Everybody get your roll on! As we celebrate Florida Bike Month, gear up and join the City of Tampa on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, for the exciting re-launch of the popular eBike Voucher Program! The kick-off event will include a hands-on eBike-Rodeo where community members can take an eBike for a free test-ride.
After an overwhelmingly successful debut last year, the City of Tampa's eBike Voucher Program is returning, and it's bigger and better than ever.
New for 2024, program funding has grown significantly to $570,000, an increase of $400,000. That additional funding will allow the city to give away more vouchers (260) and make a wider variety of eBikes available (both Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles).
The eBike Voucher Program is an application-based, lottery-style drawing that awards participants up to $3,000 dollars off the purchase of a brand-new eBike from one of five participating bike shops. It is NOT a free bike giveaway.
Last year, the City received nearly 1,000 applications and awarded close to 200 eBike vouchers.
Due to demand, this year the program is being split into two rounds - Spring and Fall 2024.
The first application window went live Friday, March 1, at 8am and runs through 5pm Friday, March 15. Sign-ups can be done online at tampa.gov/ebike. Sign-ups will also take place in person at one of four eBike Rodeo events or at the City's Parking offices located in the Fort Brooke Garage, 107 N Franklin St.
City of Tampa residents ages 18+ must submit a signed-purchase quote from a participating bike shop to qualify. This is to inform each applicant about any additional costs associated with buying an eBike, it does NOT lock you into a purchase. However, buyers WILL be required to purchase a new helmet along with their eBike.
The lucky winners will receive one of three vouchers:
- Standard Voucher - $1,000 off a new eBike
- Low Income Voucher - $2,000 off a new eBike
- Very Low-Income Voucher - $3,000 off a new eBike
New this year, recipients may use their voucher to purchase either a Class 1 eBike: pedal assisted with no throttle or a Class 2 eBike: pedal and/or throttle assisted. Adaptive eBikes for individuals with specialized needs will also be available.
"With more than 130 miles of bike lanes in Tampa, and many more on the way, there has never been a better time to try out an eBike," said Mayor Jane Castor. "They are fun, environmentally friendly, and help remove cars from our congested roadways."
In addition to the eBike Rodeo on March 5, additional rodeos are planned for:
- Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 5-7pm at Copeland Park (11001 N. 15th St.)
- Thursday, March 14, 2024, 5-7pm at Ballast Point Park (2300 Interbay Blvd.)
To learn more, visit the City of Tampa Mobility Department webpage.
Media outlets planning to attend Tuesday's event are asked to RSVP by emailing media@tampagov.net