CalBike's E-Bike Affordability Program
E-bikes are currently the “greenest” electric vehicle for transportation, yet financial barriers keep them out of reach for many folks. The good news for Californians is there’s help on the way! CalBike’s E-Bike Affordability Program is included in the state’s budget for 2022 and funded for $10 million for subsidies.
Why Was This Campaign Created?
CalBike’s E-Bike Affordability Campaign, a $10 million e-bike incentive program, presents a twofold solution to Californians. One, to offer financial assistance for alternative transportation and e-bike safety education to low-income households. The other is to lessen carbon emissions released from automobiles.
Survey results show 60% of car trips are for destinations less than six miles away. So many little trips add up in terms of carbon emissions and money spent. So, as they say, the solution is to “work smarter, not harder.” We can work smarter by investing in e-bikes as a mainstream form of transportation and create a healthier environment at the same time.
E-bikes allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy a healthy means of travel. E-bikes take away barriers to commuting by relieving the burden of car ownership, enabling riders to pedal with ease over steep hills, and allowing riders to cover more miles in less time. What’s not to like about making e-bikes more accessible?
The wonderful people of CalBike are currently developing the details of the E-bike Affordability Program. Stay tuned! But in the meantime, read below to learn what the program’s goals are:
What Will the E-bike Affordability Program Do?
Help replace cars for e-bikes as a popular mode of transportation.
Prioritize grants to low-income families to help with the cost of an e-bike.
Ensure e-bikes purchased from this grant are of high quality and durability.
Fund programs that support cyclists, such as safety education.
Include the purchase of e-bikes designed for those with disabilities.
Support local bike shops and programs.
How Can I Join the E-bike Affordability Program?
Sign up by filling out the form at the top of this link’s page! By adding your personal e-bike story, your message will make more of an impact.
Share how an e-bike changed your family’s routine for the better. For example: Dropping your kid off at school via e-bike proved to be a game-changer as your family saves money on gas, needs only one vehicle instead of two, and you get exercise while enjoying the fresh air!
Sharing your e-bike story will help California’s legislators understand how e-bikes aid communities, the economy, and the environment.
Below are starting points that can help you get started sharing your story and support for e-bikes:
Barriers to Using a Standard Bike for Transportation
Other people relied on me to take my car places (i.e., children).
Not physically able to ride a standard bike.
Biking was too slow.
I didn’t like to arrive sweaty at my destination.
Where I needed to go was too far to ride on my regular bike.
Steep terrain made it too difficult to ride to my destination.
Important Reasons to Buy an E-bike
Avoid the hassle of parking my car.
To save money on gas and car maintenance.
To keep up with family and friends on bike rides.
To lessen my carbon footprint on the environment.
To increase my fitness.
To commute or drop kids off at school.
My ability to ride a regular bike has been compromised.
To ride a bike with less effort
To replace car rides.
To avoid car traffic during my commute.
The future can be bright! Your choices and involvement play a significant role. Sign up for the E-bike Affordability Program now.
