The California E-Bike Incentive Project: Latest Developments and Alternative Rebate Programs

The California E-Bike Incentive Project has been closely watched since its establishment in 2021. However, its implementation has been repeatedly delayed for various reasons. This article outlines the latest developments of the project and provides some current alternative rebate options to help you understand how to obtain electric bike rebates in California.

To Recap

In 2021, California allocated $10 million to establish a statewide e-bike incentive program, with the goal of launching it by July 2022. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) selected Pedal Ahead to administer the program. However, the announcement was delayed by a month, and since then, the program has faced ongoing delays and lack of progress. Despite the initial promise, implementation has been slow, with concerns about Pedal Ahead’s capacity and outreach efforts further complicating the rollout.

Latest Developments

1. Official Announcement

As of the publication of this article, the latest message on the California E-Bike Incentive Project's official website is as follows:

We are not yet accepting consumer applications.

We are currently expanding our network of approved retailers and our website is designed to answer your frequently asked questions.

Please feel free to explore the website site for detailed information on the California E-bike Incentive Project, including applicant eligibility, e-bike eligibility criteria and the process to become an approved retailer.

This announcement highlights the current status of the program and the information resources available on the official website.

2. News Reports

Melanie Curry's article "What the Heck Is Going on with the State E-bike Incentive Program?" published on Streetsblog California provides an overview of the project's history and the administrative and managerial challenges it has faced. The following are key points from her article:

Delay in Launch

Timeline: According to Curry's report, despite CARB's repeated promises that the program would launch soon, the actual launch date has been continuously delayed. CARB had stated on several occasions that the program would start by July 2022, but as of now, the official launch date is still uncertain. The program has experienced a two-year delay, with CARB staff promising a launch in the coming months, though the specific date remains unclear.

"Soft Launch" Testing: CARB conducted a "soft launch" test to address issues of fairness and fund distribution. Test areas included Barrio Logan in San Diego, Bayview-Hunters Point, Rodeo and Hercules in the Bay Area, Fresno and its surrounding areas, and some tribal governments. During the test, 77 subsidy vouchers were issued, most of which were used in San Diego. Although about 80 applications have entered the soft launch phase, CARB's feedback on the test results remains inadequate.

Controversy Surrounding Pedal Ahead

Background: As the program administrator, Pedal Ahead has faced investigations from various agencies, including the California Department of Justice and CARB. San Diego Union Tribune reported that Pedal Ahead was accused of mismanaging funds and mixing public funds with private business. Additionally, Pedal Ahead's founder, Ed Clancy, has personal connections with former CARB board member Nathan Fletcher, raising concerns about the choice of Pedal Ahead. Despite CARB's assertion that Clancy's personal connections did not influence the decision, the arrangement has still raised concerns.

Investigation Results: Currently, Pedal Ahead has been asked to complete the contract within a limited scope, with SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) taking over the plan originally managed by Pedal Ahead. CARB staff have stated that routine checks are being conducted on all funders but have not provided detailed information on the results of the investigation into Pedal Ahead.

CARB's Response

Working Group Discussions: CARB has held several working group meetings to discuss the implementation details of the program. These discussions have covered issues such as eligibility requirements, incentive amounts, geographic distribution, and types of eligible electric bikes. However, CARB's slow progress has led to increased public dissatisfaction and confusion.

Funding Arrangement: CARB plans to allocate approximately $5 million from the initial $10 million for priority applicants, particularly low-income households. The total budget for the program is $30 million, including an additional $18 million from last year's budget. CARB expects to distribute around 15,000 incentives, but the specific distribution method and timeline remain uncertain.

Transparency: Detailed information about the program is still scarce. Although CARB's FAQ page has been updated, it still lacks specific information on the program's launch. CARB staff responses to public inquiries have been slow and insufficient, exacerbating dissatisfaction with the program.

Curry summarizes: "The biggest problem with this failure to launch is that even the total amount of money available is but a drop in the bucket. It will not structurally improve the affordability of e-bikes or create a huge mode shift, even if CARB were more dedicated to seeing it happen quickly."

If you are interested in this topic, you can read Melanie Curry's full article for more detailed information and analysis.

Alternative Rebate Programs

While the California E-Bike Incentive Project is still pending launch, there are many other electric bike rebate programs available throughout California. Here are some alternative rebate programs worth considering:

Contra Costa County Ebike Rebates

 511 Contra Costa provides rebates to adults (18 and older) living in Contra Costa County. There is no income limit for the rebate. The standard rebate amount is $150, and for those living at or below 400% of the federal poverty line, the rebate is $300. This program is a post-purchase rebate available year-round.

View Details：https://511contracosta.org/biking/electric-bicycle-rebate/

Alameda County Ebike Rebates

Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) offers cash rebates of up to $300 for electric bikes to all AMP customers. To get extra rebates of $100 to $300 based on income, you need to enroll in AMP's Energy Assistance Program (EAP), which gives a 25% discount on your monthly AMP bill. Additionally, members of the Alameda Transportation Management Association (TMA) can also qualify for further rebates on electric bikes.

View Details：https://www.alamedamp.com/407/Rebates-and-Incentives

Redwood Coast Ebike Rebates

Humboldt County residents can apply for electric bike vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis. The vouchers are divided into five tiers based on income and bike type:

• $150 Standard E-Bike voucher available to all RCEA customers
• $350 Cargo E-Bike voucher available to all RCEA customers
• $500 Standard E-Bike voucher available to Income Qualified RCEA customers
• $700 Cargo E-Bike voucher available to Income Qualified RCEA customers
• $1,000 Adaptive E-Bike voucher available to all RCEA customers

View Details：https://redwoodenergy.org/e-bikes-information/

Healdsburg Ebike Rebates

The city of Healdsburg offers rebates up to $700 for qualified applicants.

Program Requirements:

• Must be intended to replace trips otherwise taken by vehicle in Healdsburg
• Only 1 rebate per electric account

Rebate amount:

• $700 for low-income customers
• $400 for an e-bike purchased in Healdsburg
• $300 for an e-bike purchased outside of Healdsburg
• $50 for an e-bike conversion attachment kit

View Details： https://ci.healdsburg.ca.us/1000/Electric-Vehicles-E-Bikes

Santa Cruz Ebike Vouchers

Individuals working in or parking in downtown Santa Cruz are eligible for a $400 basic rebate voucher or an $800 income-qualified rebate voucher. To receive the voucher, you must complete three steps:

1. Fill out an application form.
2. If approved, you will receive an email with a link to watch a bicycle safety training video.
3. Complete the training quiz and baseline survey.

After completing these steps, you will receive a rebate voucher via email, which you need to present at participating bike shop retailers to purchase an electric bike.

View Details：https://ecoact.org/ebike-rebate-application/

Conclusion

Although the official launch of the California E-Bike Incentive Project is still pending, California residents can take advantage of the listed alternative rebate programs to receive rebates on electric bike purchases before the California E-Bike Incentive Project starts. Keeping an eye on local government rebate programs will help you enjoy the environmental and convenience benefits of electric bikes sooner.