Bike Financing Offers, Rebates, and Rentals
Biking is a great way to get around UCSC and Santa Cruz. It’s healthy, fun, and helps fight climate change.
Buying a quality bike or an e-bike can be an expensive investment, but there are great financing options and rebates available for qualified buyers. The offers and rebates shown below are for information purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any of the listed products, services or programs.
Keep in mind that interest rates and loan terms vary. Be sure to look for an option that will work for you.
Rebates & Incentives
Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD) E-bike Purchase Incentive
The Monterey Bay Air Resources District is pleased to offer the Monterey Bay e-Bike Incentive Program (e-BIP) to low-income applicants from Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties.The program will provide $500 incentives to income-qualified individuals who purchase an eligible e-bike on or after July 1, 2023. This incentive can be stacked with other rebates and incentives such as the CARB incentive due to launch later this year (see below).
Three-step Application Process:
- Purchase a Class 1, 2, or 3 electric bicycle at a bicycle shop within Monterey San Benito or Santa Cruz Counties (purchase must be made on or after July 1, 2023).
- Prepare to upload the following documents in the application:
- Proof of low income eligibility
- Applicant ID (e.g., drivers license).
- Utility or cable bill (within 90 days).
- Sales receipt (with applicant’s name and bicycle serial number clearly shown).
- Picture of e-bike serial number.
- Picture of e-bike with applicant.
- Apply for the incentive on MBARD’s website.
Low Income Verification
You must provide proof that you are currently receiving a low-income benefit or assistance through a verifiable program (see partial list below). W-2, Form 1040, and other income documents will not be accepted.
- US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Medi-Cal
- CalFresh/SNAP (Food Stamps)
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- CalWORKs (TANF) or Tribal TANF
- Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
- Residency in Affordable Housing or Public Housing
- California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE)
- Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA)
- Emergency Rental Assistance Program (Monterey & The United Way)
- AND OTHERS...
This is not a complete list. If you are a participant of a program or benefit not listed here, please check with MBARD staff at (831) 647-9411 before applying.
Upcoming CA Air Resource Board (CARB) E-bike Purchase Incentive
This is a first come, first serve program and funds are expected to run out quickly. The program is expected to open for applications in the second half of 2023. Use this checklist to get ready before the applications open:
- Sign up for the Slug Bike Life email list and CalBike's notification list to make sure you’re notified about the program accepting applications. This will increase your chances of getting a voucher!
- Determine whether you are eligible for the voucher and if you meet additional requirements to receive an even greater amount. Most vouchers will be for $1000 with an additional $250 for qualified individuals.
- 18 years and older
- 1 incentive per individual
- California resident
- Gross annual income below 300% of the federal poverty line (additional vouchers available for those 225% below FPL or living in a disadvantaged census tract)
Maximum income levels for CARB E-bike Incentive Maximum Income Levels to Qualify Individual $40,770 Family of 2 $54,930 Family of 3 $69,090 Family of 4 $83,250 Family of 5 $97,410
- Make sure your 2022 W-2 form and Tax Return (if you have one) is readily available.
- Decide which e-bike you want at an approved shop. Ask the bike shop if they are authorized to accept this state incentive voucher (see below for a few local e-bike retailers).
- Confirm with the bike shop if there is a large supply of this model, and create a contingency plan if they sell out of your preferred model before you get your voucher. Ask if they have a layaway or financing option.
- Ask the bike shop to calculate the final purchase price including tax.
- Once the program opens, fill out CARB’s forms and submit your documentation for the e-bike voucher as soon as possible.
Expected wait time is 2 weeks. While you wait, sign up for an upcoming Slug Bike Life free helmet and bike light giveaway, Intro to E-bikes class, or E-Bike Test Ride event.
When you receive your voucher through email, you have 30 days to purchase your e-bike (one 30 day extension may be granted by CARB).
Contact your chosen bike shop to check bike availability.
Use your voucher to purchase your e-bike, and ride off into the sunset on your new wheels!
Don’t forget to register your new e-bike for free with the City of Santa Cruz’s Bike Licensing program. Remember, UCSC requires you to have a bike license, and it will help you if your bike is stolen.
If you work in Downtown Santa Cruz, you may be eligible for the Go Santa Cruz E-bike Rebate. Visit their website to determine your eligibility and fill out an application.
TAPS staff will meet virtually with any affiliate interested in learning more about the bike loans offered locally at Santa Cruz County bike shops. Staff will go over how the loans work and which bike shops offer additional incentives. We can also help with the CARB EBike Incentive if you need additional information. Contact us to sign up for a 15 minute Zoom!
Local Bike Shops Offering Financing
Online Retailers Offering Financing (assembly may be required)
BOB Bike (checkout with Klarna)
Long Term Rentals
Are you a bike retailer that would like to be included on this page? Email us at taps@ucsc.edu.