E-Bike Voucher Program Summary

Program Overview

In early 2024, the Baltimore City Department of Transportation and District 3 City Councilmember Ryan Dorsey collaborated to develop a pilot program that subsidizes the purchase of electric bikes (e-bikes) for city residents. We launched this program in September 2024 and completed it in May 2025.

The program’s budget of $75,000 was used to provide e-bikes to 50 Baltimore City residents and generated $101,709 of purchases at local bike shops.

Execution

The program’s goals included:

Replace Baltimore City residents’ driving trips with e-cycling trips
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Increase e-bike ownership, particularly among low-income residents
Encourage healthy, active lifestyles
Increase transportation options for Baltimore City residents

Voucher amounts were set at $750 (“standard” vouchers) and $2,000 (“income-qualified” vouchers).

Standard vouchers were available to any Baltimore City resident, and income-qualified vouchers were available to Baltimore City residents who could demonstrate their enrollment in a benefits program such as SNAP, EBT, or Medicaid.

With a budget of $75,000, 20 standard vouchers ($15,000) and 30 income-qualified vouchers ($60,000) were made available to program applicants.

To encourage local business, vouchers were only redeemable at bike shops located in Baltimore City that sell e-bikes and provide on-site maintenance and repairs. Baltimore Bicycle Works, Joe’s Bike Shop, and Trek Bikes all participated.
Figure 1: BCDOT E-Bike Voucher Pilot Program Bike Shops

Promotion

In September, we began outreach to promote the pilot program. We worked with DOT – Community Engagement to provide promotional materials and information on the program to community associations and at citywide events. In addition to Community Engagement’s work, the Transportation Services division attended (virtually or in-person) nine community association meetings and public events, such as Charm City Live and a community resource fair in West Baltimore.

In addition to educating the public about e-bikes and the program, we encouraged people to subscribe to the Bike Baltimore Electric Streets of Baltimore page, where we posted updates and event information.

On September 24, the voucher application went live on the Bike Baltimore Electric Streets of Baltimore page. On the first day, the program received 1,299 applications. During the two-week application period, the program received 3,599 applications. Of the applicants, 1,563 applied for the income-qualified voucher ($2,000) and 2,036 applied for the standard voucher ($750).

Selection

Our staff randomly selected applicants for the program. Once the residency of income-qualified applicants was confirmed, our staff then worked with the Maryland Department of Human Services (MDHS) to verify their eligibility and participation in benefits programs.

After verifying the eligibility of all applicants, vouchers were emailed to the recipients. When bike shops were presented with a voucher, employees could log into a Baltimore City Department of Transportation page to verify its validity.
Vouchers were emailed to winning residents on October 31. The last voucher was redeemed in June 2025.

Figure 2 : Distribution of E-Bike Voucher Recipients’ Residences

E-bike Voucher Survey Results

We also conducted a survey to assess the impact of acquiring an e-bike on the voucher recipients’ transportation habits as well as gather feedback on the framework of the program. We invited them to submit quotes about the impact of the e-bike on their life as well as photos with their e-bikes.

52% of survey respondents reported driving their own car less since they acquired their e-bike.
24% of survey respondents said they ride their e-bike daily, and 86% said they ride at least weekly.
86% of survey respondents said they now own a lock and helmet.
97% of survey respondents said they try to incorporate bike lanes into their e-bike routes whenever possible.
86% of survey respondents said they would like to see the City issue another round of e-bike vouchers.

Voucher Recipients’ Photos with Their E-bikes

Testimonials from Recipients

“I get more exercise and have more freedom to travel since I don’t have a car.”

“Now that I have the e-bike with panniers I never drive to work, I also rarely drive for errands when I might have driven because I didn’t want to get too hot and sweaty cycling around town.”

“I have been able to work and go to and from places without using a vehicle and I also have lost a few pounds riding more often than I use to.”

“Life changing with commuting to work...I am so grateful for the voucher!”

An Interview with a Voucher Winner

Rolling Toward Freedom: How One Baltimorean is Transforming His Life with an E-Bike | Baltimore City Department of Transportation(External link)

Rolling Toward Freedom: How One Baltimorean is Transforming His Life with an E-Bike

Friday Jun 27th, 2025

Story & photos by Benjamin Jancewicz

Baltimore’s E-Bike Voucher Pilot Program was launched to expand access to greener, more affordable transportation. For longtime cyclist and Baltimore resident Mr. Richardson, it was the push he needed to get back on the road — and the beginning of a whole new chapter.

We met up with him at Druid Hill Park to hear about his journey.

Mr. Richardson poses with his new E-Bike, which he purchased through our voucher program. Photo: Benjamin Jancewicz

A Lifelong Cyclist, a Fresh Start

Mr. Richardson has been riding bikes his whole life. His past e-bike — affectionately nicknamed “Gnarly Davidson” — was decked out with motorcycle-style upgrades. So when he stumbled across a city program offering vouchers for new e-bikes, he figured it was worth a shot.

Mr. Richardson has ridden bicycles in Baltimore his entire life, but as he’s gotten older, he’s appreciated the extra range e-bikes have given him. Photo: Benjamin Jancewicz

"I filled it out and didn’t think I’d get it," he recalled. "But then I got the email and was just blown away."

He was the first person to redeem a voucher at his local shop. After a test ride on a bike that wasn’t the right fit, he worked with the store to find one that matched his riding style and daily needs — a sturdy, reliable model with space for accessories, groceries, and even his dogs.

Getting Around, the Better Way

These days, Mr. Richardson rides everywhere. Though he owns a car, he rarely uses it — clocking just 75,000 miles on it since 2012.

Mr. Richardson shares photos of his dogs with Baltimore City Department of Transportation Veronica P. McBeth. Photo: Benjamin Jancewicz

When the weather’s nice, he packs up his music, a blanket, and snacks, and heads out for the day. He rides through the city, explores parks, and even brings his dogs along for the journey.

“I just want to go everywhere I haven’t been yet,” he told us. “And now I can.”

Beyond the Bike: A Path to Connection

He’s looking forward to joining more group rides like the Baltimore Bike Party this spring and summer. More than exercise or convenience, biking brings him joy — and a chance to meet others who share his passion.

“I want someone who loves riding like I do,” he said with a smile. “This isn’t just a thing I use — it’s a part of my life.”

This Program Matters

Baltimore’s E-Bike Voucher Pilot Program was designed to make sustainable transportation more accessible, especially for income-qualified residents. With vouchers of up to $2,000, participants like Mr. Richardson were able to choose bikes that fit their lifestyles — not just financially, but practically.

We’re proud of what this program has accomplished and hope to offer it again in the future.