Joey SoCal here already has his e-Bike, and it’s a major part of his identity! He’ll start praising it in a sort of drony, nasal monotone whenever anyone comes within 20 feet of him, and he won’t stop until the sun goes down and his battery’s dead and he’s stranded at the beach! Now you can be just like Joey … but without paying full price. Photo via Pexels.

Press release from the Redwood Coast Energy Authority:

The Redwood Coast Energy Authority’s local electric bicycle voucher program starts today. This voucher program aims to cut E-Bike prices and all RCEA customers can apply for a voucher valued between $150 - $350. Income-qualified RCEA customers can receive a $500 - $700 voucher, and eligible adaptive E- Bike riders may receive a $1,000 voucher.

Using E-Bikes instead of cars to go to work, visit friends and run errands can help reduce the number of cars on the road. This in turn cuts down on fossil fuel use, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. RCEA staff expect high demand for these E-Bike vouchers and worked with local groups to help income-qualified residents respond quickly at program launch time.

Another program goal is to help customers buy quality, durable E-Bikes that can be maintained and repaired locally. Voucher holders can purchase eligible standard, adaptive, and cargo E-Bikes at one of five participating Humboldt bike shops: Adventure’s Edge, N.E.R.D. Scooters, Pacific Outfitters, Sport & Cycle, and Revolution Bicycles. Visit redwoodenergy.org/e-bikes-information/ to ap\N\Nply for an RCEA E-Bike voucher, learn about income requirements, and see voucher program terms and conditions.

About RCEA

In 2003, the County of Humboldt, the seven cities within the County and Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District formed the Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA). The Yurok Tribe and Blue Lake Rancheria joined RCEA in 2023. RCEA’s purpose is to develop and implement initiatives that reduce energy demand, increase energy efficiency, and advance the use of renewable resources available in the region. For more information, visit redwoodenergy.org.