California’s quest to improve its air quality will take a new turn on Dec. 18 with the launch of the E-Bike Incentive Project that will provide up to $2,000 to buy electric bikes or equipment like helmets.

But to be eligible, you’ll need to meet income qualifications.

The first installment appropriated by the Legislature of $3 million will help fund up to 1,500 e-bikes through the program, which is administered by the California Air Resources Board. Applicants need to get a voucher before buying an e-bike.

The project was first piloted in four locations that face “disproportionate environmental burdens” — downtown Fresno, the East Bay Area, Barrio Logan in San Diego, and several tribal governments.

CARB partnered with the Central California Asthma Collaborative in Fresno, which helped 25 residents test out the application system, CARB spokeswoman Brad Branan said Tuesday.

Aimed at Low-Income Residents

The vouchers are being offered to low-income residents so they are not left behind as the state moves toward zero emission vehicles.

According to the CARB eligibility website, an applicant in a single-person household making $33,885 or less yearly would have voucher priority. The eligibility income level for single-person households is capped at $45,180. Larger households can have higher income levels and still be eligible.

Eligibility income levels are the same statewide, Branan said.

CARB will partner with more than 20 community-based organizations to provide application assistance. Applicants can contact info@ebikeincentives.org to find out if there is a local CBO or to contact a program administrator for assistance, he said.

In addition, residents can sign up on the multilingual website to receive program updates and learn about additional resources, including a video guide for the application process, Branan said.

The program will start accepting applications on its website at 6 p.m. Dec. 18, and they will be processed in the order received until the vouchers are gone. Vouchers may be used at approved retailers.

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