Why electric bikes are everywhere in Berkeley

"Ava Community Energy, formerly East Bay Community Energy, partnered with the Alameda County Transportation Commission, the county transit funder, to launch a $10 million fund in July to offer significant rebates to adult customers for the purchase of new electric bikes. The program provides $1,000 toward the cost of a standard e-bike or $1,500 toward the cost of a cargo or adaptive e-bike for people who qualify as low-income, with $400 and $900 rebates, respectively, for other county residents."

"The energy company said that since the program launched, it has received 14,931 applicants from across the East Bay and has already sent rebate vouchers to 9,400 people who won their monthly lottery. Of those 9,400 recipients, 2,746 purchased bikes, 2,406 are still shopping around with eligible vouchers, and the rest let their rebate option expire without purchasing. Nearly a third of the applications, 4,343, were from Oakland residents."

"So far, 61% of the rebates have been used to purchase cargo e-bikes, and 32% have been used toward standard e-bikes. Four percent of the rebates have been used on adaptive e-bikes, which work for people with mobility issues. They're fun, they're green, they're cheaper than ever. From 1 to 81, Berkeley residents of all ages and abilities are taking to e-bikes used for commutes, school drop-offs, grocery trips and joy rides."

Ava Community Energy partnered with the Alameda County Transportation Commission to launch a $10 million rebate fund in July offering significant rebates for new electric bikes. The program offers $1,000 toward a standard e-bike or $1,500 toward cargo or adaptive e-bikes for low-income residents, and $400 or $900 respectively for other county residents. A quarter of funds were set aside for low-income participants. Since launch, 14,931 applicants applied, 9,400 received rebate vouchers via a monthly lottery, 2,746 redeemed vouchers to purchase bikes, 2,406 remain shopping, and many let vouchers expire. Sixty-one percent of redemptions were for cargo e-bikes. Fire officials warn improper charging can lead to battery fires.

Read at www.berkeleyside.org