Why You Should Consider an E-Bike

This post offers a one-stop-shop for your e-bike needs:
● Benefits of choosing an e-bike
● Ways to lower the cost of an e-bike
● Where to purchase an e-bike

It’s estimated that over half of all trips taken in the U.S. are less than three miles long. Before you hop in your car on your next trip, consider an e-bike! E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular because of the numerous benefits they offer to people of all ages and fitness levels for commuting and recreation. Wondering what all the fuss is about? Here are some reasons to consider an e-bike and resources to help you get riding.

E-Bike Benefits

They’re convenient.

E-bikes use a rechargeable, battery-powered electric motor, making it possible to travel farther and faster than a regular bike with less effort. They can also get you closer to your destination than a car.

They’re cost-effective.

Charging an e-bike is much cheaper than refueling a gas car or motorcycle and can help you save significantly on fuel costs. E-bikes can also help you avoid parking fees, which can add up quickly in urban areas. Incentives can also help lower the up-front cost of purchase to make e-bikes more accessible to all. Check out some of the available incentive programs below offering savings from $500 to $7,500.

They’re environmentally friendly.

E-bikes have 1/13th the carbon footprint of a regular gas-powered vehicle. Because e-bikes run on electricity, they don’t emit harmful tailpipe emissions. Opting for an e-bike can reduce harmful pollutants, helping to combat climate change and create cleaner air for all. A recent study indicated that, if we swapped out just 15% of car trips for e-bike trips, we could reduce transportation emissions by 12%.

They’re good for your health.

While e-bikes have an electric motor, they’re still a great way to get your body moving and stay active. Biking offers many health benefits and is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and cancer. E-bikes are also a great option to increase mobility for people who have difficulty with traditional biking due to physical limitations. As an added benefit, they’re fun! E-bikes are a great way to get outside, breathe fresh air, and explore your community.

How to Lower the Cost of an E-Bike

Check out these resources to help lower the up-front cost of an e-bike:

Program	Location	Details and Eligibility	Offerings
Pedal Ahead (launching mid-2023)	California	California residents who are 18 years or older whose gross annual household income is less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.	$1,000 voucher for a new e-bike with an additional $250 available to Californians living in a disadvantaged or low-income community. Additional incentives of $750 are available for cargo e-bikes and adaptive e-bikes.
Clean Cars for All	San Francisco Bay Area, including parts of Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Solano Counties	Residents in select air quality impacted zip codes whose households are at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.	$7,500 voucher to buy one or more e-bikes and/or for car and bike sharing and public transit.
Charge Up Contra Costa E-Bike Rebate	Concord’s Monument Corridor, Richmond, City of San Pablo, City of Pittsburg, Bay Point, City of Antioch	Residents over 18 years old whose total household income is less than or equal to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.	$500 rebate for the purchase of a new e-bike or conversion kit.

Program

Location

Details and Eligibility

Offerings

Pedal Ahead (launching mid-2023)

California

California residents who are 18 years or older whose gross annual household income is less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.

$1,000 voucher for a new e-bike with an additional $250 available to Californians living in a disadvantaged or low-income community.

Additional incentives of $750 are available for cargo e-bikes and adaptive e-bikes.

Clean Cars for All

San Francisco Bay Area, including parts of Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Solano Counties

Residents in select air quality impacted zip codes whose households are at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.

$7,500 voucher to buy one or more e-bikes and/or for car and bike sharing and public transit.

Charge Up Contra Costa E-Bike Rebate

Concord’s Monument Corridor, Richmond, City of San Pablo, City of Pittsburg, Bay Point, City of Antioch

Residents over 18 years old whose total household income is less than or equal to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.

$500 rebate for the purchase of a new e-bike or conversion kit.

Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for other incentives to lower the cost of your e-bike purchase or rental. View the full list of e-bike incentive programs.

Where to Purchase an E-Bike

Whether you’re purchasing an e-bike for the first time, upgrading to a new one, or just want to learn more, consider starting your journey with one of MCE’s Deep Green Champions that run on 100% renewable energy.

The New Wheel

The New Wheel is an e-bike retailer founded by Karen Weiner in 2010 with the vision of transforming transportation and working to fight climate change. The New Wheel offers test rides on their demo fleet of e-bikes. Visit their shop in San Rafael, San Francisco, or Oakland to see if an e-bike is right for you.

Mikes Bikes

Mike’s Bikes is a family of bike shops. Founded in 1964, the Mike’s Bikes San Rafael location is home to some of the first mountain bikes in the country. The company has since grown to be the largest independent bike dealer in America and has 12 locations throughout the Bay Area, including San Rafael, Sausalito, and Walnut Creek. Visit one of their shops to check out their vast selection of electric bikes.