Anyone in the City of Tampa looking to secure an alternative mode of transportation – an eBike – has until Friday at 5 p.m. to apply for Tampa’s eBike Voucher Program.
Already, over 400 people have applied for the 180 available vouchers. These vouchers that can be used to offset the cost of an eBike. The city’s Mobility Department’s eBike voucher program is open to all, with special qualifications for those meeting income requirements.
Parking Planning Coordinator Austin Britt hopes that if this program is successful, it can continue in the coming years.
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“This program came out of what we saw Denver doing,” Britt said. “They started a program to offer vouchers, and they have done over $2 million in vouchers to offset vehicle trips and reduce carbon emissions.”
Tampa set its program to fit the local community and support residents who might otherwise not have the funds to purchase an eBike.
The voucher program is designed to provide qualified and approved applicants with discounts toward the purchase of eBikes from participating local bike shops. It will provide access to reliable transportation for people trying to get to work and those who support sustainable transportation options.
The vouchers range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the type of voucher, eBike and income qualifications. eBikes can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000 depending on the brand, where they are purchased and the accessories the rider needs, Britt said. The vouchers allow applicants to use funds up front, rather than having to come up with the entire cost of the bike, then wait for a rebate.
The Tampa eBike Vouchers Program Goals
This eBike voucher program has seven goals:
- Improve the quality of life for Tampa residents.
- Reduce the number of internal combustion engines on local roadways.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Incentivize adopting micro-mobility transit.
- Improve bike safety.
- Encourage the use of existing bike facilities – supporting local small businesses.
- Provide job connections and encourage healthier habits.
Programs like this affect the economy, public safety, transportation, and jobs, according to the city. It also allows for more mobility for all.
To qualify for this program applicants must live in the City of Tampa, be at least 18 years old, and have the intent to use the bike to replace trips that would otherwise be taken by car.
The vouchers can only be used at participating bike shops.
What is an eBike?
The city defines an eBike as a bicycle with an electric motor to assist in pedaling. The motor is meant to augment human power rather than replace it.
You cannot purchase a bike online. Instead, you purchase from a participating brick-and-mortar bike shop located within the City of Tampa. The shops must be equipped to maintain eBikes at their shops and agree to provide each participant with a helmet.
These bikes must be owned by the voucher recipient for at least one year and be used only for personal use. Each participant must agree to take three surveys over the course of that first year.
To apply as a low-income participant, applicants must show proof of household income not more than the city’s median of $59,843 using a recent pay stub, W2 or 1099 form.
There are four types of eBike vouchers:
- Standard eBike vouchers for $500 – 60 are available.
- eCargo vouchers for $1,000 – 50 are available.
- Income-qualified standard voucher for $1,000 – 50 available.
- Income-qualified eCargo voucher for $2,000 – 20 available.
For this first round, the money to fund the vouchers came from within the city, Britt said. “Once everyone sees the impact, I think we can generate some buzz and find funding through public-private partnerships.”
The city advertised the voucher program extensively on social media and also held two in-person application sign-ups for those who may not have access to the Internet.
Britt said the city got great cooperation from local bike shops, which will also benefit from this program.
Learn more on the city’s website.
