~ Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at promoting sustainable transportation and improving mobility options for residents. The Boston E-Bikes Incentive Program will provide discount vouchers to eligible individuals who wish to purchase an e-bike for personal use.

The program, which is part of the city's efforts to address historic inequities in transportation access, will offer approximately 1,000 vouchers ranging from $800 to $2,400. In addition, each recipient will receive $150 towards the purchase of bicycle safety equipment. The first round of applications opened today.

According to Mayor Wu, the program aims to ensure that all residents have convenient, affordable, and sustainable transportation options that meet their individual needs. "This e-bike voucher program will help reduce emissions and expand transportation options for traditionally vulnerable residents," she stated.

To be eligible for the Boston E-Bikes Incentive Program, applicants must be Boston residents over 18 years old and fit at least one of the following criteria: income-eligible adult (at or below 40% AMI), a senior over 60 years of age, or an adult with a chronic or permanent disability. Qualified applicants will be randomly selected to receive a voucher that can be used within 90 days at participating bike shops.

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Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Chief of Streets for the city, emphasized the benefits of e-bikes for older adults and individuals with disabilities. "Affordable access to a reliable, active form of transportation can help people stay healthy, be more connected to their community, and meet their transportation needs," he said.

Funded by $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, the pilot program is designed for residents who can most benefit from e-bikes and communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This investment aims to support those choosing smaller and more environmentally friendly mobility devices.

E-bikes eligible for the program discount must have a safety-certified rechargeable battery and a pedal assist feature that provides a more effortless riding experience. These bikes can provide access to biking for individuals with mobility challenges or those who need to travel long distances or up hilly terrain. The program also includes support for the purchase of cargo e-bikes, which have additional storage and passenger-carrying capacity. Additionally, the program will provide assistance towards the purchase of powered handcycle wheelchair attachments and adaptive e-bikes that can be modified to meet the needs of individuals with chronic disabilities.

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The application process for adults with permanent disabilities interested in powered handcycle wheelchair attachments or adaptive e-bikes will be open from August 5 to September 5. All other eligible groups can access the application from August 12 to August 24. The City plans to hold another application round in spring 2025. More information on how to apply and program details can be found at boston.gov/ebikes.

Alex Salcedo, E-Bike Program Manager for MassBike, expressed excitement about the city's efforts to promote e-bike usage among its residents. "Through our Worcester program, where we have offered e-bikes to income-burdened residents over the past two years, MassBike has seen the benefits that e-bikes can bring," he said. "We're expecting great success from this program in Boston."

To further promote the program, Boston Bikes will host free "Try an E-Bike" events and bike shop showcases in August where eligible residents can test different bikes and receive help with their applications. There will also be additional e-bike hours available to assist residents with their applications if needed.

The Boston E-Bikes Incentive Program is a significant step towards promoting sustainable transportation and improving accessibility for all residents in the city. With its focus on addressing historic inequities and supporting vulnerable communities, this initiative has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of many Bostonians.

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