Question: What is the viability and potential cost of an e-bike voucher program for Alexandria residents including equitable qualification parameters? (Vice Mayor Bagley)
Response:
An e-bike voucher program for Alexandria residents is viable, provided it is administered through a nonprofit partner. As part of the GO Alex Commuter Assistance Program (CAP) Strategic Plan update, which will be reviewed by City Council in May, staff has identified a potential grant opportunity through DRPT to support such a program. Staff anticipates applying for this funding in January 2027; if awarded, funds would be available beginning July 1, 2027.
Because the City cannot directly administer an e-bike rebate program without enabling state legislation, implementation would require a nonprofit partner consistent with VA Code §15.2-953(B). The City could provide funding to a qualified nonprofit to administer the program. The Office of Climate Action currently partners with EcoAction to deliver Eco-City Homes incentives, and this existing agreement could be expanded to include an e-bike voucher program. EcoAction also administers Arlington County’s e-bike voucher program, allowing Alexandria to leverage an established framework and streamline implementation.
The program can be structured to prioritize equitable access by offering tiered rebates. Based on models used in Arlington County and Washington, DC, staff assumes two tiers: approximately $700 for standard applicants and $1,850 for income-qualified “preferred” applicants (e.g., participants in SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or similar programs). Assuming 75% of vouchers are allocated to preferred applicants, a 100-voucher program would cost approximately $165,000 in rebates.
Administrative costs are estimated at approximately 20% of the program total (about $30,000) for the nonprofit to manage program setup, outreach, application review, and voucher distribution. City staff oversight is estimated at $5,000 and could be managed by existing staff. Including administration, the total estimated program cost is approximately $200,000.