Tampa residents gathered at Al Lopez Park to learn about and apply for the city’s eBike Voucher Program, which offers residents a chance to receive up to $3,000 toward the purchase of an e-bike at local bike shops.
The program launched in 2023 and has distributed more than 450 vouchers to date.
There are three types of vouchers available this year: a $1,000 voucher for Tampa residents age 18 and older; and $2,000 and $3,000 vouchers for residents who meet income qualifications. Applicants seeking the higher-value vouchers must provide additional household income documentation to verify eligibility.
Austin Britt, the city’s parking and micromobility planning coordinator, helped organize the event at Al Lopez Park and said the initiative is designed to make alternative transportation more accessible for residents.
“We have 248 total vouchers to award, which comes out to about 80 in each of the three different categories,” Britt said.
He said the program has already received over 400 applications for the 248 vouchers available.
“I’m really excited to see many applicants. But we are hosting these community events for people who maybe aren’t familiar with the eBike Program, and want to talk to somebody about the voucher program or try one,” Britt said.
There are four events across the city. Two have already taken place. The next event is Feb. 23, at Copeland Park, and the final event will take place on Feb. 25 at Himes Sports Complex. Each event begins at 5:30 p.m.
“Coming to these events is a great idea, and I encourage anyone who wants to apply to come to one of these events,” Britt said. “We are able to get a larger majority of our participating bike shops here. So the applicant is actually able to meet with those different bike shops in one place rather than having to go to each of those stores.”
As part of the application, applicants are required to obtain a signed purchase quote from the bike shop where they intend to buy an eBike.
“This is another reason it's great to come to these events. You can actually pick up that paper here, fully apply for the program and leave with a completed application and not have to worry about it,” Britt said.
Michael Joyce is the Owner of Emoto Supply Co. and he said this program has been a strong partnership in helping more customers purchase eBikes.
“Austins given me a lot of stories on people over the last couple years that have medical conditions or low income and they don't have transportation to get to their doctors appointments or jobs,” Joyce said.
Joyce said his business, which opened 14 months ago, joined the voucher program to help provide transportation options for those who need it most.
“For us, it’s really to educate them on how the program works. A lot of people need one and two class eBike,” Joyce said.
The voucher program qualifies for class one and two eBikes only. A class one eBike is pedal-assist only, with speeds up to 20 mph. Class two eBike is pedal and throttle-assist, also up to 20 mph. The program also offers vouchers for adaptive eBikes for residents with disabilities.
“Theres a bunch of people coming in who have no clue what the product would qualify for or what the price points are. A majority of our bikes run between $1,000 to $2,500,” Joyce said.
Another company at the event was Tampa Bay eBikes. This bike shop has been participating in the voucher program since it began.
Darren Scott is an employee with Tampa Bay eBikes and he said it's been really exciting to be a part of the program.
“I think getting people back outside, especially after COVID-19, and on bikes. It’s great for the city of Tampa. It’s great for the people that are getting the bikes to help with transportation,” Scott said.
He said the program has increased interest in using e-bikes as a primary form of transportation and has also benefited small businesses.
“Each voucher program has brought more people in. It's put more foot traffic in the store,” Scott said.
He said Tampa needs more public transportation and eBikes are helping bring attention to that need.
“Being here since 2003, it’s great to see additions like the river walk. There are more access points now than ever for cyclists. I would like to see more safer, longer paths around Tampa, but you know this is a great start,” Scott said.
Stores participating in the voucher program must meet regulatory requirements, including offering batteries with UL certification.
At the event, residents filed out applications on-site. Residents can also apply online at Tampa.gov. The application window closes at 5 p.m. on Feb. 27.
