by Steven Felschundneff | steven@claremont-courier.com

The city of Claremont has two new electric motor assist bike programs that aim to get residents moving in a fun and eco-friendly style.

First, the “E-Bike Rental Subsidy Program,” a partnership between Claremont and GoSGV, will allow Claremont residents to acquire an e-bike share membership at no cost. All one has to do is sign up for the GoSGV e-bike share program at gosgv.com and one of their employees will contact you with options for pickup or delivery of your bicycle. Proof of residency and a refundable $250 deposit will be required. Income qualified individuals get a reduced deposit of $150.

“GoSGV will be hosting local pick-up days where residents can test ride the e-bikes, experiencing the joy and convenience of electric biking before committing to the membership. Signups are available same day. Funding for this program is limited, and therefore the city cannot guarantee the terms of the e-bike subsidy. Once funding is depleted participants will be informed that they will be responsible for the membership cost, or may return the bike,” according to a news release from the city.

Next, the Claremont E-Bike Rebate Program will allow Claremont’s moderate-income adults to receive a rebate of up to $1,000 when they purchase an e-bike that costs no more than $3,000. Recipients will be required to maintain ownership of the e-bike for at least two years, which the city will verify every 6 months. The online application will be available on the city’s website beginning October 23. Rebates will be issued on a first-come first-served basis as applications are received, until funding is depleted or the program changes.

Moderate income for Los Angeles County is quite high due to the cost of living. It’s determined on a sliding scale depending on household size, and a single person can qualify with an income of $82,000. A family of four can have an income as high as $117,850. For more details see the city’s website.