TAMPA, Fla. — Friday was the deadline to apply for a new eBike voucher program in Tampa and the city received more than 950 applications, according to parking planning coordinator Austin Britt.

What You Need To Know

  • The deadline to apply for an eBike voucher in Tampa was 5 p.m. Friday

  • Tampa officials say the city received 956 applications for 180 vouchers

  • Participants can get up to $2,000 in voucher money

  • Officials said it's the first eBike voucher program in Florida.

”We are overjoyed with the applications that we have received for this program,” said Britt. “More than quadrupling the number of available vouchers.”

The program offers any resident a $500 voucher for a class one eBike or $1,000 for a cargo eBike. Any household making less than the Tampa area median income of $59,893, will get double the amount in voucher money.

“That’s a really good deal,” said Tampa Bay eBike co-owner Zachary Alan. “That’s almost the same as going to Walmart and buying a non-electric bike.”   

Tampa Bay eBike is one of six bicycle shops participating in the program. Alan said during the two-week window to apply, which began on March 31, he has seen a lot of demand from the public.

“We’ve had a steady stream participants looking to join the voucher program,” he said. “I would say it’s probably 10 to 15 inquires a day. We’ve done a lot of test rides.”

As part of the program, bicycle shops are required to give away a free helmet to voucher winners. Those participants must pledge to use the eBike to replace vehicle trips, keep the bicycle for one year and participate in three surveys.

“We are incredibly honored and excited to have the opportunity to follow in the city of Denver’s footsteps and pioneer what could be a revolutionary transit program for our community,” said Britt. “Not only is this the first eBike Voucher Program for Tampa, but it is the first for Florida as well as the southeast United States.”

She said the program goals are to help residents overcome the barriers to eBike ownership, along with promoting sustainable transportation and improve the city’s carbon footprint.

“I think it’s going to help ease some of the traffic,” said Alan. “Introduce a new way of transportation in our ever growing city.”

The program has a $170,000 fund which is enough for 180 vouchers. Britt said by 5 p.m. on Friday, they had received 956 applications. The city plans to hold a voucher lottery during the first week of May, which is also National Bike Month.

“Our lottery drawing … will randomly select applicants from the four pools of different vouchers,” said Britt. “Based off of this interest and demand from the community, I am hopeful that we will be able to pursue another round of this program.”

Alan said he’s stocking up on Class 1 eBikes to prepare for the expected rush and wants to help customers who don’t win a voucher.

“We’ll work with them if they don’t win — we’ll do something to help them get on a bike.” he said. “We’re actually seeing quite a few people disappointed that they’re left out on the other side of the bridge."