How to Get an E-Bike Voucher

This program is now closed. Santa Monica's E-bike Voucher Program successfully provided vouchers to 122 residents in Santa Monica! We hope to reopen this program in the future if additional funding becomes available. For a full recap of the program read the final report here. (English Version / Spanish Version)

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FAQ FAQ

Determine Your Eligibility
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To be eligible for an e-bike voucher, applicants must be 18 years or older, a Santa Monica resident AND meet income defined criteria. Applicants can meet income qualifications through ONE of the following criteria:
- Enrollment in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); or
- Enrollment in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); or
- Enrollment of a dependent in a Free or Reduced Lunch Program in Santa Monica; or
- Participation in utility discounted rate programs such as CARE, FERA or Medical Baseline discounted rate programs; or
- Live in a unit that is deed restricted affordable housing; or
- Live in a unit that is affordable housing provided by Community Corporation of Santa Monica; or
- Meet definition of low-income at 80% Area Median Income and complete a low income eligibility form
Low income eligibility forms are also available in Spanish.
*If you have any questions regarding the low-income eligibility form, please contact bikevoucher@santamonica.gov*
Submit Your Application
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Interested residents can fill out our online application here. Si prefiere completar la solicitud en español, haga clic aquí.
Paper applications in English and Spanish are also available. Please contact us if you prefer a paper copy or need any help filling out our application:
(310)-458-2201 ext. 2504
bikevoucher@santamonica.gov
There are no restrictions on the number of applications per household. However, please only fill out ONE application per qualified individual.
Congratulations! You Have Been Selected
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After submitting your application and supporting documents, you will be entered into the applicant pool for the voucher lottery.
If your application is not selected, it will be rolled over to the next lottery drawing until funds are exhausted. No need to reapply!
If you are selected, you will be sent an email confirming you have received a voucher. The email will include information on the required League for American Bicyclist 'Smart Cycling' online safety training and next steps to redeem your voucher.
You will be required to complete the safety training and initial participation survey prior to receiving your e-bike.
Vouchers must be redeemed by the set deadline.
Redeeming Your Voucher
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Vouchers will only be redeemable from the following participating Santa Monica bike shops:
1. Helen’s Cycles – 2501 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90404
2. Bike Attack Electric - 2904 Main St, Santa Monica CA 90405
After choosing a participating bike shop, take your voucher code and personal ID to receive your e-bike. Bike safety training and initial survey must be completed in order to receive your e-bike.
Enjoy Your E-Bike!
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FAQ

What is an e-bike?

An electric bicycle, or e-bike, is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor to assist with pedaling. For more information regarding e-bikes and how to choose which is best for you, check out the GoSaMo E-bike Buyers Guide.

Where can vouchers be redeemed?

Vouchers are redeemable from the following participating Santa Monica bike shops:

Helen’s Cycles – 2501 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Bike Attack Electric - 2904 Main St, Santa Monica CA 90405

Can I use my voucher to purchase an e-bike that costs more than $2,000?

Yes, but you would be required to pay out of pocket for any remaining costs above the $2,000 maximum voucher amount.

Are there any restrictions on the kind of bike I can purchase with my voucher?

Any e-bike purchased with a voucher MUST have:

Electrical components that are national lab certified (UL listed or NSF/ETL/CSA Certified);
Two or three wheels and fully operable pedals; AND
An electric motor that is 750 watts or less and cannot be gas-powered.

There is no restriction on the class of e-bikes eligible for this program. NOTE, however, per Santa Monica Municipal Code § 3.12.600, it shall be unlawful to ride or operate a motorized bicycle or a class 3 (as defined in the California Vehicle Code) electric bicycle, personal assistive mobility device, electrically motorized board, low-speed vehicle, motorized scooter, or other vehicle upon the Beach Bike-Path.

Vouchers can also be used on non-electric bikes if the recipient chooses; however, full suspension mountain bikes are excluded from the program.

What are the benefits of e-biking?

Electric bikes have various social, environmental, and health benefits. Check out Pedal Ahead's “Why Electric Bikes?” for an explanation of these benefits.

How does biking help Santa Monica?

Sustainable Mobility is a key pillar of Santa Monica’s Climate Action and Adaption Plan. Vehicle Transportation contributes over 60% of Santa Monica’s carbon emissions. In order to help reduce emissions, the City is working to convert 50% of local car trips to foot, bike, scooter and skateboards. Increasing biking will play an important role in Santa Monica’s mission to meet climate goals, improve public health and build community resiliency.

Are there any other similar e-bike programs I can apply for?

E-bike incentive programs are gaining rapid popularity. The State of California is expecting to roll out an e-bike voucher program this Summer 2024. Applications are not yet open, but you can follow the program and find more information on their website (here). Otherwise, Santa Monica’s E-bike Voucher program is one of the only active voucher programs in LA county currently. We hope to see more programs to come soon.

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Continue the Process:

Determine Your Eligibility

Submit Your Application

Congratulations! You Have Been Selected

Redeeming Your Voucher

Enjoy Your E-Bike!