application support for low-income residents across the state.

Source link