FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2025

Charlottesville Granting 100 E-Bike Vouchers Worth $1,000 Each in 2025

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA –  The City of Charlottesville is proud to announce the launch of the C’ville E-Bike Voucher Grant Program, a new initiative designed to make electric bicycles more accessible to City residents. This grant-funded pilot program began January 1, 2025, offering $1,000 vouchers to help offset the cost of qualifying e-bikes purchased from participating local retailers.

The program will award 25 vouchers per quarter to eligible Charlottesville residents, supporting the City's commitment to sustainable transportation and improved mobility options. Recipients can redeem their vouchers at participating local bicycle shops: Endeavor Cycles, Blue Ridge Cyclery, and Blue Wheel Bicycles.

"E-bikes represent a transformative transportation solution for Charlottesville," says Tommy Safranek, City of Charlottesville Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator. "Our City's hilly terrain can be challenging on a traditional bike, but e-bikes make it possible for more residents to choose cycling for their daily commutes. This program aligns with our broader goals of reducing emissions, decreasing traffic congestion, and promoting active transportation options that enhance our community's quality of life."

The pilot program is open to all City of Charlottesville residents aged 18 and older, with some exceptions for City employees and their immediate relatives. Households are limited to one entry per quarterly drawing, though those not selected may apply again in subsequent quarters if they haven't previously been awarded a voucher.

As a pilot initiative, the City will gather data on the program's effectiveness and reach, using this information to guide potential modifications and improvements moving forward. The program has partnered with reputable local bike shops to ensure voucher recipients have access to high-quality, reliable e-bikes with dependable warranties and maintenance support.

Quarterly entry periods align with the first month of each quarter (January, April, July, and October) with voucher recipients being notified on the first Wednesday of the following month. For the current quarter, interested residents must submit their entries by 5:00 PM EST on January 31, 2025. For more information and to enter the quarterly voucher drawing, visit cvilleebike.com.

Media Contact
Tommy Safranek
Bike & Pedestrian Coordinator
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3723
safranekt@charlottesville.gov