If you are in the market for a bike this Christmas you might want to send a request up north — to  Sacramento.

The state is using the Yuletide season to gift qualified Californians with $1,750 vouchers to buy e-bikes.

It is part of the California Air Resources Board’s game plan to get zero-emission forms of transportation into the hands of more people.

The first batch of vouchers will be up for grabs online on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. on a first-come, first served basis.

In order to be in the hunt for a voucher you must be:

*a California resident 18 years or older.

*have household income that doesn’t exceed three times the federal poverty level (that translates into $45,180 for one person, $61,280 for two persons, $77,460 for three persons, $93,600 for four persons, $109,740 for five people etc.)

*review an e-bike safety video before receiving the voucher.

The voucher is increased to $2,000 if you reside within a disadvantaged census tract of which Manteca, Lathrop, and Ripon all have at least one.

The vouchers can be used for a Class 1 e-bike (up to 20 mph, pedal assist only), a Class 2 e-bike (up to 20 mph, pedal assist and throttle), and a Class 3 e-bike (up to 28 mph, pedal assist only).

The voucher will also cover accessories such as a helmet, bike lock, racks/baskets, fenders, mirrors, reflective clothing and lights (if not equipped) providing they are purchased at the same time as the e-bike.

Vouchers can also help pay for any assembly and delivery fees as well as any sales taxes associated with eligible purchases. 

There is no cap on the number of vouchers per household.

The initial release on Dec. 18 will include 1,500 vouchers.

Overall, the program is funded with $31 million from California’s Cap and Trade program. that translates inroads roughly 15,000 e-bikes.

Details can be found at ebikeincentives.org

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com