A cheaper way to ride electric

by Robert Yang | April 5, 2023

I moved to Honolulu from Aiea during 2007 and have never left the city life. One of the reasons I like living in Honolulu is that everything you need is nearby and there are plenty of options to get around so you’re not restricted on where you can go if you don’t have a car. I’ve noticed over the years that there’s been more focus on making the urban area more bicycle-friendly.

The City and County of Honolulu’s website states: “The Department of Transportation Services is dedicated to making Oahu a bicycle-friendly community where bicycling is a safe, viable, and popular travel choice for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.” The Oahu Bike Plan Update was completed in December 2019, it adds. Since then, bike lanes have been added to main streets such as King, Piikoi and Ward streets. And as of Feb. 28, the state is offering an electric bike rebate to help reduce the upfront costs of owning an ebike and even an electric moped.

Please take note of the rebate restrictions below before making your purchase:

Applicant must be 18 years or older and can prove one of the following:

1. Participation in a low-income assistance program such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Section 8
2. Does not own a motor vehicle with four or more wheels
3. Current enrollment in a school, college or university

• Only valid on purchases of new electric bicycles capable of speeds of no more than 28 miles per hour, and electric mopeds
• Purchase must be made at a retail store on or after July 2, 2022
• Rebate amount is limited to the lesser of $500 or 20% of the retail price
• No individual shall receive more than $500 in total rebates each fiscal year
• The rebate application and supporting documentation must be submitted within one year of purchase. Failure to apply within 12 months of the date of purchase shall constitute a waiver of the right to claim the rebate.

E-bikes are widely available. They’re sold in bicycle shops like Bike Factory, electric mobility specialty stores such as Niu Honolulu and even big box retailers including Amazon and Costco. When Costco started selling the Jetson Bolt Pro Electric Bike, I really wanted it because it was affordable, easy to store and has enough range for what I intended to use it for.

I couldn’t pull the trigger at the time, but I am still thinking about buying an e-bike. I already own a motor vehicle, so I don’t meet the eligibility requirements for the rebate. However, I remain hopeful as the state legislature is reviewing a proposal to expand the program to a broader range of people. For the latest information about the rebates, please visit the state Department of Transportation’s website.

Robert Yang is a digital communications and social media specialist at Hawaiian Electric Company.