Barragán Introduces Legislation to Create and Expand Electric Bike Share in Disadvantaged Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44) Dec. 7 introduced the E-Bike Share Act, legislation that would establish a program at the U.S. Department of Transportation or DOT to provide grants for electric bike-sharing services in disadvantaged communities.

Electric bike sales are surging, as the level of ridership has doubled nearly every year since 2015. However, the cost of ownership can be a barrier for low-income residents. Municipal bike-share systems are increasingly adopting electric bikes into their systems to grow their popularity. The proposed DOT grant program would accelerate this adoption and deploy an affordable, zero-emission alternative to driving for communities that need it the most. 

“We need to make sure that a zero-emissions future includes areas underserved by transit and provides as many options as possible for all communities. Electric bikes are a critical zero-emission solution that reduces air pollution and combats the climate crisis” said Rep. Barragán. “With the E-Bike Share Act, we can help connect disadvantaged communities to everyday destinations like jobs, grocery stores, and schools, and offer a more affordable, greener alternative to cars.”

The E-Bike Share Act would authorize $100 million in annual grants to support state and local government efforts to:

Expand existing municipal E-Bike Share systems into disadvantaged communities.

Electrify existing bike-share stations so they can charge E-Bikes.

Help local governments jumpstart their own E-Bike Share system.

Support electric bike share services with a variety of different uses depending on the need, including to:

Purchase electric bikes. 

Install and maintain charging infrastructure or electrify existing bike infrastructure.

Provide community education and outreach. 

Offer incentives for residents to use the bike sharing service. 

Conduct data collection with respect to the bike sharing service.

Provide technical assistance to implement a grant.

There is a popular electric bike-share hub in Congresswoman Barragán’s district at the Rancho San Pedro public housing development, which has expanded resident access to economic and health opportunities in San Pedro. The E-Bike Share Act will jumpstart hundreds of similar bike-share programs across the country. 

The legislation is supported by Sierra Club, GreenLatinos, North American Bikeshare & Scootershare Association, People For Bikes, Bike LA, Los Angeles Clean Tech Incubator, The League of American Bicyclists, Communities for a Better Environment, GRID Alternatives, Pacific Environment, Indivisible San Pedro, Watts Clean Air and Energy Committee, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles