California E-Bike Rebate Takes Shape

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is set to finalize its e-bike incentive program, reports Melanie Curry for Streetsblog California. 

The last stage of the program’s development comes after a series of workgroup discussions. The incentives will start at $1,000, with additional incentives available for cargo bikes, adaptive bikes, and certain eligible groups.

According to Curry, “The vouchers can be used to purchase e-bikes, helmets, and adaptive elements for disabilities, but not for reflective clothing, head lamps (the bikes will be required to have an integrated light system), fenders, or racks.” Some critics say accessories like racks should be included to make e-bikes more useful. 

Curry describes the criteria CARB is proposing, including integrated lights and a one-year warranty, requirements for redeeming the vouchers, and eligible bikes. “Staff expect to finalize the program website - it is not up as of yet - in May, open with a soft launch in June, and, after evaluating lessons learned from that, open up the statewide program in the third quarter of 2023.” Similar programs, like one in Denver, have proven wildly popular.