Initiative Provides Income-Qualified Residents with $650 Vouchers to Purchase E-Bikes in Buffalo & Niagara Falls
Shared Mobility Inc., the Buffalo-based nonprofit organization that operates Reddy Bikeshare, is piloting New York State’s first e-bike rebate programs. Thanks to a grant from Ford Philanthropy, Shared Mobility Inc. is taking its mission of low-cost access to biking one step further this year by piloting a discount program that serves low-income adults in Buffalo & Niagara Falls.
The pilot program is an expansion on the WNY E-Bike Library project, launched in 2023 with support from Independent Health, that has refurbished over 150 used e-bikes for lending programs in partnership with community-based organizations. The grant from Ford Philanthropy now evolves the scope, providing a point of sale rebate for folks purchasing new e-bikes.
“E-Bike rebates are a rapidly emerging tool that cities and states have been using to bring mobility justice and healthy living habits to low-income folks,” said Marli Parish, E-Bike Program Coordinator for Shared Mobility Inc. “By giving out rebates, we can invite participants to learn safe biking habits, build relationships with bike shops and allow folks to buy a reliable, safe and functional e-bike they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford on their own.”
Shared Mobility Inc. has launched an online interest form and encourages residents to complete it as the first step toward securing an e-bike rebate.
The formal application process will begin in the spring through random selection. Approved applicants will be required to attend an in-person E-Bike Safety Workshop designed to reinforce safe biking habits. Upon completing the workshop, participants will be awarded a $650 e-bike rebate for use at participating local bike shops, along with additional safety accessories. The pilot program will also provide at least one adaptive e-bike to an applicant with unique mobility needs.
"Shared Mobility continues the work to connect communities and help build a transportation system that works for them," said Brian Archie of Create a Healthier Niagara Falls Collaborative and a board member of Shared Mobility Inc. "This rebate program will allow residents access to a quality e-bike that serves as a means to wellness, work, and leisure."
The pilot program is currently focused on income-qualified adults living in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, but residents outside these areas are encouraged to complete the interest form as Shared Mobility Inc. pursues opportunities to expand the program with additional funding. Applicants who do not receive an e-bike rebate will still be eligible for a free Reddy Bikeshare Pass, ensuring more people have access to sustainable and low-cost transportation options.
“Access to affordable transportation is a necessity that empowers individuals and strengthens communities. By making these e-bike rebates available to low-income families, Shared Mobility is not only helping to provide a sustainable and efficient mode of transport but also opening doors to greater opportunities and improved health," said Kathy Glieco, VP for marketing at Independent Health. “We are thrilled with our continued partnership with Shared Mobility to further expand the many bikeshare and e-bike programs that are providing healthy alternative means of transportation to residents in our community.”
This initiative is made possible through the support of key partners, including local community-based organizations like Create a Healthier Niagara Falls Collaborative, East Side Bike Club and generous funding from Independent Health and Ford Philanthropy.
“Ford Philanthropy’s investment in Shared Mobility’s E-Bike Rebate Program is more than just funding a mode of transportation; it's about supporting innovative programs that provide reliable, safe and affordable transportation options.” said Joe Provenzano, Director of Mobility and Volunteerism at Ford Philanthropy. “E-Bikes are an affordable option for community members who are experiencing transportation insecurity.”
This program is designed to be a pivotal step in breaking barriers and making sustainable transportation accessible for everyone.
For more information about the pilot program visit www.sharedmobility.org/e-bike-rebates/new-york-buffalo-niagara or contact rebates@sharedmobility.org.
About Shared Mobility Inc.
A national nonprofit organization based in Buffalo, New York, Shared Mobility Inc. (SMI) has been a driving force in sustainable and shared transportation for the past 15 years, delivering innovative mobility solutions. SMI’s expertise spans car sharing, micromobility, electric infrastructure, e-bike rebates, and e-bike libraries, benefiting over 20 municipalities nationwide. Focused on smaller markets and disadvantaged communities, SMI addresses transportation gaps, enhancing accessibility in areas where options are limited. SMI believes access to clean, and affordable transportation is a human right. For further information, visit sharedmobilty.org.
About Reddy Bikeshare
Reddy Bikeshare is a program by Shared Mobility Inc., in partnership with Independent Health, and today supplies a fleet of 500 standard pedal and e-bikes serving communities across Western New York at a low cost. Reddy Bikeshare was born from the success of a pilot that began in 2012 on a local college campus, giving Buffalo the honor of hosting the nation’s first GPS-based bikeshare. Reddy has been in operation since July 21, 2016 and expanded to Niagara Falls in 2019. In partnership with Independent Health, Reddy stands out as one of the most affordable providers of bikeshare in the nation, working toward creating a culture of health in Western New York by supporting recreation and exercise through bicycling. For further information, visit https://reddybikeshare.socialbicycles.com.
About Ford Philanthropy
Ford Philanthropy, formerly known as Ford Fund, champions equitable access to essential services, education for the future of work and entrepreneurship, using transportation and technology to connect people with opportunities they need to move upward and forward. With a 75-year legacy and $2.3 billion in contributions since 1949, Ford Philanthropy and Ford Motor Company partner with nonprofits and community organizations to invest in and co-create solutions that meet unique community needs. For more information, visit fordphilanthropy.org or join us at @FordPhilanthropy on Facebook and Instagram.
About Independent Health
Independent Health is an independent, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Buffalo, New York, providing innovative health care products and benefits designed to engage consumers in their health and well-being. Established in 1980, Independent Health offers a comprehensive portfolio of progressive products including HMO, POS, PPO and EPO products, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans, individual Exchange products, consumer-directed plans, health savings accounts, and coverage for self-funded employers. Our subsidiaries and affiliate companies include a third-party administrator of health benefits, pharmacy benefit management, specialty pharmacy and the Independent Health Foundation. In all, Independent Health and its affiliates serve a total of more than 550,000 lives across the country. Independent Health has been recognized nationally for its award-winning customer service, dedication to quality health care and unmatched relationships with physicians and providers. To learn more, go to www.independenthealth.com.
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