Residents across Alameda County are now eligible for substantial rebates on electric bicycles thanks to a new initiative from Ava Community Energy, a nonprofit public power provider. The Ava Bike Electric Program, launched this month, offers rebates ranging from $400 to $1,500 toward the purchase of a new e-bike, with additional funds available for safety equipment.
The goal, according to Ava Community Energy, is to make e-bike ownership more accessible to everyday residents while helping the region cut down on transportation-related emissions. The program is open to adults 18 and older living in Ava’s service areas, which include every city in Alameda County.
The launch of the program is timely, as e-bike use grows in popularity and affordability remains a key barrier. In Alameda County, over 54% of carbon emissions come from transportation, and a large percentage of trips are under three miles—distances ideal for e-biking, according to Ava’s internal analysis.
Standard rebates start at $400 for all eligible applicants. Income-qualified residents (those enrolled in programs like CARE, FERA or Alameda’s Energy Assistance Program) can receive up to $1,500 depending on bike type. Participants also receive a $250 safety rebate for essentials like helmets, locks and lights.
Ava will hold monthly random drawings for rebates through September 2026, selecting approximately 600 recipients each month. Those chosen will receive a unique voucher code to use at participating local bike shops within 60 days.
According to Ava, the program will support over 9,000 e-bike purchases across Alameda and San Joaquin counties. Participating shops include Blue Heron Bikes and Sports Basement in Berkeley, Laurel Cyclery and Rhythm Bikes in Oakland and several others throughout the Tri-Valley region.
Applications are now open at avaenergy.org/bike-electric.
