California E-Bike Rebate & Incentive Guide 2026: State and Local Programs

California has long been a leader in e-bike incentive programs, and while the landscape has shifted significantly heading into 2026, there are still excellent opportunities for Golden State residents to save on electric bike purchases. This comprehensive guide covers every active program, eligibility requirement, and tip you need to know.

Statewide CARB Program — Now Concluded

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) E-Bike Incentive Project was one of the nation's most generous programs, offering up to $2,000 in vouchers for income-qualified residents. The program launched in December 2022 and concluded in December 2025. Despite overwhelming demand with hundreds of thousands of applicants, the program was not renewed with additional state funding.

However, multiple local and utility-based programs remain active across the state, and some offer equally compelling savings.

Ava Community Energy E-Bike Rebate (East Bay Area) — Active!

One of the largest active e-bike rebate programs in California:

Key Details

• Total Funding: $8.4 million in rebates
• Timeline: July 2025 through September 2026
• Total Rebates Available: Approximately 8,000
• Income-Qualified Set-Aside: 40% of funds reserved for income-qualified applicants
• Service Area: Residents within Ava Community Energy's service territory in the East Bay (including parts of Alameda County)
• Selection Method: Rebate drawings (lottery-based)

How to Apply

1. Visit Ava Community Energy's Bike Electric page
2. Check if a rebate drawing is currently open
3. Submit your application during the open enrollment period
4. If selected, you'll receive a rebate voucher to use at a participating retailer

Other Active Local California Programs

LADWP (Los Angeles Department of Water and Power)

• LADWP has offered e-bike rebates in previous years
• Check LADWP's website for 2026 program updates
• LA residents should also monitor the South Coast Air Quality Management District for incentives

SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District)

• SMUD has periodically offered e-bike incentives to customers
• Check SMUD's website for current offerings

Bay Area Air Quality Management District

• May offer clean transportation incentives including e-bikes
• Visit BAAQMD's website for details

CalBike — Your Best Resource for Finding Programs

The California Bicycle Coalition (CalBike) maintains the most comprehensive and regularly updated list of all active e-bike purchase incentives across California. This should be your first stop when looking for programs near you.

👉 CalBike E-Bike Purchase Incentives Directory

Eligibility Requirements (General)

While each program has specific requirements, most California e-bike incentive programs share these common criteria:

• Residency: Must be a California resident within the program's service area
• Age: Must be 18 years or older
• E-Bike Class: Most programs cover Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes; some include Class 3
• New Purchase: Must be a new e-bike (used bikes generally don't qualify)
• Income Qualification: Enhanced rebates available for residents earning below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $46,000/year for an individual in 2026)

Qualifying E-Bike Classes

Tips for California E-Bike Buyers

1. Check your local utility first: Many California utilities offer their own e-bike rebates independent of state programs
2. Bookmark CalBike: Their incentive page is the single best resource for tracking all active programs
3. Apply for income-qualified programs: If you earn below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may qualify for significantly enhanced rebates
4. Act fast: California programs historically exhaust funding very quickly due to high demand
5. Sign up for notifications: Most programs offer email alerts for when new application windows open
6. Keep all documentation: Save receipts, proof of residency, and income verification documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CARB statewide program coming back?

As of February 2026, there has been no announcement of a renewal of the CARB E-Bike Incentive Project. However, advocacy groups continue to push for new state-level funding.

Can I combine multiple rebates?

Generally, you cannot stack multiple e-bike rebates on the same purchase, but check each program's specific rules.

Do I need to buy from a specific retailer?

Most programs require purchase from a participating retailer within the program's service area. Check each program's retailer list.

What if I miss the application window?

Most programs run in rounds. If you miss one, sign up for notifications about the next round.

Save Big on Your California E-Bike at FavoriteBikes

California's year-round riding weather makes it the perfect state for e-biking. At FavoriteBikes, we offer premium electric bikes designed for everything from coastal cruising to urban commuting to trail riding. Pair your local rebate with our competitive prices for maximum savings.

👉 Shop FavoriteBikes.com — Your California E-Bike Headquarters

Official Resources

• CARB E-Bike Incentive Project (concluded)
• CalBike — All Active E-Bike Incentives in California
• Ava Community Energy E-Bike Rebate

Disclaimer: Incentive programs, rebate amounts, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines are subject to change without notice. The information in this article is based on publicly available data as of February 2026. Always verify current program details directly with the administering agency before making a purchase. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.