Getting Around Livable Neighborhoods

Apply for subsidy to buy an electric bicycle

Berkeley residents can enter monthly lottery to win rebate of up to $1,500 to buy an e-bike, making it even easier to bike around Berkeley.

Published:

September 23, 2025

Last Updated:

September 26, 2025

Berkeleyans can apply online for a monthly lottery to get $400 to $1,500 off the purchase of a new electric bicycle – with larger amounts helping lower income residents.

The rebate will cover part of the cost of your new e-bike. Those selected will receive a personalized rebate code via email to buy an e-bike within 60 days from one of more than two dozen shops countywide – including five in Berkeley.

This program is being offered by Ava Community Energy, the local electricity provider for virtually all residential and commercial accounts in Berkeley.

Lower-income Berkeley residents may qualify for a rebate of up to $1,500 as well as $250 for locks, lights, and helmets. Income levels are checked by participation in one of two PG&E energy assistance programs: the California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) or Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA). Contact PG&E to check if you are enrolled or eligible in those PG&E programs.

E-bikes can give riders a much-needed boost when climbing tough hills and covering longer distances. The extra pedal power may give you just the boost you need to switch to two wheels. Take advantage of the expanding, citywide network of protected or traffic-calmed bike lanes and streets.

Apply now for a chance for a subsidy to purchase an electric bike. Learn more about the Ava Bike Electric rebate program.

Monthly drawings until september 2026

If you’re charging your bike in Berkeley, it’s likely to be entirely renewable electricity. Seventy-five percent of Berkeleyans receive 100 percent solar and wind energy through Ava Community Energy.

Ava will be drawing for rebates on the fourth Tuesday of every month until September 2026.

If you apply and are not selected in the next drawing, you will automatically be entered into the next two monthly drawings. If you are not selected after three drawings, Ava will follow up to ask if you will opt in for more drawings or re-apply at a later date. Submitting multiple applications for yourself will not increase your odds of being selected.

Ava allows up to two people per household to apply. If you live with multiple roommates, you may want to discuss which two will apply for a chance at an e-bike before applying.

To buy an e-bike using Ava’s Bike Electric rebate code, you must be 18 years or older, have a photo ID and proof of address.

Support local e-bike shops and programs

Those selected for an e-bike rebate should review Ava Community Energy’s Buyer’s Guide and a list of eligible e-bikes before purchase. When you are ready to buy, consider purchasing from one of five, participating Berkeley-based e-bike shops:

Blue Heron Bikes, 1306 Gilman Street
Mike’s Bikes of Berkeley, 1824 University Avenue
Rad Power Bikes, 2734 San Pablo Avenue
Sports Basement Berkeley, 2727 Milvia Street
Stay True Cycles, 2116 Vine Street

Local community groups are working to expand e-bike access in Berkeley. The Berkeley E-bike Equity Coalition works with residents living in affordable housing units to purchase e-bikes and navigate riding an e-bike in Berkeley, possibly for their first time. Consider donating your time as a volunteer.

Bike around Berkeley to reduce headaches

Both electric and non-electric bicycles take up less space on public roads and do not emit carbon emissions. Riding a bike means not having to worry about finding parking, getting stuck in traffic, and paying for costly maintenance.

A bicycle also allows easier connections to other public transit services, such as BART or AC Transit, for longer distance trips.

The City continues to build more protected bikeways – which separate bicyclists from car traffic using concrete curbs – in Downtown and Southside. These bikeways intersect with a network of bicycle boulevards, which connect to all parts of Berkeley on bike-friendly streets.

If you are unsure about an e-bike, test one by renting a shared e-bike. Bay Wheels rents e-bikes for one-way trips from docking stations throughout Berkeley, Emeryville and a large swath of Oakland. Bay Wheels provides day passes and discounts for lower-income riders.

Join a growing movement of bikes on Berkeley streets. Apply to enter the next monthly drawing for an e-bike rebate.