Baltimore City to help up to 50 residents purchase e-bikes

A Baltimore City Department of Transportation pilot program will help up to 50 city residents purchase electric bikes this fall.

Applications will open in September for Baltimore City residents to enter a lottery for a voucher worth between $750 and $2,000, depending on income, to go toward an e-bike. At least half the vouchers will be reserved for lower-income residents, according to a city news release last week. Once the application period begins, the city will announce the names of the participating local bike stores that will accept the vouchers.

“By providing financial support, especially income-qualified individuals, we aim to make e-biking an affordable and sustainable transportation option for more residents,” the department wrote in the release.

The city also aims for the program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve traffic congestion on the roads, the department wrote.

Those chosen to participate with receive an email and instructions on how to redeem their e-bike voucher. They will need to use it within 45 days.

To receive the higher-dollar vouchers, applicants must provide proof of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, which can include an Electronic Benefits Transfer card, or proof of Medicaid enrollment, such as a Medicaid ID card.

Recipients of the vouchers will be eligible for e-bikes with a motor of up to 750W designed reach a maximum speed of and disengage at 28 mph.

Last month, Baltimore issued a new round of e-bike and e-scooter permits for public use around the city. Vehicles from two San Francisco-based companies, Spin and Lime, can be accessed through a smartphone app or via a text-to-unlock plan.