Californians hoping to earn a state voucher to help buy an electric bike this holiday season instead received seven unwelcome words: “We are no longer accepting applications for incentives.”
This comes after the California Air Resources Board was inundated with applications from residents, with some feeling disappointed or dissatisfied with the process. This is the message posted on the sponsored project’s web page.
The program began accepting online applications Wednesday at 6 p.m. According to the Air Resources Board, nearly 100,000 applications were received within 45 minutes and the application period has now closed.
Some applicants complained that they were unable to log on just minutes after the window opened. Some people posted screenshots on social media showing estimated wait times of more than an hour.
Some users reported that application processes froze or displayed error messages.
Rhys Mendez, the board’s communications director, said a fully staffed team handled the application process, including testing the website and checking for technical issues.
She said the issue could have occurred if users were using multiple devices with one IP address, not updating websites properly, or if their browsers were outdated.
“We also have staffed our helpline and after speaking with our representatives, they reported that those who followed the above advice were able to get in line,” Mendez said.
The Air Resources Board says additional application windows will be announced in the coming days.
Mendez said the board will apply the lessons learned from this launch to future application opportunities.
“The initial launch shows the incredible demand for alternative transportation and the desire to use cleaner mobility options,” Mendez said.
In announcing the program, the Air Resources Board said it would offer up to $2,000 worth of coupons toward the purchase of an e-bike (a bicycle with an electric motor to make pedaling easier).
The board previously announced that the program would start with $3 million and aim to provide vouchers for the purchase of 1,500 electric bikes.
The goal is to lower cost barriers for residents, hopefully reduce car travel, and ultimately reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Electric bicycles vary in price. The average price is about $2,000, but some models can cost more than $6,000, according to outdoor recreation retailer REI. According to Consumer Reports, consumers should avoid extremely low-cost e-bikes that may be of low quality.
“Electric bikes allow people to get around and meet their daily needs while improving air quality,” Stephen Cliff, executive director of the Air Resources Board, said in a statement in early December. said. “It is important to prioritize equity and access as we work towards achieving zero emissions goals, and this incentive program supports that effort by supporting e-bikes as part of the solution. Masu.”
Applications were open to California residents age 18 and older with annual household incomes at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. For example, to qualify, a single-person household must have an annual income of approximately $45,000 or less, and a two-person household must have an annual income of approximately $61,000 or less.
Applicants with incomes at or below 225 percent of the federal poverty level will be given priority on the application list, according to the Air Resources Board. This means that a one-person household earns only about $33,000 and a two-person household earns only $45,000.
