Electric Bicycle Incentive

Electric assist bicycles, or e-bikes, pedal and handle like a regular bicycle and include similar components as a regular bicycle but with the help of an electric motor. An e-bike additional power to help the rider manage things like hills or carry heavier loads and allows for traveling longer distances more easily.

The e-bike incentive increases access to affordable, zero emission e-bikes. This program also supports City of Ashland’s commitment to transportation electrification and multi-modal transportation options.

Goal

• The electric bicycle (e-bike) incentive increases equitable access to zero emission vehicles by providing Ashland utility customers with a cash incentive for the purchase of an eligible electric bicycle.

Before You Buy

• Stop by local bike shops to learn more about e-bikes. They have a wealth of knowledge and can help you avoiding common mistakes when assessing your needs.

Rebate Amount

• $300 for standard e-bike or $600 for e-cargo bike
• Rebate may not exceed 50% of the purchase price.
• Rebate application must be submitted to the City of Ashland within 180 days from the purchase date.

Applicant Eligibility

• The applicant must reside at the service address of a City of Ashland Electric Utility customer with an active account.
• Applicant must have consent to apply from primary utility customer, or an authorized individual under the account.
• The applicant must be the purchaser of the bicycle.
• Only one e-bike rebate may be issued per Ashland Electric Utility account.
• This program is available to Residential and Commercial accounts.

E-bike Eligibility

• Your invoice or bill of sale must be paid-in-full and you must have possession of the bike.
• Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 rated e-bikes are eligible.
• E-bike has a locally authorized dealer and/or service center.
• E-bike battery must carry a minimum warranty of 1 year (be sure to ask for this information, especially if you are planning to buy a lower cost e-bike).
• Only new e-bikes are eligible. E-bikes that are used, resold, rebuilt, received from warranty insurance claims, third party-owned, or won as a prize are not eligible for rebates under this program.
• E-bike must be intended for use by utility customer household.
• Rebate recipient must be retain ownership of the e-bike for a minimum of 12 months from the date of purchase. If the bike is returned, sold, or stolen, the recipient shall contact program administrators at the email listed on this page.  
• Exclusions include full-suspension mountain bikes and E-bike conversion kits.  

E-Cargo Bike Additional Criteria 

• Designed to carry one or more passengers in addition to the rider, or bike has an extended frame with a published cargo load carrying capacity of at least 100 lbs.

 Documentation Required with Application

• Copy of your most recent Ashland Electric Utility bill.
• Fully paid invoice or bill of sale including applicant’s first and last name, bike make & model, purchase date, price, and vendor contact information. Please include warranty information for the bike if it is not clearly indicated on the manufacturer's website. 

For questions contact climate@ashland.or.us / 541-488-5306

Electric Vehicle Incentive

Many Ashland Electric customers have shown their commitment to the environment by being early adopters of zero emission vehicles! Ashland Electric seeks to promote additional EV adoption, so that all customers can experience the financial and environmental benefits of zero emission vehicles.

Goal: The EV incentive assists in equitable access to zero emission vehicles and reducing our climate impact based local travel by providing Ashland Electric customers with a cash incentive for the purchase of an eligible EV.

Incentive Amount

• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) = $1,000
• Zero Emission Motorcycles (ZEM) = $750
• Rebate application must be submitted to the City of Ashland within 180 days from the purchase date. For the purposes of this program:
  • Date of purchase is when the purchase contract or security agreement was executed and signed.
  • The date of the lease is when the agreement is signed.
  • Applicants must take delivery of their vehicle before submitting a rebate application.
• Income Qualified 2x multiplier available. 

Applicant Eligibility

• Reside at the service address of a City of Ashland Electric Utility customer with an active account.
• Consent to apply from primary utility customer, or an authorized individual under the account.
• Be the purchaser of the vehicle.
• Only one electric vehicle rebate may be issued per Ashland Electric Utility account.
• Vehicle must be registered at the utility service address. 

Vehicle Requirements

• All vehicles must have a 100% electric drive train.
• Be purchased from an eligible dealership or an OEM (original equipment manufacturer). 
• Must be registered to the applicant for at least 24 months.
• Used vehicles:
  • Must be listed on the Oregon Charge Ahead Eligible Vehicle List
• New and Leased vehicles:
  • Vehicles are only considered new if they have not been previously registered. 
  • Must be listed on the Oregon Standard Rebate Eligible Vehicles List
  • Leases must be for a minimum of 24 months.
  • All vehicles approved by the State of Oregon have a base model manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $50,000 or less.
• Exclusions: 
  • Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are not eligible. 
  • Private party (ie, person to person) sales are not eligible.
  • Aftermarket conversions are not eligible.

Documentation Required with Application

• Copy of your most recent Ashland Electric Utility bill.
• A complete copy of the vehicle sale or lease contract executed and signed, with all pages included. This should include an itemization of costs, the applicant’s name/address and signature, and the name/address of the dealership must be listed on the contract.
• Documentation verifying the vehicle is registered at the utility address which includes a DMV Submission form or the final DMV Registration. 

For questions contact climate@ashland.or.us / 541-488-5306. 

The City of Ashland has partnered with Forth, an Oregon-based nonprofit organization focused on clean transportation, and Southern Oregon University to bring electric vehicle carshare to Ashland.

What is Carsharing?

Carsharing is a system where individuals have access to a network of vehicles for short-term rental. You can view where cars are located and make reservations in a few simple steps using the carsharing app. With GoForth CarShare, the first ride is free but there is a small hourly fee for each additional ride. Drivers must verify their license information prior to reserving a car.

How does it work?

1. Download the MDO Carshare App from the App Store or Google Play. You can also create an account or make bookings in a web browser.
2. Register Your Account: You’ll need to enter your driver’s license and make bookings with a credit, debit ore prepaid card. When you register your account, a one-time fee of $10 will be charged to your payment card. Once approved, a $20 ride credit will be added to your account. It may take 3-5 business days to process your application.
3. Onboarding Call: You will receive an email to schedule a call with a staff member (about 20 minutes).
4. Reserve the vehicle through the MDO Carshare app for a time you’d like to use it.
5. Unlock the vehicle with the MDO Carshare app and drive.*
6. Return the vehicle to the parking spot after your trip and plug it in.*

*View the in-car instructions sheet for more details.

Drivers must verify their license information prior to reserving a car. 

More information is available from our partner Forth Mobility.  

Where is the car located? 

In the parking lot along the corner of Pioneer St and Lithia Way - 141 Lithia Way.  

Commercial and Workplace Charging Incentive

Electrifying transportation is an important part of Ashland's Climate and Energy Action Plan. Removing fossil fuels from our transportation infrastructure reduces climate-altering emissions, improves local air quality, and creates additional load for our locally-owned electric utility. Business locations are a key area to support vehicle electrification. Workplaces may benefit by saving money through electrifying fleet vehicles, offering an additional benefit for employees, or as an amenity for customers. The City of Ashland will reimburse a fixed amount per charger installed. Incentives are available for new, Level 2 electric vehicle chargers.

For more information about the benefits, please see this resource on workplace charging by our partners at Forth.

Incentive Amount 

• 1 charger = up to $1,000
• 2-4 chargers = up to $500 additional per charger

For example: A local hotel purchases two chargers at a cost of $500 each, then pays the electrician $400 to install them. The business can apply for an incentive up to $1,400 ($500+$500+$400). According to the table, $1,500 is the maximum incentive for two chargers.

Applicant Requirements

Your business may apply for this incentive if:

• The business has an active Commercial, Industrial, or Government electric account, in good standing with Ashland Municipal Electric Utility, OR
• The business is an active, registered contributor to Ashland's Transient Occupancy Tax

Charger Equipment Requirements

• Chargers must be affixed permanently to a building or pedestal. 
• Charger must be purchased new and capable of level 2 charging.
• Costs may include a pedestal for mounting.
• Chargers with more than one "plug" (J1772 connectors) are considered a single charger.
• Electrical upgrades must be completed by a licensed electrician and installation shall meet all local, state, and federal codes.
• Labor and material costs are eligible, so long as they are necessary for the installation.

Documentation

Specific documentation requirements include, at minimum:

• Business name, applicant name, and contact information
• Paid invoices for the charger, required electrical upgrades showing labor and material costs.
• Copy of required permits, including final inspection if necessary.
• The City of Ashland reserves the right to request additional information or documentation to process an application.

There are 16 city-owned public chargers. All public chargers offer Level 2 charging capability. Thanks in part to funds from the Oregon Clean Fuels Program, there is no fee to use the public chargers.

Locations

• Ten Chargers in the Lithia parking lot - 130 N. Pioneer St. 
• Two Chargers in the Hargadine parking structure - 175 Hargadine St. 
• Four chargers in the Grove parking lot - 1195 E. Main St.
• Map of City and other EV Chargers 

Charging Etiquette

• Treat cords and plugs with care
• Coil cords when not in use
• Ensure plugs are clean and kept off the ground
• Pay it forward by leaving it nicer than you found it

CAUTION: Use of this equipment is at your own risk. The City of Ashland offers use of this equipment without payment and with no assurance that it has been left in proper working condition by prior users or is compatible with your vehicle. Your use of this equipment shall be deemed to waive all City liability for injury or damage to persons or property resulting from any purported negligence on the part of officials, employees, or agents of the City of Ashland.

Plugshare - Find an EV charging station near you

The city of Ashland does not offer a home electric vehicle charger incentive at this time. There is a federal tax credit that you may be eligible for though. It is the alternative fuel vehicle credit. 

Not sure where to start on installing a home charger? Check out our overview!

Apply here.