Yes, e-Bikes that are not eligible for the voucher include used e-Bikes, e-Bike conversion kits, e-Bikes outside the three-class system, and models without integrated lights.
Everything You Need to Know About the California E-Bike Voucher
Written by: Rémy Rossi | January 12, 2025 | Time to read 6 min
Receiving a $2,000 voucher to spend on a new e-Bike sounds pretty swank to me. Find out the latest details about California’s e-Bike incentive program below.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
The California E-Bike Incentive Project was great news for Californians and the cycling community, but what’s been taking so long? The exciting e-Bike voucher program has been in the works for a while and finally launched the first round of vouchers in December. This article provides up-to-date information to ensure you’re prepared to take advantage of the statewide discount as soon as more vouchers are available.
What is the California E-Bike Incentive Project?
The California E-Bike Incentive Project provides income-qualified residents with up to $2,000 to support the purchase of a new electric bike. The voucher funds apply to the e-Bike at the time of purchase at approved brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers.
Basically, it means eligible Californians can enjoy a big discount when buying a new e-Bike! The project is funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) which promotes and protects public health, welfare, and ecological resources in the state.
Basically, it means eligible Californians can enjoy a big discount when buying a new e-Bike! The project is funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) which promotes and protects public health, welfare, and ecological resources in the state.
The program has been experiencing delays…
Many other states have already successfully launched similar e-Bike voucher programs, but California’s $30 million program has been rife with delays. The project was conceived over two years ago but has since suffered setbacks and seemingly severe mismanagement.
The program launch had been repeatedly postponed but it finally launched on December 18, 2024, with the first round of 1,500 vouchers. CARB claims there was an earlier soft launch where around 80 qualified applicants received the voucher, but there hasn’t been any information or results provided about that initial smaller pilot program.
The project is funded by CARB but administered by Pedal Ahead, a non-profit based in San Diego that advocates for the use of electric bicycles. With nearly nothing to show for the project and murky circumstances behind the scenes, Pedal Ahead was being investigated by the Department of Justice and CARB. Hopefully, the situation will be resolved soon and Californians can take advantage of these incentive funds.
The program launch had been repeatedly postponed but it finally launched on December 18, 2024, with the first round of 1,500 vouchers. CARB claims there was an earlier soft launch where around 80 qualified applicants received the voucher, but there hasn’t been any information or results provided about that initial smaller pilot program.
The project is funded by CARB but administered by Pedal Ahead, a non-profit based in San Diego that advocates for the use of electric bicycles. With nearly nothing to show for the project and murky circumstances behind the scenes, Pedal Ahead was being investigated by the Department of Justice and CARB. Hopefully, the situation will be resolved soon and Californians can take advantage of these incentive funds.
Find the best urban e-Bike at Upway:
Who is Eligible for the California E-Bike Voucher?
The California e-Bike voucher is directed toward lower-income households and residents in disadvantaged communities. Eligibility is limited to California residents who are at least 18 years old and whose gross annual household income is less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Priority applicants who meet additional income criteria will receive $250 more in financial assistance.
How Much is the Voucher Worth?
But just how much will the voucher sweeten the deal when buying a new electric bicycle? For eligible state residents, the base incentive voucher amount is $1,750.
That amount can be applied as a discount towards the upfront cost of an e-Bike and related e-Bike accessories including a helmet, racks and baskets, fenders, mirrors, reflective clothing, lights, and bike locks (limited to one item per accessory type). The voucher doesn’t cover assembly and delivery fees or any sales tax.
An additional $250 is offered to residents who either have a household income at or below 225% of FPL, live in a disadvantaged community as defined by CalEnviroScreen 4.0, or live in a low-income community as defined by Assembly Bill 1550.
That amount can be applied as a discount towards the upfront cost of an e-Bike and related e-Bike accessories including a helmet, racks and baskets, fenders, mirrors, reflective clothing, lights, and bike locks (limited to one item per accessory type). The voucher doesn’t cover assembly and delivery fees or any sales tax.
An additional $250 is offered to residents who either have a household income at or below 225% of FPL, live in a disadvantaged community as defined by CalEnviroScreen 4.0, or live in a low-income community as defined by Assembly Bill 1550.
How to Apply for the California E-Bike Voucher
As of October 2024, the program hasn’t started accepting applications from individuals hoping to start shopping for their new e-Bike. The program does state, however, that they are currently building the retailer network and accepting bike shop and retailer applications.
In the meantime, interested participants can start gathering the required documents to provide eligibility and begin researching which authorized retailer they may want to purchase from.
- Eligible applicants will need to provide a valid driver’s license or state identification card to prove state residency.
- To demonstrate income qualifications, users can upload their most recent federal tax transcript or, if they do not file taxes, they can upload different income documents.
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Participants can submit their online application once the application window opens— so far, there is no exact date set. CARB explains that a new application window will be opened every 3 to 4 months, with 2,500 incentive vouchers being awarded during each period. That’s what they’re saying at least— it’s subject to change and the first round was only 1,500 vouchers, for example.
Applicants need to wait for an email confirming the approval and then they can redeem the voucher code. After eventually purchasing your e-Bike, make sure to go through the steps of electric bike registration if your local area requires it.
Where Can the Voucher Be Spent?
Once you have the hotly anticipated voucher in hand, you can only spend it at pre-approved retailers in the state. The project’s website has a convenient interactive map where you can check out the approved retailers closest to you— as of October 2024, there are already over 380 retailers on the map.
What Types of E-bikes are Eligible?
Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-Bikes, cargo e-Bikes, and adaptive e-Bikes are eligible for the voucher program. All e-Bikes must have an electric motor of less than or equal to 750 watts, operable pedals, and integrated lights, and must be delivered fully assembled.
Recently added conditions include that the e-Bikes must meet UL-2849 safety standards and have a minimum one-year manufacturer warranty on all electrical components. To double-check if a specific model is eligible, browse the list of program-eligible e-Bikes (as of October 9, 2024).
Unlike the Minnesota Rebate Program, Upway isn’t currently an approved e-Bike retailer quite yet for the CA incentive. Check out all the e-Bike incentives currently active across the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any non-eligible e-Bikes?
Is there a minimum or maximum purchase price?
The voucher program sets no minimum or maximum e-Bike price. Participants are not entitled to the remaining balance if the price of the e-Bike is less than the voucher amount. Users will pay the difference if the e-Bike costs more than the voucher.
Key Takeaways
Voucher Details: Income-qualified Californians can get up to $2,000 for new e-Bikes and select accessories. Additional funds are available for those in disadvantaged or low-income communities.
Application Process: Applications open every 3-4 months, with likely 1,500 vouchers per round. Proof of income and residency is required.
Usage and Eligibility: Vouchers are valid at approved retailers for new Class 1-3 e-Bikes meeting safety standards. Used bikes, conversion kits, and models without integrated lights are ineligible.
Application Process: Applications open every 3-4 months, with likely 1,500 vouchers per round. Proof of income and residency is required.
Usage and Eligibility: Vouchers are valid at approved retailers for new Class 1-3 e-Bikes meeting safety standards. Used bikes, conversion kits, and models without integrated lights are ineligible.
