Grant applications are open through San Antonio’s Office of Sustainability website.
SAN ANTONIO — The City of San Antonio is offering $1,000 rebates to people in low-income housing so they can purchase e-bikes.
Applications opened April 1 through the Office of Sustainability.
This is a move to promote green transportation and provide accessibility to those in need.
The city is using a federal grant from the Department of Energy to partner with a local bike shop. Joe Leon, the owner of Pedal Guerrero, said they will provide the e-bikes for everyone with every kind of need.
“For the city, and people, and clients we serve, it’s been almost life-changing,” Leon said.
A disabled veteran, Leon opened Pedal Guerrero off Fredericksburg in 2019 after discovering recumbent bikes.
“Pain is a companion that comes with me every day, so getting up and providing to people is what keeps me going,” Leon said.
He said the city’s initiative to provide 244 people living with the Neighborhood and Housing Services Department is perfect to further his message.
Doug Melnick with the city’s Office of Sustainability said the goal of the program is to see if providing incentives for low-income residents makes a difference.
To sign up, Melnick, with the office of sustainability, said to go to SAsustainability.com and apply for an e-bike voucher worth $1,000.
You have to meet housing and income requirements, be 18 years of age, and you are allowed one bike per household. If you get the voucher within the next month, go to Pedal Guerrero and pick up your bike.
Traditional e-bikes will be available for $999, but you will have to cover tax. Leon also has the recumbent bikes he can fix up to be electric if you have mobility issues.
“Our mission statement is to the disabled community, but anyone can ride these.”
Over the next year, the city will determine where the program will go and how it will expand. Applications will not close, so you have time to sign up.
The city will hold a webinar about how to get involved on April 10.