Buy a new ebike and apply for a cash rebate of $150-$300!
✅ E-Bikes: Class 1, 2, or 3
✅ E-Bike Conversion Kits
✅ Electric Mopeds: Max speed <30 MPH
- Cash Back… What’s the Catch?
- Who Can Apply?
- How Big of a Rebate?
- Low Income = Larger Rebate
- Why Ride an E-Bike?
- What Is an E-Bike?
- Shopping for Your New E-Bike
- Riding Your E-Bike: Safety, Regional Trails, Resources
- Program FAQ
- Eligibility, Terms & Conditions
- Apply for a Rebate
Cash Back… What’s the Catch?
No catch! We want you to show and tell the world that e-bikes are the way to go. Talk to your neighbors and give test rides to your friends. Zoom up hills and show off how much fun you’re having. Go ahead and brag about how far you’ve ridden and how many places you can reach without your car.
Who Can Apply?
Adults (18+) living in Contra Costa County can apply for a rebate for a new e-bike purchased within the last six months. Limits: one rebate per person and one rebate (maximum) per home address.
How Big of a Rebate?
Rebates of $150 and $300 are available. The 511 Contra Costa e-bike rebate is $150 for eligible applicants. If you are income qualified, your rebate increases to $300.
Low Income = Larger Rebate
County residents with total household incomes of less than or equal to 400% of current Federal Poverty Guidelines may be eligible for a rebate of up to $300. (Total household income based on federal taxable income.)
Income Eligibility
400% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
| Household Size | Max. Household Income |
| 1 | $60,240 |
| 2 | $81,760 |
| 3 | $103,280 |
| 4 | $124,800 |
| 5 | $146,320 |
| 6 | $167,840 |
| 7 | $189,360 |
| 8 | $210,880 |
Why Ride an E-Bike?
 | Save money by not driving |
 | Personal on-demand mobility |
 | Easy riding for adults of all ages and fitness levels |
 | It’s fun (especially on hills) |
 | Sweat-free biking lets you arrive fresh |
 | Zero greenhouse gas emissions |
 | Enjoy the outdoors and avoid sitting in traffic |
What is an E-Bike?
Class 1 e-bikes are powered assisted up to 20 MPH, but only when the rider pedals.
Class 2 e-bikes have throttles that can propel the bike without any pedaling by the rider, up to speeds of 20 MPH.
Class 3 e-bikes may or may not have a throttle, but the upgraded motors can provide power assistance up to 28 MPH.
E-Bike Conversion Kits can be professionally installed on a traditional bike, adding an electric motor to the front or back wheel.
Shopping for Your New E-Bike
E-bikes and electric mopeds range in price, and many models can be found in the $1,000-$1,500 range.
Bike shops sell fully assembled bikes which undergo complete tune-ups before they leave the store, while bikes which are ordered online often come partially assembled, and buyers may have trouble with assembly. Bike shop staff can help buyers select the right size bike, and they often offer free future tune-ups or minor adjustments.
Before purchasing an e-bike online, consider checking with your local bike shop or bike mechanic to see if they can perform long-term maintenance on the brand you’re considering. All products should offer a one-year warranty, at a minimum.
—Jackson, Pleasant Hill
Riding Your E-Bike
E-Bikes on Trails
East Bay Regional Park District trail rules allow the use of Class 1 electric bikes on all trails where traditional bikes are allowed. Class 2 electric bikes are permitted on all paved regional trails. Class 3 e-bikes, mopeds, and electric scooters and skateboards are currently prohibited. All bikes must follow the 15 MPH speed limit, and riders must ring or call out before passing other trail users.
Regional trails in Contra Costa which allow e-bikes:
- Big Break Trail
- Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail (Paved Sections)
- Contra Costa Canal Trail
- Delta De Anza Trail
- George Miller Trail
- Iron Horse Trail
- Lafayette-Moraga Trail
- Marsh Creek Trail (Paved Sections)
- San Pablo Bay Trail
Helmets
Helmets can prevent severe injury and are highly recommended for use by all age groups. Children under the age of 18 are legally required to wear a helmet while riding bikes, scooters, or skateboards. All adults and children must wear a helmet while riding Class 3 e-bikes and mopeds.
Adults are not legally required to wear helmets while riding Class 1 or 2 e-bikes, but 511 Contra Costa strongly recommends the use of helmets for all riders.
Security
Parking an e-bike can be a lot easier than parking a car. In fact, some businesses and employers even allow riders to lock bikes inside the building.
If possible, use bike racks located in well-lit areas, and choose a high-quality lock to secure your bike. (Visit your local bike shop for recommendations.) In addition to locking the frame, some riders also choose to lock the removable components, such as the wheels and seat.
E-bike batteries may be easily removable and are expensive to replace. Most batteries come with a factory locking solution, such as a key lock, but taking the battery with you is another option. E-bikes can be stored in bike lockers and at Bike Stations found at some BART stations.
Additional Articles, Tips & Resources
- AARP recommends e-bikes for older adults
- Cycling Keeps You Young
- Bicycle Safety Tips & Sharing the Road
- California’s E- Bike Laws
- Bicycle Safety Education Classes from Bike East Bay
- Smart Cycling Videos
- 14 Commuter Pros Share Their Secrets (Bicycling.com)
- Bay Area Bike Access On Transit, Bridges & Tunnels
- E-bike Battery Safety
E-Bike Rebate Program FAQ
Q: Can I get a rebate for the purchase of a traditional, non-electric bike?
A: No. We encourage traditional bicycling as a clean mobility option and incentivize this mode choice through various other programs including the Summer Bike Challenge, Bike to Work Day, and the Drive Less commuter incentive.
Q: Can I get a rebate for an e-scooter or e-skateboard?
A: Not at this time. While 511CC supports the use of all micromobility options, e-scooters and e-skateboards do not qualify for this rebate program.
Q: Can I get a rebate for a bike that I order for someone who lives outside of Contra Costa County?
A: No. This program is paid for by our local half-cent sales tax for the purpose of reducing air pollution and traffic congestion within Contra Costa County.
Q: Can I get a rebate for an electric motorcycle?
A: No. While 511CC supports the use of all types of electric vehicles over those with internal combustion engines, electric motorcycles are freeway capable and not considered micromobility, which is the focus of this program. E-motorcycles may be eligible for other rebate programs.
Q: To get a rebate, does my e-bike have to have pedals?
A: YES. E-bikes must have pedals to qualify for a rebate. (Foot pegs do not qualify as pedals.)
Q: Do used e-bikes qualify for rebates?
A: No. 511CC supports sustainability, including the principle of reduce, reuse, and recycle. For those who do not want to purchase a new e-bike, participants can receive a rebate by purchasing a new e-bike conversion kit and having it professionally installed on their traditional bike.
Q: Do I have to purchase my e-bike at a bike shop?
A: No, but it is recommended. Please note: CA sales tax must be paid to receive a 511CC rebate.
Q: Do I have to do anything else after I get my rebate?
A: Participants will receive an email with a link to complete a short online survey both two and twelve months after the rebate is issued.
Q: Will rebates only be available to people who commute to a place of work?
A: No. Rebates will be available for any Contra Costa resident 18 years of age or older.
Q: What if I buy an e-bike online and am not charged CA sales tax?
A: Proof of CA sales tax is required to receive a rebate. Please inquire with the seller to obtain proof of sales tax prior to submitting your application for a rebate.
Eligibility, Rules, Terms and Conditions
Apply for A Rebate
Rebate applications will only be accepted after you have purchased your e-bike. You will need to upload four photos or PDFs:
- Your driver’s license or ID to show you meet 18+ age qualification
- A recent utility bill (or other official correspondence) that shows your name and current Contra Costa home address
- Your sales receipt must show a purchase date within six months of your rebate application, sales tax, and the make/model and price of your e-bike
- Your e-bike’s serial number (on the bike itself)
- If applying for the $300 income-qualified rebate, you will also need to provide proof of income eligibility by uploading either a statement that shows current enrollment in a public assistance program OR your most recent tax return (omit social security numbers, please).
Questions?
If you have any questions about the program, please email us at rebate@511cc.org.
Funding
511 Contra Costa is a program of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority. Funding for this program is provided from the local Measure J half-cent sales tax, which supports programs encouraging alternatives to the single occupant vehicle.
