City of Vista E-Bike Safety Training & Rebate Program Policy

I. Program

This policy outlines the City of Vista's E-Bike Safety Training & Rebate Program, offering educational training sessions and rebates to residents for the purchase of e-bikes. The program aims to promote safe and sustainable transportation options while enhancing rider safety and reducing environmental impact. Program applications will be accepted until program funds have been expended, and will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis.

II. Purpose

The E-Bike Safety Training & Rebate Program seeks to:

• Promote safe and responsible e-bike usage among Vista residents.
• Encourage the adoption of e-bikes as a sustainable mode of transportation.
• Enhance community awareness of e-bike safety guidelines and best practices.

Support the City's goals of public safety and environmental sustainability.

III. Definitions

• Residents: Individuals residing within the city limits of Vista, CA, with verifiable proof of residency.
• Approved E-Bike: A Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 e-bike as defined by the CA Vehicle Code.
• Local E-Bike Retailer: A business located in Vista, CA, with an active business license selling e-bikes.
• Proof of Purchase: Documentation verifying the purchase of an Approved E-Bike from a Local E-Bike Retailer.
• Low-Income Resident: 80% of the San Diego County Area Median Income (Income Limits AMI Chart (sandiegocounty.gov)

IV. Eligibility Requirements

• Participants must be City of Vista residents with proof of residency. County residents receiving City of Vista services are ineligible.
• Participants must attend a mandatory e-bike safety training session to qualify for rebates.
• Participants must purchase an Approved E-Bike either online, from a North County Business or City of Vista Business.
• Participants must provide proof of purchase and residency to receive rebates.

V. Application Process

1. Attend Safety Training: Participants must attend either a virtual or in-person safety training session conducted by the City.

2. Purchase Approved E-Bike: Participants must purchase an Approved E-Bike and retain the Proof of Purchase.

3. Submit Rebate Application: Participants must complete and submit a City-approved rebate application form, including proof of residency, Proof of Purchase for an Approved E-Bike, and attendance at the safety training session.

4. Rebate Disbursement: Upon approval, rebates will be processed and distributed to eligible.

VI. Rebate Options

• Rebate amounts vary based on the type of training attended, the purchase location of the e-bike and whether the purchase was made by a low-income resident.
• Rebates are limited to one per City of Vista address for each type of training session attended: one for the virtual session and one for the in-person session.

Rebates to eligible participants shall be as follows:

• Virtual Training Session - $50 rebate
• In-Person Training Session: $100 rebate for online purchase / $200 rebate for North County business purchase / $300 rebate for City of Vista licensed business purchase / $400 rebate for Low-Income Residents

VII. Program Launch and Implementation

• The program will launch in May to coincide with National Bike Month.
• Training sessions will be scheduled regularly to accommodate participant availability.
• Program implementation will be overseen by the City's designated staff, ensuring compliance with program policies and procedures.

VIII. Contact Information

For questions or further information about the E-Bike Safety Training & Rebate Program, please contact: climateaction@cityofvista.com.

IX. Waiver of Liability

Participants agree to hold harmless the City and its officers and employees from any claims or damages resulting from participation in the program.

X. Program Evaluation and Review

The program will undergo regular evaluation to assess its effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments. Program policies and procedures will be reviewed annually to ensure alignment with program goals and objectives. Continuation of the Program is dependent upon available funding.