MBARD is offering $1,000 to low-income applicants in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties as an incentive to purchase a Class 1, 2, or 3 electric bicycle in the price range of $1,000 - $4,000.

Purchase date must be on or after September 28, 2021.

The Monterey Bay Air Resources District is pleased to offer the Monterey Bay e-Bike Incentive Program (e-BIP) to low-income applicants from Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties. As e-bike technology advances and more e-bike models become available, e-bikes can be a useful way to displace vehicle trips for commuting to work or school and for running errands. The Air District encourages the use of pedal and electric power to reduce smog forming and global warming emissions while promoting the health and well being of our community.

Simple 3-step Application Process:

1. Be actively enrolled in a low-income or benefits program and prepared to provide proof.
2. Purchase a new, qualifying e-bike from a local bike shop; not online. Used bicycles are not eligible.
3. Apply for the e-bike incentive here.

You must submit the following documents with your application:

• Valid/Unexpired Photo ID (e.g. drivers license).
• Proof of active enrollment in a low-income program.
• Utility or cable bill (from past 90 days).
• Sales receipt or invoice (must show Applicant's name and e-Bike's serial number).
• Photo of the serial number on the e-bike.
• Photo of the applicant with the e-bike.

The full program guidelines and requirements may be reviewed in the application form here.

Low Income Verification

You must provide proof of active enrollment in a low-income program. Some qualifying programs are listed below. This is not a complete list. If you are a participant of a program or benefit not listed here, please check with District staff at (831) 647-9411 before applying.

• US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development website
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) website
• Medi-Cal website
• CalFresh/SNAP (Food Stamps) website
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) website
• CalWORKs (TANF) or Tribal TANF website
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) website
• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) website
• Residency in Affordable Housing or Public Housing website
• California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE) website
• Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA) website
• Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA) website
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance website
• Emergency Rental Assistance Program (Monterey & The United Way) website
• Central California Alliance for Health website
• Free or Reduced National School Lunch Program
• AND OTHERS...

Electric Bicycle Safety References

San Diego County Bicycle Coalition

• E-Bike Safety in Encinitas YouTube video

sixthreezero Bicycle Company

• Riding an Electric Bike for the First Time | Safety Tips YouTube video

• Other Safety videos and tips YouTube playlist

This is an incomplete list of local bike shops within the Air District's boundaries who sell e-bikes that may qualify for our E-Bike Incentive Program. This is intended only as a helpful aide. This list is NOT an endorsement of any specific bike shop(s). If you are a local bike shop owner, please let us know if you would like to be added or removed from the list (contact info below).

Other E-Bike Incentives and Resources:

• GO Santa Cruz (City of Santa Cruz & Ecology Action) - Website
• Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) - Webpage
• Ecology Action - Website

Questions or Comments? Contact the E-Bike Incentive Program Team:

• Ty Bell - tbell@mbard.org or (831) 718-8023