California E-Bike Incentive Program Closes Application Window Amid High Demand
Unwelcome Message for Californians
Californians still hoping to nab a state voucher to help pay for an e-bike this holiday season were met instead with seven unwelcome words: “We are no longer accepting incentive applications.”
Application Window Closes After 45 Minutes
That’s the message the California Air Resources Board had on its E-Bike Incentive Project webpage as of Friday after residents flooded the agency with applications, leaving some disappointed and frustrated by the process.
The program began accepting online applications at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Within 45 minutes, the application window was closed after nearly 100,000 applications were submitted, according to the air resources board.
Technical Issues and Frustration
Some applicants complained they were unable to log on mere minutes after that window opened. Some posted screenshots on social media of estimated wait times exceeding an hour.
Others said the application process froze or produced error messages.
Air Resources Board’s Response
Lys Mendez, the board’s communications director, said a fully staffed team handled the application process, which included testing the website and checking for technical issues.
She said problems could have arisen from people using multiple devices under one IP address or not properly refreshing the website, or if their browsers were outdated.
“We were also staffing a helpline, and people who followed our advice on the above after speaking with the representative reported being able to get into the queue,” Mendez said.
Additional Application Windows to Be Announced
The air resources board says additional application windows will be announced in the coming days.
Mendez said the board would apply lessons learned from this launch to future application opportunities.
Conclusion
The initial round of the launch points to an incredible demand for alternative forms of transportation and a willingness to use cleaner mobility options. The California Air Resources Board will continue to work to provide opportunities for residents to participate in the program.
FAQs
Q: How many applications were submitted in the first 45 minutes?
A: Nearly 100,000 applications were submitted in the first 45 minutes.
Q: What was the goal of the E-Bike Incentive Program?
A: The goal was to provide vouchers for the purchase of 1,500 e-bikes, with a total budget of $3 million.
Q: Who was eligible to apply?
A: California residents 18 years and older with an annual household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level were eligible.
Q: What is the average cost of an e-bike?
A: The average cost of an e-bike is around $2,000, although some models can cost up to $6,000.
Q: What is the purpose of the E-Bike Incentive Program?
A: The program aims to reduce the cost barrier for residents to purchase e-bikes, with the goal of reducing car trips and greenhouse gas emissions.
