For those who want a two-wheel alternative to driving around Stockton, the city’s not-for-profit electricity provider is offering a break.
Ava Community Energy has announced an electric bicycle rebate program. It covers not only Stockton, but Lathrop, Tracy and several Bay Area cities as well.
Ava became Stockton’s default power provider in April, an alternative to Pacific Gas & Electric. The company’s entry was approved by the Stockton City Council after utility officials showed they could provide electricity at substantially cheaper rates, much of it derived from wind and solar.
Customers of the utility are eligible for rebates from $400 to $900 based on the type of e-bike purchased. Some 40% of the rebates are reserved for lower-income customers who qualify through three programs – California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE), Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) or Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Those customers qualify for deeper rebates, up to $1,500, plus an additional $250 for safety gear.
Between 8,200 and 9,200 rebates will be distributed through September 2026 in what Ava calls a random selection process, with about 600 rebates expected each month. In San Joaquin County, the program is open to customers age 18 and older.
“Consumers are discovering that the electric option – be that a car, an induction cooktop, a heat pump, or a bike – is not only greener, it’s just a better experience,” Howard Chang, Ava’s CEO, said in a statement.
He noted that research shows more than half the daily trips taken in the U.S. are under 3 miles. “Shifting even a portion of those trips from a gas-powered car to an e-bike would have an outsized impact on our residents’ health, the economy and air quality,” Chang said.
Those selected for a rebate voucher can take it to any of the participating bike dealers. In San Joaquin County, those include Robby’s Bicycles in Stockton and Tracy Cyclery in Tracy.
Last December, state air-quality officials launched a program to provide vouchers of up to $2,000 for low-income residents to buy an e-bike. That 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.
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