Explanation
E-bikes are electric bicycles with a motor that gives riders a boost. E-bikes are a low-cost, energy efficient, climate-friendly form of transportation. E-bikes use rechargeable batteries and travel up to 28 mph. When you use an e-bike to get around, you can:
· Save thousands of dollars per year on fuel and maintenance by replacing daily car trips with e-bike rides
· Bike greater distances and across harder terrain
· Set aside worries about arriving sweaty at your destination
· Reduce your carbon footprint while running errands or commuting to work
In addition to creating low-cost, affordable transportation, e-bikes also provide climate-friendly transportation and will help Columbus reach its Climate Action Plan goals by reducing the carbon footprints in the Columbus community.
In July of 2023, the City launched the Resident E-bike Subsidy Program and provided vouchers for residents who were interested in purchasing an e-bike. Residents applied for the program and, once selected to receive a voucher, were able to redeem the voucher at the point of sale and the bike shop would in turn receive that money. This program was wildly successful with over 1300 applicants within 24 hours; nearly 70% of the vouchers have been claimed and redeemed.
As a result of this success, this ordinance authorizes additional funding to support the cost of additional vouchers for the Resident E-bike Subsidy Program by entering into a grant agreement with Smart Columbus, LLC, a nonprofit entity, that will issue vouchers for resident purchases of e-bikes in accordance with the Program parameters.
City Council has previously authorized the then Director of Public Service to enter into a grant agreement with Smart Columbus twice, under Ord. 3548-2022 and Ord. 2872-2023, for the administration of an e-bike pilot program.
Title
To authorize the Interim Director of the Department of Public Service to enter into a grant agreement with Smart Columbus, LLC in an amount up t...
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