The pilot program, administered by SANDAG partner, Pedal Ahead, will enable program participants to work toward owning an e-bike by riding a minimum number of miles per month over two years, recording trips, and sharing regular feedback about their experiences. The pilot aligns with SANDAG’s efforts to help people reduce car rides for neighborhood trips, decrease carbon emissions, and better connect to regional transit options.

The pilot program provides each participant with a pedal-assist e-bike in exchange for fulfilling pilot program requirements. The e-bike aids when pedaling and stops assisting upon reaching 20 mph. Pilot participants will be encouraged to use e-bikes to get to work, school, shopping, and recreational destinations.

SANDAG and Pedal Ahead will provide ongoing support to users through personalized onboarding, e-bike education, safety training, e-bike tune-ups, and routine maintenance support. After successful completion of the pilot, participants will be offered ownership of the e-bike.

Some eligibility requirements include:

• Must commit to using the e-bike for a minimum of 100 miles per month. Mileage will be recorded through the free Strava mobile app
• Applicants must be 18 years or older and a resident of San Diego County
• Priority will be given to lower income individuals (annual income of $50,000 or below)

The pilot is one of SANDAG’s Sustainable Transportation Services funded by the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program. To learn more, visit SANDAG E-Bike Incentive Pilot Program.