GoSGV Regional Bikeshare Program

In August 2017, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) was awarded $4.55 million from the the CTC Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Grant to form a bike share program in the San Gabriel Valley. This grant funded 840 bikes and began GoSGV,one of the nation’s first and largest long-term electric bikeshare programs. The goal of this program is to decrease car trips and increase the share of bicycling trips within the San Gabriel Valley, improving air quality and mobility across the
region.

GoSGV E-Cargo Bike Voucher Program

Background

Due to overwhelming demand for the GoSGV Bikeshare cargo bike fleet, and several new grant awards, GoSGV is expanding to include a point-of-sale voucher program for cargo bikes!

The GoSGV Voucher Program provides eligible residents with a $2,000 voucher, discounting the price at the point of sale, to use toward the purchase of a new, high-quality, cargo-style electric bike from a local retailer. Cargo bikes can help you makeshort trips while hauling heavier loads — from precious cargo like children, to your weekly grocery haul — without the need to drive your personal vehicle. The GoSGV Voucher Program is made possible through funding provided by Metro, a partner in ourcommunity, Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), and the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC).

Pre-Applications for the GoSGV Voucher Program are now closed. Please stay tuned for information in Spring 2026 on another round of Pre-Applications.

For more information on how to obtain a GoSGV Voucher, continue reading.

Voucher Eligibility

The GoSGV Voucher Program is open to all residents over the age of 18 who reside in the San Gabriel Valley, meet certain eligibility requirements, and have not already received a GoSGV voucher. All interested residents are encouraged to submit a Pre- Application, regardless of whether they are certain they qualify for the voucher. Moreover, all Participants who apply are not guaranteed to receive a voucher, as demand for vouchers may exceed the budgeted supply.

You may be eligible if you:

Participate in an income-qualified government assistance program; or
Reside in the cities of Alhambra, El Monte, Monterey Park, South El Monte, Rosemead, and San Gabriel or in the unincorporated communities of, Avocado Heights, North El Monte, and South San Gabriel.

Before receiving your voucher, you must complete a mandatory three-hour rider safety and training course that covers the fundamentals of responsible e-bike usage. By receiving a voucher, you also consent to participating in a study facilitated by researchers at the University of Tennessee that will evaluate the impacts of the voucher program, and you agree to own your bike for the duration of the research study. Participation in the evaluation study will include, at the very least, a pre-award and mid- range survey.

Voucher Process and Key Dates

Eligible residents must complete a two-step online application process

to be considered for a voucher:

Please note that Pre-Applications for the current round of vouchers have

now closed. Stay tuned for another round of Pre-Applications in Spring

2026.

1. Pre-Application:
Opens on Monday November 3, 2025 at 12:00 pm noon.
Closes Monday November 17, 2025 at 12:00 pm noon.
2. Post-Application:
Opens Monday November 24, 2025 at 12:00 pm noon.
Closes Monday December 22, 2025 at 12:00 pm noon.

An online link to the Pre-Application will go live at 12:00 pm noon the day the application opens. A Pre-Application link will be made available on this website. The online Post- Application link will only be sent to Participants who are selected to receive a voucher.

In the Pre-Application, you will answer several basic questions to confirm your eligibility and priority status. While you must complete the Pre-Application to receive a voucher, successful completion of the Pre-Application does not guarantee that you will be awarded a voucher. Be sure that the information you provide on the Pre-Application is accurate and up to date, as you will be asked to provide documentation verifying this information should you be selected for a voucher.

With the responses received in the Pre-Application, the SGVCOG will allocate vouchers to Eligible Participants. Final determination of the voucher awards will be influenced by the demand for the budgeted vouchers. If Pre-Applications exceed budgeted supply, Participants will be selected at random. Otherwise, all Eligible Participants who submit a Pre-Application will be awarded a voucher.

You will be notified of your application status via email, and Participants selected to receive a voucher will be invited to complete the online Post-Application. Participants must submit the Post-Application, attend a safety training course, complete their intake survey, and download/register for the OpenPATH trip tracking application within 28 days of receiving notification of the conditional award email; failure to do so will result in forfeiture of your voucher.

In the Post-Application, you will upload several documents as back up for the information you provided in the Pre-Application. Once this information is received and verified by the SGVCOG and once you complete your mandatory rider safety training with ActiveSGV and your intake survey/OpenPATH, you will receive your GoSGV Voucher code.

You must use your voucher code at one of the Approved Retailers listed below within 28 days of issuance. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of your voucher; time extensions of up to 28 days will be granted only in limited instances, at the sole discretion of the Program Administrator.

Eligible Bikes

The GoSGV voucher program can only be applied toward the purchase of an eligible electric cargo/family bike at an Approved Retailer. A list of pre-approved cargo bikes can be found here. An Eligible Bike is a bike that meets all the following requirements:

Two to three wheels with fully operable pedals.
An electric battery that supplies a maximum of 750 watts of power to the bike as its sole additional source of propulsion.
UL2849 and/or EN 15194 battery certification.
One-year warranty on electrical components.
Extended frame designed to carry additional cargo or passengers.
Minimum gross weight capacity of 300 lbs.
One of the following: front/rear bag, front/rear basket, additional seating (on front or rear of bike).

Only bikes on the Eligible Bike list are eligible for reimbursement through the GoSGV Voucher Program.

Approved Retailers can assist you with selecting an Eligible Bike that fits your unique needs. Eligible cargo bikes come in all shapes and sizes, and the riding experience varies from bike to bike. As such, we strongly encourage you to test several different models, which you can do by attending one of the test-ride events organized by GoSGV operator ActiveSGV or by visiting any of the approved Retailers below.

Approved Retailers

You must redeem your voucher by purchasing your Eligible Bike at one of the Approved Retailers below (listed alphabetically). Bikes purchased at any store not listed below are ineligible for the voucher.

Around the Cycle |1270 Lincoln Ave #1500, Pasadena, 91103
E-Bike Cyclery Monrovia | 601 W Huntington Dr, Monrovia, 91016
E-Bike Cyclery San Dimas | 490 W Arrow Hwy, San Dimas, 91773
The Local Bikestand | 748 E Bonita Ave Unit 101, Pomona, 91767
Montebello Bicycles | 3015 W Beverly Blvd Unit A, Montebello, 90640
Redondo E-Bikes | 270 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, 91105
Velo Pasadena | 2562 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, 91107

LINK

Are you a bike shop who is interested in participating in the GoSGV Voucher Program? It’s not too late to join, with multiple rounds of vouchers offered for the next several years. Fill out this form, and we will be in touch!

Frequently Asked Questions

Voucher Basics

Why is the SGVCOG awarding e-bike vouchers?
- Vouchers align with the intentions of the GoSGV program. GoSGV is aimed at reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and improving air quality in the San Gabriel Valley. Evidence from our region indicates that e-bikes, and especially cargo bikes, can play an important role in reducing VMT, but the high upfront cost of a new cargo bike presents a barrier to widespread adoption.
How much is the voucher worth?
- $2,000. Until further notice, all GoSGV Vouchers are worth $2,000.
Are there additional opportunities if I do not receive a voucher?
- Yes. If you do not initially receive a voucher, you may reapply in subsequent voucher rounds; vouchers that are awarded but go unused may be awarded to another eligible Participant or awarded in a future voucher round. We also invite you to participate in the GoSGV Bikeshare Program, as you may be eligible to borrow a comparable electric cargo bike for a reduced monthly rate.
What is funding the GoSGV voucher program?
- State and local grant money. The GoSGV Voucher Program is supported by three grants, the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP 2.0) grant from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), an LA Metro grant funded by the toll revenue collected on Metro’s Interstate 10 ExpressLanes, and a state Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) grant from the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC).

Voucher Application

When do voucher Pre-Applications open?
- TBD. The dates for the next round of Pre-Applications will be announced soon.
When do voucher Pre-Applications close?
- TBD. The dates for the next round of Pre-Applications will be announced soon.
Is there any benefit to submitting my application as soon as they open?
- No. The GoSGV Voucher is not allocated on a first-come first-served basis; everyone who applies within the 14-day application period will have an equal chance of obtaining a GoSGV Voucher.
Can I complete my Pre- or Post-Application in writing?
- No. The GoSGV voucher Pre- and Post-Application must be completed online; an online form helps to reduce the potential for lost applications, protect your sensitive information, and increase the program efficiency. If you need assistance with completing the pre- or Post-Application, please contact Jon Burkart at jburkart@sgvcog.org.
Do I need all my documentation ready when Pre-Applications open?
- No. While it may be helpful to have your documentation handy, the Pre- Application does not require you to upload any documents. Remember: if you are selected to receive a voucher, the information you provide in the Pre-Application must match the documents you upload in the Post-Application.
Where can I find the link to complete the Post-Application?
- Your e-mail, if you are selected. The Post-Application link will only be emailed to Participants who are selected to receive a voucher.
Will there be multiple opportunities to apply for a GoSGV Voucher?
- Yes. The SGVCOG is planning several rounds of vouchers, and participants who do not receive a voucher will be considered in all subsequent rounds for which they are eligible.

Voucher Redemption

Can I use the voucher to purchase a bike online?
- No. Vouchers can only be redeemed at one of the several approved brick- and-mortar bike shops located in the San Gabriel Valley.
How long do I have to shop for bikes and redeem my voucher?
- 28 days. All awarded vouchers must be redeemed within 30 days of the award date; unused vouchers will be forfeited, and funds reallocated to provide vouchers to additional Participants.
Can I purchase a bike that is less than the voucher value?
- Yes. It may be possible that an eligible bike is less than the value of your voucher; however, any unused voucher funds will be transferred back to the SGVCOG for additional voucher awards. You do not retain the additional voucher funds.
Do I have to purchase a bike first and then submit my receipt to receive my funds?
- No. The GoSGV Voucher provides a $2,000 discount at the time you purchase your bike, provided you are purchasing an eligible bike from an Approved Retailer. Bikes purchased before you receive your voucher are ineligible for the GoSGV Voucher.

Bike Eligibility

Can I purchase a bike with this voucher even if it is not on the approved list?
- No. Only bikes on the Eligible Bike List, which meet all the requirements outlined above, are eligible for the GoSGV voucher.
Can I purchase a conventional e-bike or an electric mountain bike with this voucher?
- No. You can only redeem your voucher toward the purchase of an eligible cargo bike, which is a bike that meets all the requirements outlined above (see Eligible Bikes).
Do I have to purchase any kind of accessories for my cargo bike?
- Yes. You must also select at least one of the following: a front or rear bag, rack, or additional seating (rail, seat, etc.).
Why are only cargo/family e-bikes eligible for the voucher?
- Three reasons. First, the demand to borrow cargo bikes in the GoSGV bikeshare program far exceeds the current fleet. Second, cargo bikes can transport heavier loads—including heavy groceries or young children—which makes them more likely to replace car trips. Third, cargo bikes are considerably more expensive than conventional e-bikes, and a voucher can make the purchase of a cargo bike more feasible.

Evaluation Study

What does the research participation mean for me?
- Complete several short surveys and register for OpenPATH. Surveys will be sent to you at roughly the beginning, middle, and end of the research study; additionally, OpenPATH – a mobile app designed by researchers at the National Renewable Energy Labs – will securely collect trip data to understand how you use your electric cargo bike.
Who is conducting the evaluation study?
- The University of Tennessee. Dr. Chris Cherry, from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is the Primary Investigator. He has led several similar studies on the efficacy of electric bike voucher programs across the country. The team also includes Mr. John MacArthur, Sustainable Transportation Program Manager at Portland State University
What is the purpose of the evaluation study?
- Understand the program impacts. While prior research has examined voucher programs that apply toward more conventional e-bikes, little to no research exists on vouchers expressly targeted toward electric cargo bikes. We also want more robust data on how these incentives can help achieve regional, state, and federal VMT- and GHG-reduction goals, which may help us secure funding for additional vouchers.
Can I opt out of the evaluation study?
- No. By participating in the GoSGV voucher program and agreeing to receive a voucher, you consent to participating in the evaluation study. This may include completing an intake survey, participating in focus groups, or completing follow-up survey requests as necessary.