The Monterey Bay Air Resources District is responsible for air monitoring, permitting, enforcement, long-range air quality planning, regulatory development, education and public information activities related to air pollution, as required by the California and federal Clean Air Acts. An Air District Board member recently requested that District staff develop a proposal for a program to provide rebates to the public for the purchase of an e-bike.
On March 17, 2021 the Monterey Bay Air Resource District adopted a resolution authorizing the Air Pollution Control Officer to apply a portion of the AB 2766 annual revenues towards funding and implementing the District's Motor Vehicle Emission Reduction Grant Program. This year, the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program component was expanded to include an incentive for e-bikes along with the ongoing incentives for light-duty electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Air District staff has developed a proposal for a program to provide rebates for the purchase of an E-Bike. The purpose is to incentivize purchases of zero-emission electric motorized bicycles, which have the potential to replace motor vehicles for transportation purposes.
At their June 16, 2021 meting, Air District staff received the following direction regarding the E-Bike Incentive Program:
- Incentives will be limited to $1000 with one bike per applicant
- Eligible applicants must be verified as low-income only by an independent third-party
- Purchases must be from local established E-bike retailers
Air District staff is seeking input from the Committee to inform development of the E-Bike Incentive Program. The final E-Bike Incentive Program will be presented to the Air District's Board of Directors at their August 18, 2021 meeting for consideration.