Ava Community Energy Launches Instant Rebate Program For Up To 9,000 E-Bikes

The California Bay Area electricity provider Ava Community Energy just launched an e-bike rebate program to help people living in its service area purchase 9,000 e-bikes.

Here at CleanTechnica we publish frequently about electric vehicles that are large: cars, SUVS, pickup trucks, and buses. We also write individual e-bike reviews.

This news is a bit different because it’s about supporting thousands of e-bikes in one area. E-bikes can be used to replace gas-powered mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles. They are also useful for people who are not sure if they want to buy an electric car or SUV and instead prefer to first try a small two-wheel electric vehicle. E-bikes can easily be charged at home and they typically are not ridden long distances so there is no ‘range anxiety’ like there is for some people who have trepidation about the larger EVs. For some folks, e-bikes can be used in order to not drive a car, for short errands, as one example.

Ava Community Energy’s CEO, Howard Chang, answered some questions about the e-bike rebates program for CleanTechnica.

How many e-bike rebates will be given away, and when? 

Beginning July 8, Ava Community Energy plans to distribute between 8,200 to 9,200 instant rebates for e-bikes.

Who is eligible and where can they apply?

Ava’s Bike Electric program is available to customers of Ava Community Energy, as well as residents of Alameda County who are 18 years or older. The program expands affordable access to sustainable transportation in the region. Visit avaenergy.org/bike-electric to check if you qualify and apply for a rebate.  

Why give away e-bike rebates? What are some key e-bike benefits?

Ava’s goal is to see a reduction in transportation-related carbon emissions and road congestion. So we’re investing to help increase the equitable adoption and use of e-bikes. E-bikes are an ideal choice for people looking for a relatively inexpensive, low emissions, and just plain fun transportation option for errands, commutes, and recreation around the Bay Area.

Are e-bikes suitable for all people, or are they best suited to a particular age range? 

E-bikes are an accessible form of transportation for most people. Ava Bike Electric instant rebate recipients can choose the type of e-bike — standard, cargo, or adaptive — that best meets their needs. The local bike stores participating in the program are experienced at working with potential e-bike riders to help them select an e-bike that they’ll love and want to ride.

Is it possible for some people to use an e-bike instead of owning and operating their own car? 

Half of the daily trips taken in the US are under three miles, making those trips an ideal use case for e-bikes. Shifting even a portion of those trips from a gas-powered vehicle to an e-bike will have an outsized impact on residents’ health, the economy and on air quality.

Where can e-bikes be charged? 

You can charge your e-bike with any regular electrical outlet, using the charger that comes with the e-bike.

Can e-bikes be ridden to and parked at public transit hubs? 

Absolutely. E-bikes have recently gained popularity in the Bay Area, especially as residents look for bike options that can navigate terrain with hills. E-bikes can be used as a first- or last-mile option and paired with BART, Caltrain and more transit options.