Pasadena Set to Launch Pilot E-Bike Rebate Program to Encourage Residents to Switch to Zero-Emission Transportation

Editor’s Note: The Tuesday, April 25, 2023 meeting of the City’s Municipal Committee at which this was to be heard has been canceled. No new date has yet been scheduled as of this writing.

The City of Pasadena plans to launch a pilot e-bike rebate program on July 1 that would provide rebates of up to $1,000 for the purchase of new e-bikes, e-cargo bikes, and adaptive e-bikes from participating bike shops in the city, according to a report to be presented Tuesday to the City Council’s Municipal Services Committee.

E-bikes are bicycles with an electric motor that assists the rider with pedaling. They are a popular option for people who want to get around town without having to use a car. E-bikes can be used for commuting, running errands, or just getting some exercise.

The Pasadena pilot e-bike rebate program is part of the city’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. 

In collaboration with the City Manager and the Department of Transportation, Pasadena Water and Power proposed bthe pilot e-bike rebate program after City Manager Miguel Márquez authorized a portion of the Air Quality Management District (AQMD) funds could be used.

The program would be funded by a combination of federal, state, and local grants, according to a City staff report.

Residents can apply for the rebate online or by mail. The application deadline is December 31, 2023.

Starting July 1, PWP will also transition to only offering rebates for the purchase of used EVs, with a limit of two EV rebates per PWP residential electric account. The approach of incentivizing only used EVs aligns with the direction that is currently in place among several other local utilities.

Several incentives are already available for the purchase or lease of new EVs, which includes the federal clean vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500 and California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) that offers a rebate between $1,000-$7,500. Since November 2020, PWP has been contributing a portion of its LCFS revenues to help fund the State’s point of sale “Clean Fuel Rewards” (CFR) program for EVs. 

For now, the CFR incentives are temporarily unavailable while the California Air Resources Board (CARB) considers program adjustments, according to the report.

For more information about the Pasadena pilot e-bike rebate program, please visit the city’s website at www.cityofpasadena.net.

The Municipal Services Committee meeting Will start at 4:00 PM in the Council Chamber of Pasadena City Hall located at 100 North Garfield Avenue, Room S249. The event will be livestreamed with captioning available for those who cannot attend in person. You can access the livestream at www.pasadenamedia.org or at www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/agendas