Boston may pay you to get an e-bike

Owning and riding an electric bike through the streets of Boston may soon become a reality for more residents, thanks to a new initiative the city announced on Monday. 

The pilot initiative will provide discount vouchers to eligible residents who want to purchase an e-bike for personal use. 

In a press release, the city said the goal is to address historic inequities in transportation access, accelerate the mode shift to sustainable transportation, and improve residents’ mobility options. 

The city will provide about 1,000 vouchers, ranging from $800 to $2,400, to help reduce the cost of purchasing an e-bike. 

Each recipient will also receive $150 toward bicycle safety equipment. 

The first round of applications for residents opened on Monday. 

“Boston is a city always on the move, and we want to ensure that all of our residents have transportation options that are convenient, affordable, and sustainable for their individual needs,” said Mayor Michelle Wu in a statement. “This e-bike voucher program will help reduce emissions and expand transportation options for traditionally vulnerable residents.”

Here is what you need to qualify for the program.

The Boston resident must be over 18 years of age and fit one of the criteria:

• Income-eligible adults at or below 40% AMI
• Seniors over 60 years of age 
• Adult with a chronic or permanent disability 

Qualified applicants will be randomly selected to receive a voucher that can be used within 90 days in person at one of the participating bike shops. 

The pilot program is funded by $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. 

E-bikes eligible for the program discount have a safety-certified rechargeable battery and pedal assist, which provides a more effortless riding experience. 

Cargo e-bikes can also be purchased through the program and have additional storage and passenger-carrying capacity. 

The program will also help purchase powered handcycle wheelchair attachments and adaptive e-bikes that can be modified to meet the needs of individuals with chronic disabilities. 

The application process for adults with permanent disabilities interested in powered handcycle wheelchair attachments or adaptive e-bikes runs from Aug. 5 to Sept. 5. All other eligible groups can apply between Aug. 12 and Aug. 24. 

The city will hold another application round in spring 2025. 

For more information on how to apply and program details, visit boston.gov/ebikes.

Increasing access to bike-share program

That’s not all. 

Boston is also launching a new campaign to encourage residents to apply for free or discounted memberships to the bike-share program Bluebikes. 

Dubbed “Get Your Pass in Gear,” the new program provides a $5 annual membership for income-eligible Boston residents and a $60 annual membership for Boston residents new to the Bluebikes system. 

Boston residents who have not had an annual Bluebikes membership in the last three years are eligible for the $60-a-year membership, which is $129 less than the regular rate. 

Those who qualify for MassHealth, SNAP, or meet income guidelines can get an even more reduced rate at $5 per year, compared to the regular income-eligible rate of $50 per year. 

Any Boston resident 16 years or older who meets income guidelines is eligible for the $5 annual pass, whether or not they have had a Bluebikes annual membership in the past. 

“Bluebikes is an important part of our public transit system that provides reliable, affordable biking options for riders of all levels,” said Jascha Franklin-Hodge, chief of streets, in a statement. 

To learn more about the Boston Bikes Pass, visit boston.gov/bluebikes.