Oct. 21: Test ride and explore benefits of electric bikes, scooters, and cars

Jump on an electric scooter, ride an e-bike, climb into an electric car and discover how you can electrify your own ride at an event highlighting zero-emission transportation.

You can also learn about credits, rebates, grants, and loans that help lower the cost of buying an electric car or e-bike. Meet people who already own one and ask them about their experiences.

The event will also include resources for how you can make your home a clean energy source for your battery-powered mobility through discounted rooftop solar programs offered by Bay Area SunShares.

Today's electric vehicles and e-bikes offer significant range, options to fit your budget, and the convenience of charging at home, work, or on the road. Also, you don’t have to buy your ride. You can borrow an electric scooter, bike, or car through various vendors in Berkeley.

Street parking is limited; please consider taking BART to the North Berkeley station or AC Transit Bus #52. Bike parking is available.

Incentives for electric vehicles and e-bikes

There are also ways to lessen the cost of buying your electric ride.

Federal tax credits and rebates from the State of California make electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids more affordable to purchase or lease. Additionally, income-qualified drivers can apply for grants and rebates to reduce the upfront costs of buying or leasing a new or used electric, plug-in hybrid, or hybrid vehicle.

See what other incentives for e-bikes may also be available or are in the works. E-bikes are versatile vehicles for hilly or long commutes, as well as recreational rides. They provide the power to climb inclines longer, adventure farther, or just get there a bit faster without the sweat.

Explore electric mobility events, resources

Take a closer look at electric cars and bikes further with weekly informational workshops or shows from  Ride and Drive Clean and sign up for announcements for the preferred pricing  electric car discount program. 

Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gases locally, statewide, and nationally. Reducing the carbon impact of vehicles primarily requires reducing car trips, which Berkeley supports through a variety of strategies, including improving access to transit with programs like shared cars, bikes, and scooters. For those who have to drive, electric vehicles also help our climate and improve local air quality.

If you come out October 21, you can also take part in the City’s Harvest Festival at Cedar Rose Park – where the City will have crafts, games, food, live music and more. The Ride Electric event is hosted in partnership with the Planning Department and the Ecology Center. 

Come learn about electric bikes, scooters and vehicles. Someday, you may want to electrify your ride.

Links

• Ride Electric at the Harvest Festival
• Discounted Rooftop Solar Program: Bay Area SunShares
• Electric Mobility:
  • Ride and Drive Clean
  • Federal tax credits for new and pre-owned electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles
  • Income qualified incentives for electric vehicles and charging
  • E-bike incentives
  • Shared electric bikes and scooters in Berkeley