MassBike was initially awarded grant funding through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC) new Accelerating Clean Transportation for All (ACT4All) Program to conduct a 2-year program to distribute approximately 100 electric bicycles and track their usage amongst select populations in the City of Worcester. We're leading a team including the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, community-based organizations, and the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) to deploy e-bikes to low-income residents throughout Worcester. 

In 2024, MassBike received a mini-grant from the MassCEC to launch an expanded second phase of our e-bike program. 

MassBike E-Bike Program Phase 2

MassBike has received a mini-grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for a second-round e-bike program to increase access to e-bikes in Worcester County. This program is expanded to include more eligible communities and a new incentive option that provides a 60-75% rebate based on income level.

The 2024 Worcester E-Bike Program application process closed on March 31st. We received 556 applications. 

The steps performed for the selection process are listed below:

Step 1: For the purposes of eligibility, the following applications were not considered:

  • Incomplete applications
  • Applicants neither live nor work in any of the participating towns (relates to two questions: Contact information-City & What city are you employed?)
  • Applicants under age 18
  • Applicants who did not have health insurance
  • Applicants who said they had never ridden a bike (for safety reasons) 
  • Applicants who do not know where they would store their bike (for security reasons)
  • Applicants whose income is above the 80% State Median Income. 

Step 2: The program will aim to equitably deploy approximately 105 e-bikes, based on population and the number of eligible applications received per municipality.

Step 3: The selection of the applicants for the phone interview will begin randomly with all the eligible applications received. MassBike will conduct interviews to ensure that the applicants fully understand the commitment they are making to the program. Some applicants may opt out, be determined not to be a strong fit, or not comply with documentation requirements; the selection interviews will continue randomly until all the e-bikes are deployed.

 

Eligibility Requirements

This program is for people who are 18+ years old and who live and/or work in the following towns: Auburn, Millbury, Grafton, Shrewsbury, Boylston, West Boylston, Holden, Paxton, Leicester, Westborough, & Worcester.

Priority preference will be given to income-qualified applicants. Priority will be given to applicants whose annual household gross income is below 80% of the State Median Income. Please see the chart below for priority eligible maximum income levels by household size.

 

E-Bike Incentive Options

There are two incentive models available. The program will determine which option you qualify for based on your household income.

  • 60-75% model: The program will cover between 60-75% of the cost of the bike and accessories or up to $1,500, whichever is less.
  • 100% model: The program will cover 100% of the cost of the e-bike and accessories. 

 

Reporting Requirements

Selected participants will be required to provide weekly riding data for six months and participate in at least one group bike ride. Once the program has concluded, participants will own the e-bike and accessories, if these requirements are met. 

 

Application and Selection Process

The application process is now closed. All applicants will receive a notification, whether they are selected or not. The selection method used to determine the participants will be explained on our website in the coming weeks.

 

Please reach out to Alex Salcedo at [email protected] with any questions.

E-Bike Worcester - Phase 1 (2022-2024)

Program Details

During the first phase of our Worcester E-Bike Program, we distributed 98 electric assist-bicycles to Worcester area residents. We also trained riders through safe cycling and maintenance courses, and coordinated community events to encourage everyday riding. 

Program Timeline

  • May 2022 - Program application launch
  • Thursday, June 30, 2022 - Applications Due
  • July/August 2022 - Program participants selected
  • August-November 2022 - Round 1: E-Bikes distributed to participants
  • Spring 2023 - Round 2: E-Bikes distributed to participants
  • Summer/Fall 2023 - Data collection & community engagement
  • Winter/Spring 2024 - Data collection & participant celebration

Program Data

After we close out data collection for each month, we add it to this publicly accessible spreadsheet which you can view here: MassBike Worcester E-Bike Program Public Data

Blogs

Want to learn more? Email Alex at [email protected] for more information.

MassBike works tirelessly to make the Massachusetts E-Bike Rebate Program a reality. To stay up to speed on our continued legislative advocacy concerning e-bikes and other bicycling-related developments across the state, make sure you’re on our email list!

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Worcester E-Bike Program Update - December 2022

 

Worcester E-Bike Program Participant Video

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