Southern Californians are figuring out a new way to stop paying high gasoline prices, avoid traffic jams and get around town without polluting the air.
They are discovering e-bikes — battery-powered bicycles that have pedals requiring a modicum of human muscle but are equipped with a motor to assist the riders in what are typically short trips.
On Wednesday, April 29, a conglomerate of transportation, regional planning and environment-minded groups launched a second, larger round of a free program that will provide about 475 customers with a $2,000 voucher redeemable at the point of sale for e-cargo bike models priced between $1,600 to $2,500.
The program is for eligible San Gabriel Valley residents.
The limited geographic reach is because the effort — about a $2 million investment — comes from the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG), the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), Active SGV, the California Transportation Commission and revenue from SGV-specific Express Lanes operated by LA Metro along the 10 Freeway.
It was called one of the largest regional e-bike share programs in the United States by SGVCOG, which is leading the effort and accepting pre-applications through May 17. They hope to continue the program on a rolling application scale should more money become available. Selected participants must submit verification documents and complete a 3-hour bike safety training course before voucher redemption.
Kome Ajise, SCAG executive director, said at the press event in San Dimas that he would like to see similar programs serving other parts of Southern California.
“We hope cities and subregions will take advantage of our strategies in our plan. Because this program helps us to reduce vehicle miles traveled,” Ajise said. Reducing car miles on local roads is part of SCAG’s sustainable transportation plan. “This is creating more opportunities and more choices for travel.”
Right now, eligibility is for San Gabriel Valley residents at least 18 years of age who participate in income-assistance programs or live in eligible SGV communities, including: Alhambra, El Monte, Monterey Park, South El Monte, Rosemead, San Gabriel and unincorporated L.A. County communities, such as Avocado Heights, according to the SGVCOG.
In the parking lot of E Bike Cyclery on Arrow Highway in San Dimas, Ajise was joined by other elected officials, government officials and the owner of the e-bike shop in touting the voucher program’s benefits for the San Gabriel Valley. Some also took test rides.
“This program is about more than just bikes — it is about building a more connected, resilient and environmentally sustainable San Gabriel Valley for future generations,” said Claremont City Councilmember and SGVCOG President Ed Reece. “It will also help us reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality throughout the region.”
On April 27, the second round of the voucher program opened up. In the first round, SGVCOG gave out 116 e-bike vouchers, said Ricky Choi, COG spokesperson.
Tracy T., who declined to provide her last name, received a voucher and bought an e-bike in round one. “I find myself using it for small errands like trips to the post office or returning books to the library,” said the Monterey Park resident. “Most importantly, (I use it for) picking up my son from school. For me, it’s a game-changer — no more dealing with school parking lot traffic. It has made our daily routine more enjoyable.”
Hector Tamayo, founder and CEO of E Bike Cyclery, who also has a shop in Monrovia, said as of Wednesday, his stores have sold e-bikes to 50 customers with vouchers and said the e-bike trend is growing.
“They continue to get more popular, year after year, as people get familiar with them,” he said in an interview. Tamayo said customers use the e-bike for commuting to work, taking their kids to school or going to the supermarket to buy groceries. Cargo e-bikes are slightly longer than others and carry heavier loads and passengers.
The ability to carry groceries and passengers can work toward replacing a passenger car for short, in-town trips. Since the bikes run on battery power, there are zero emissions, cutting down on air pollution and greenhouse gases.
“Last week, a lady said to me, ‘I have a big SUV. It was so expensive on gas. Now with my e-bike I take both my kids to school on the e-bike.’ These e-bikes really do change lives,” Tamayo said.
Besides cutting out driving a car, other e-bike customers are often senior citizens who want to enjoy recreational bike riding but can’t ride a traditional bicycle any more due to injuries. He said his customers range in age from 12 to 80 years old.
“We have a lot of customers who have had hip replacements, knee replacements and ankle or back problems where they can’t ride a traditional bike,” Tamayo said. “But they can get on an e-bike and just with a little bit of assist, they can actually go out and do the things they used to do before their injury.”
E-bikes at his stores range in price from around $1,500 to $10,000. The battery pack can be unhinged from the bike and plugged into a regular outlet. A full charge takes about four hours, he said. The bike with a full charge has a range of between 40 and 50 miles.
He said he hopes there are more voucher programs because he said they add to his sales.
“This program is not just good for the environment but it supports local businesses,” said San Dimas City Councilmember Erik Nakano.
To learn more about the program and to access an application, go to the SGVCOG’s GoSGV program website: sgvcog.org/gosgv.
