Lower-income residents could start the new year running errands on an electric bicycle under a new California subsidy program.

State air-quality officials are launching a program Dec. 18 to provide vouchers up to $2,000 to buy an e-bike. 

But in a touch of irony, none of the participating dealers are in San Joaquin County. The closest ones are in Modesto, Elk Grove and Livermore.

The Legislature has authorized $3 million to provide vouchers to qualified individuals to purchase an expected 1,500 e-bikes. The bikes are intended to provide mobility as an alternative to driving a car. 

E-bikes are pedaled like conventional bicycles but provide an electric assist to make the trip easier. State officials hope the program will result in a dual benefit — one for low-income residents, the other for everyone else.

“By using e-bikes, people can get around and meet everyday needs while improving air quality,” Steven Cliff, executive officer of the California Air Resources Board, said in a statement. 

Priority will be given to those who earn the least, with a sliding scale pegged to federal poverty levels. 

An individual living alone would need to show income of no more than $33,885 a year to qualify for a voucher. For a family of four, the limit is $70,200.

In the next tier, the limit is $45,180 for a single person and $93,600 for family of four.

The program is open to those 18 or older who have a California drivers license or state-issued ID card. After filling out the online application and being approved, those deemed eligible will be emailed a voucher that can be taken to an authorized e-bike dealer to make their purchase.