Skip to main content

Berkeley E-Bike Equity Project

Climate benefits to Berkeley residents

About the Berkeley E-Bike Equity Project

“The freedom and possibilities unlocked by having an independent mode of transportation are life-changing. I want to ride forever!” – Hanne

Through the Berkeley E-Bike Equity Project, Waterside Workshops has distributed 56 electric bikes (e-bikes) to  income-qualified Berkeley households for their long-term use. The program is part of the City of Berkeley’s Pilot Climate Equity Fund, which was established in 2022 to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the impact of climate change on low-income residents. Additional funding for this project is provided by the UC Berkeley Chancellor’s Community Partnership Fund.

Although low-income households produce relatively small amounts of greenhouse gases, they are harmed disproportionately by environmental pollution and climate disasters caused by global warming. The Berkeley E-Bike Equity Project seeks to increase e-bike access within the city, helping to provide mobility and climate resilience benefits to Berkeley residents.

“Micro-mobility and modal shift are key strategies to meet our climate action goals,” said Councilmember Terry Taplin, who represents District 2 in the City of Berkeley and serves as an Advisory Board Member for Waterside Workshops. “Climate justice means making meaningful and reparative investments in frontline communities. I could not be more excited for Waterside’s e-bike project.”

In partnership with GRID Alternatives Bay Area, community outreach around the project commenced in October 2022, and over 600 applications for the project were received in February and March 2023. Using a lottery process, 56 Berkeley residents were selected to participate. In order to qualify, applicants submitted documentation showing that they are a Berkeley resident, over 18 years of age, and have a household income of less than 80% of the area median income (AMI) for Alameda County or currently participate in an income-qualified program such as SNAP, PG&E CARE, or Medicaid.

Distribution of e-bikes began in May 2023 and concluded in June 2023. Participants are submitting quarterly odometer readings and surveys about their e-bike riding habits, helping to inform future climate equity actions. In the first three months of the program, riders traveled a total of 6,504 miles, and 76% of participants reported spending less on transportation.

“I no longer depend on public transportation or ride sharing. I use the e-bike for all of my travels.” – Julio

“We’re excited to partner with the City of Berkeley and GRID Alternatives to offer climate resilience benefits to our community members,” said Neil Larsen, former Executive Director of Waterside Workshops. “Expanding access to e-bikes will help make our city greener and improve the mobility of our neighbors who may have limited transportation options.”

As a key component of the project, Waterside is offering high-road workforce training to youth bike mechanics participating in paid job training internships. Interns helped assemble the e-bikes and are performing quarterly maintenance checks and repairs, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in a rapidly expanding segment of the bike industry.

“We look forward to working with Waterside Workshops to implement this forward-thinking project that combines providing clean mobility options and workforce development for residents and youth of the City of Berkeley,” said Arthur Bart-Williams, Executive Director of GRID Alternatives Bay Area.

Thank you for your interest in this project. If you have additional questions, please contact us

Media Links:

KCBS: Berkeley’s pilot research program leases e-bikes to low-income residents

KCBS: Berkeley pilot program offers free e-bikes to low-income residents

Berkeleyside: Low-income Berkeley residents can apply now for a free e-bike

“I can get places without being tired and sweaty and not have to worry about parking. It’s so awesome!” – Rosemary
“For most errands that I used to drive to, I now ride my e-bike.” – Sherry
“Since I commute on bike roads, I have been exploring some areas that were unknown to me before.” – Hyung Joo
“I’m more willing to make trips into areas where parking can be a hassle. Also with proper planning shorter trips can be faster by e-bike.” – Devonte
“I use my car very little, which was my hope in having an e-bike.” – Emerald
“I find I have a better sense of the different neighborhoods, the businesses and homes I’m traveling by, and how things fit together geographically. It’s also changed my perception of what’s ‘close’ vs. ‘far away.'” – LeeAnn