How to Get an E-Bike Voucher

The final lottery for Santa Monica's E-Bike Voucher Program has been completed and applications are now closed. Any future program updates and announcements will be posted here. 

Good news! The State of California is launching its own e-bike voucher program and applications open December 18th! Check out their program by clicking here!

The City of Santa Monica’s E-bike Voucher Program will award approximately 90 vouchers to qualified Santa Monica residents to cover the cost of an e-bike, and safety equipment like a helmet, lights, and/or a bike lock. Each voucher is worth up to $2,000 to be used at the time of purchase and will be awarded through a series of lotteries. To be eligible to receive a voucher, residents must meet defined income criteria. Vouchers will be redeemable at several participating Santa Monica shops.

It is important to note that Santa Monica’s E-bike Voucher Program is not a rebate program. Residents must apply and be awarded a voucher prior to purchasing their e-bike. No reimbursement for the purchase of an e-bike will be made prior to being awarded a voucher. 

Increasing equity in access to e-bikes and their benefits is a key pillar of this program. Distinct from the City’s Electrify Santa Monica Rebate Program, the E-Bike Voucher program aims to serve low- and moderate-income households and waives any upfront costs that typically exclude such communities from taking advantage of rebate programs. If selected to receive an e-bike voucher, recipients will not need to pay any upfront costs to the bike shop or wait for reimbursement. The voucher will directly cover the cost of the e-bike and accompanying equipment (up to $2,000) at the time of sale.  

Applications will remain open until all funds are exhausted. Due to limited funding, vouchers will be awarded through a lottery system, NOT first-come-first-served basis. All applicants, regardless of the date they apply, will be entered into a lottery to receive an e-bike voucher. 

Current Lottery Dates: 

July 17th Recipients have been notified via email

August 14th Recipients have been notified via email

September 16th Recipients have been notified via email 

NEW: December 3rd - Recipients have been notified via email

Any remaining vouchers will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. 


To learn more about the voucher process, see below. 

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact:  

(310)-458-2201 ext. 2504

bikevoucher@santamonica.gov 


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Continue the Process:

  1. Determine Your Eligibility

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    To be eligible for an e-bike voucher, applicants must be 18 years or older, a Santa Monica resident AND meet income defined criteria. Applicants can meet income qualifications through ONE of the following criteria:  


    • Enrollment in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); or  
    • Enrollment in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); or 
    • Enrollment of a dependent in a Free or Reduced Lunch Program in Santa Monica; or
    • Participation in utility discounted rate programs such as CARE, FERA or Medical Baseline discounted rate programs; or  
    • Live in a unit that is deed restricted affordable housing; or  
    • Live in a unit that is affordable housing provided by Community Corporation of Santa Monica; or  
    • Meet definition of low-income at 80% Area Median Income and complete a low income eligibility form


    Low income eligibility forms are also available in Spanish. 

    *If you have any questions regarding the low-income eligibility form, please contact  bikevoucher@santamonica.gov*

          • Submit Your Application

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            Interested residents can fill out our online application here. Si prefiere completar la solicitud en español, haga clic aquí. 

            Paper applications in English and Spanish are also available. Please contact us if you prefer a paper copy or need any help filling out our application: 

            (310)-458-2201 ext. 2504

            bikevoucher@santamonica.gov

            There are no restrictions on the number of applications per household. However, please only fill out ONE application per qualified individual.

          • Congratulations! You Have Been Selected

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            After submitting your application and supporting documents, you will be entered into the applicant pool for the voucher lottery. Voucher lotteries will be held on July 17th, August 14th, and September 10th.

            If your application is not selected, it will be rolled over to the next lottery drawing until funds are exhausted. No need to reapply!

            If you are selected, you will be sent an email confirming you have received a voucher. The email will include information on the required League for American Bicyclist 'Smart Cycling' online safety training and next steps to redeem your voucher.  

            You will be required to complete the safety training and initial participation survey prior to receiving your e-bike. 

            Vouchers must be redeemed within 90 days of award date. 

          • Redeeming Your Voucher

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            Vouchers will only be redeemable from the following 3 participating Santa Monica bike shops: 

            1. Helen’s Cycles – 2501 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90404 
            2. Bike Attack Electric - 2904 Main St, Santa Monica CA 90405 
            3. The Bike Center- 1555 2nd St, Santa Monica CA 90401 

            After choosing a participating bike shop, take your voucher code and personal ID to receive your e-bike. Bike safety training and initial survey must be completed in order to receive your e-bike.  

          • Enjoy Your E-Bike!

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