The problem with California's Ebike Rebate (And my solution)

[@topotone]

You've just set the bar higher than any other company can reach. Not just with this deal, but your commitment to providing excellence in your product and integrity in your mission to deliver amazing quality bikes. Good on ya!

[@sdfotodude]

Low-income people have been given priority. I heartily agree. If you can afford an e-bike. Buy it yourself.

[@sanchezs7614]

We need rebates and more bike lanes! 😢 My area is over saturated with cars and i get tired of driving everywhere

[@brucepoole8552]

Just paid my vehicle registration here in cali, almost 500$ for my 2021 tacoma, ca is expensive, I hope the rebate for ebikes works out as Im looking to buy one soon

[@kokopelli314]

I totally agree with UL certification for subsidized batteries. I would add that if sellers are to receive any taxpayer money, they must adhere to strict price controls.

[@Arod40]

Wish I lived in Cali to come and check out y'alls shop. I'm a disabled veteran and loved going on bike rides and had back surgery 6 years ago and it's really hard to go riding and i've been looking into getting into an E-Bike and stumbled across your channel and y'all are awesome. Keep up the great work.

[@dan7163]

Damn, you Want to move to Calif? I'll sell you my home and land right now. You can have this psycho state and all the woke Dirtbags with it

[@punkdigerati]

Clearing stock, finding out what UL fits the requirements, then re-releasing it under those parameters for when the rebate actually goes live.

[@michaelsullivan3581]

Dern Smart!

[@RJKaminsky]

Kyle, I really think you deserve recognition for being such an awesome marketer in the world of ebikes. And I am so glad I found this video so that I can learn all about the Blackbird that I've been riding for the past few weeks. I knew there was something special about this bike because of all the attention it gets. Now I know more of the technicals. What I didn't realize, is what an amazing deal I got. Thank you for handling my initial challenges and concerns in a kind and considerate way and I hope that you and the business continue growing and thriving.

[@mikeyp5130]

What a freaking mess.....Thanks for the info always Kyle!

[@damondonner1198]

That is an amazing price for this bike! Wish I had the $$. I would drive down from Oregon to get it.

[@qibble455]

A Blackbird for $1600~$1700 is just amazing. Imho It's defiantly one of the best bikes for the money even at the old price.

[@Weltbummler23]

Good call on the months and months delay. Happy voucher day! Good luck to all.

[@georose33]

Love the new location, I hope you're in good health.

[@NWforager]

the BlackBird blows away all the similar 750w ebikes . Larger disc brakes make a huge difference . Torque sensor , good fork , 52volts . Super Deal for the components and 16hundred ⚡⚡

[@thomasstraughan]

Just happened today at 6 PM 1500 potential recipients I was on a hold for almost an hour and didn’t make the cut

[@LEGIONSOFLIGHTUFOs]

All access to the Car.Ebike incentive program have been strangely blocked, and I cannot apply for this program? Please Post the "LINK" to the CA. E Bike Inventive Program?

[@iblackfeathers]

why is the front fender so far away from the front tire? in comparison, the rear tire is close to the rear fender like in most other dual suspension e-bikes with fenders.

[@Area13ebikes]

Thats due to the inverted fork design. Mechanical speaking it can't be mounted lower.

[@Biffwellington4518]

Who are the UL certified e-bike/e-bike battery manufacturers? Knowing how Gruesome Newsom works, follow the money.

[@jimp.7286]

Best I can figure,...UL probably got dragged in by either insurance companies or attorneys for the state due to lithium battery fires in the news, (people store their bikes inside houses, apartments ect. while charging them there),. Perhaps they feel a u.l certificate is worth something to the state in case a structure goes up and there's loss of life by providing the state some legal protection tied to their rebate program?

[@JediGeronimo]

I'll have to pop by the shop to check it out!

[@Area13ebikes]

Please do!

[@ericduckman3135]

Starts December 18, 2024. New list of bikes, dated 11/8/2024.

[@bellyacres7846]

wow, just wow. . . UL? uh can we get a sticker ;) that black bird has my interest, Ive a step over & a step thru now. gee I prefer the step thru now that I have one. used to think its just a gurls style - then I got one and found I do like it. my next ebike needs to be a step thru and I prefer the twist throttle [seldom use it now, but like the twist] North Idaho is a bit of a drive or Id have come by as your ebikes and store really has my interest. Its just a bit of a drive for this old boy.

[@Greatgadgetsgear]

No rebates in my state. I wish they are expensive but fun.

[@Sanesaint1]

I would think holes in the rims would make them weaker if you hit something to hard that is going to bend

[@Wize817]

Possibly double walled is strong and light?

[@Sanesaint1]

If I was to design one I would make it so you can take the key out and I would definitely have a layaway plan there is a few that have payment plans

[@Moondoggy1941]

Do you have to get pre approved first? Then apply.

My friend has an Archeer. I see that Huffy now has an electric bike. These are $500 , and that's more like it. Check the specs. When I saw the approved bikes costing $1700+ I gagged. The application process was fubar

[@jwebbw]

What I know of CA is that they get their money to fund programs in July, so I was looking at the month of July for them to have the program approved.

[@kevincolwell3066]

As someone who is just starting to look into e-bikes do you have a suggestion on where to start. A little background if it helps. I was diagnosed with MS 8 years ago and my health as of about 3 years ago made it so I can no longer work. I currently can not afford a car and am looking for an alternative to get to doctors appointments (currently have to ask for rides or use Uber). Most of my doctors are within 15 miles one way. Cash is obviously very tight and looking to see if this could be a good alternative. Any suggestions on we’re to start looking would be greatly appreciated.

[@Area13ebikes]

You're already in the right place! Area13ebikes.com

[@chrisolberz3308]

Very cool deal. Bummer I'm in Ireland ;-) I'd defo get on of them otherwise. Kudos to your business sense

[@MoosesValley]

The most powerful motor allowed on an ebike where I live (Qld, Australia) is 250W - the power of which is virtually negated by the extra weight of an ebike. Would love an 750W (or better) ebike like the Blackbird, but not legal here ... yet. No sign of any ebike rebates here either. And we desperately need more bike lanes / bike paths in rural and other areas.

[@richardlewis2290]

Our shop followed the Rebate Program. The Cal Rebate Program was a joke even before the UL change. The UL change is the nail in the coffin on that program.

[@tomtribur458]

And this is California. The purchaser would have to claim that free bike as income and pay income tax on it. I recently took a class provided by my employer that they had a value tied to. That value was included on my income tax.

[@erides]

Great Deal with good specs and from the good company

[@Sanesaint1]

I can get one for 8:50 that goes 28 mph, and when the dude did the speed test it went up to 30 750 watt motor

[@_jurist]

So the rebate wasn’t for the consumers the rebate was for the e-bike sellers. Because that incentive is taking taxpayer money and put it in your pocket. The government needs to get out of all retail and quit effing with the market.

[@jeffmpvd7689]

The government spends countless tax $$$ to repair roads and now deal with climate change (floods and fires) . The idea it's to get some people out of their cars in sunny CA and use a bike instead. A high percentage of car trips are under 3 miles, perfect for many on an eBike.

[@_jurist]

@@jeffmpvd7689 first of all if you actually believe climate change is a real thing, caused by CO2 then there’s no help for you. You are intentionally ignorant, an NPC. The governments responsibility is to do the infrastructure those things which an individual can’t do for themselves. Roads sewers, water and that’s it.

[@HammerHed13]

@@jeffmpvd7689 Sorry bud, e bikes will always be a recreational luxury device for 90% of the public. They will never replace the car. Some small trips are perfect for bikes but you cant carry much. Ask me how I know.

[@disciprine]

The purpose of the rebate was for politicians to virtue signal they are doing something in California. It's complete BS

[@petepop4319]

@@jeffmpvd7689 elec cars do twice the damage to roads

[@balloney2175]

The problem is that there is no real rebate.

[@Area13ebikes]

Well there should be... but ya, not yet.

[@hill160881]

My father just got the canyon gravel e-bike because the style of bike you have there is so heavy your 100w input is pointless. That bike you have there is however a great deal. But a bike so heavy you could not ride it without the motor is a motorcycle.

[@turkeyssr]

Keep it the good work. We appreciate it.

[@californiakayaker]

Nice bike. I bought a bike which would qualify for the program except for the U.L. Aproval. To tell you the truth, I didn't even know about the program.

[@carlu-dovica]

An incredibly good idea for future ads. Promote your own product while slamming the corrupt government pukes at the same time. Love it! 🙂

[@Area13ebikes]

😂

[@chiggensandich23]

I was so enticed but I’m somewhat disappointed in the weight rating for the bike

[@E-Ryders]

WHAT!? $1699......Now that's a Steal! We don't usually buy bikes, but if you have any used ones with miles on it or even banged up a bit you can discount more, we would love to review it on our channel.

[@Area13ebikes]

We do have a few refurbished bikes for even less.

[@ELECTRICBIKEDIYLIFE]

One problem I just thought of and this is not directed towards you. I think other ebike retailers will jack up the price of their bikes to take advantage of the voucher system and still make a profit up front from the customer. Let the gouging commence, but hopefully not. They should allow us to buy bikes from online retailers like amazon because you're going to get the best deal. A lot of us old school ebikers know how to get the best bang for your buck but noobs aren't going to have that knowledge and I'm afraid they're going to get taken advantage of.

[@larryjanson4011]

with the threat of having to pay taxes each year to own it. reg with the dmv as a motor bike, forced insurance for a motor bike, the rider would need a motor bile permit and helmet. banned from ALL trails. that motorcycles can not use. can only use it on the same streets cars drive on, as in NO sidewalks were people walk. why bother.

[@shakapedia17]

Why would anyone put a presta valve on a fat tired bike?

[@Area13ebikes]

Much more common with tubeless compatible rims, which these are.

[@LukeAntunes]

If you have a pink version, I will totally buy one for my gf!!

[@jayobannon5359]

The problem is rebates. Just like subsidies, bond issues and fiat currency.

[@pecanset4390]

Did u loose weight. Looking good 👍

[@SaltyBbqPiggy]

Background noise compliments of Jory!

[@Timbodacious]

sucks. ul certification is sort of a joke because nobody ever physically inspects you bikes or batteries except for electrical diagrams on paper and maybe a few pictures of your electronics and bms.

[@jeffmpvd7689]

Much better than nothing, no?

[@leftjab6187]

Vote out those city politicians for wasting time and money of the people...

[@Valerie-q3v]

Hit " apply now" at exactly 6pm and was directed to an error page which also said temporarily unavailable. They need a different system to apply.

[@Sanesaint1]

Still not worth the price why because it has bigger tires plus I don't like those kind of handlebars

[@bradcamillo1966]

And you can’t afford it 😂

[@TheRickurb]

UL cert is a great idea, and should be mandatory, not just for rebates.

[@jesseharvey3302]

Yea was first in line waited a hour then they said get lost no more spots ..

[@stuartgoodman1211]

The same happened to me

Yup , the portal malfunctioned for 12 minutes , waited on a "list" and was told it was full.

[@Sanesaint1]

And it doesn't even have a cassette protector

[@Wize817]

They should have just made the battery chargers and pack makers have UL approval as THATS what was causing the fires. People used mismatched chargers and low quality battery packs were the problem, not the ebikes. Now very FEW ebikes are gonna be approved on this Rebate list, screwing the buyer and the seller from even using it. Another thing that sucks is I read you cant use the rebate on any online retailer?! Cali govt really dont want us to use this "rebate" do they? 😅

[@jeffmpvd7689]

They want the business benefit to go to CA bike shops not out of state online. Sounds reasonable to me.

[@Wize817]

​@@jeffmpvd7689 Lol well if they gotta charge $3000 for $1000 bike I guess so 😅 This obviously has less to do with getting people on green ebikes and saving $ and more about benefitting some big players and costing the buyer more. Many of the local retailers sell online also! They all made in China! Many got offices and warehouses in CA so? 😆

[@stevemarez6899]

WTF!!! retailers get action first on application!! So they're under poverty level huh? First come first serve? Some confusing B.S. that's for sure.... O'well, gonna have to wait & see what's gonna happen, probably gonna run outta time when can actually get an ebike!!

[@JohnKelley-vg7zr]

Bullshit!!! CARB has already given out ALL rebates vouchers.

[@petepop4319]

if you pony up to newsom he'll put your bike on the list, just bake your own bread

[@michaellapihuska3993]

Still not active. Wtf

[@Area13ebikes]

Nope, delayed as expected.

[@jjboohoo9641]

I am so blessed not to live in California.

[@michaellapihuska3993]

Wtf? I keep calling and calling

[@Area13ebikes]

Calling who?

[@michaellapihuska3993]

California ebike initiative

[@steveklick]

Are the options for bikes they have now more expensive bikes or less affordable?

[@disciprine]

The whole program is BS. The income requirements are pointless given the cost of living in California. People still won't use these as transportation replacements in California because of the non-bike friendly infrastructure. Whole thing is a waste of taxpayer dollars

[@vinroc]

San Luis Obispo ,SF, and Berkeley have highly rated bike infrastructure for the US . I ride my bike about 30% of my trips .

[@harryhoesch3793]

Sounds like the non-UL certified bikes will be shipped out of California at a slight discount. Sounds safe for the government go at the moment. A national program sounds the way to go.

[@larryjanson4011]

over stock? then why all the price gouging? e bikes are out of my price range. then come the laws. these are the reasons i will not buy one. i do not live in a city. i do not live on flat ground. i do live in a town, that is in the hills. NO bike lanes here. i know if six roads out if town. five of them you will die if you tried riding any kind of bike on them. NO shoulders. the last one is a not really maintained dirt rd. steep and rough getting out of town. when you get back to pavement your back to narrow paved rds NO shoulders again.

[@MrLarry-gr8]

This really sucks. They get your hopes up and they get you all elevated just enough to bring you down. And if Trump gets elected he most likely will end this program in its entirety. That is very commendable of you to offer the significant discount on the blackbird. You are benevolent. You have manufactured a very nice bike here. I would consider buying it if I was able to afford it. Well designed. *Thumbs Up*

[@chuckwolf9869]

The problem is they need to make class 4 bikes with greater than 750 watts and a top speed of up to 40 mph as long as they are sold stock with fully functioning pedals legal and classified as bicycles, I don't see why my dual motor 2000 watt nominal/ 3000 watt peak, 21 speed fat tire mountain style ebike with a 35 mph top speed isn't considered a bicycle under the law

[@bensonr2]

Cause at 35 mph you are crossing into low powered motorcycle territory and those vehicles really should be registered and insured. You can really hurt someone at 35 mph.

[@chuckwolf9869]

@@bensonr2 oh hush, keep your opinion to yourself. if it has pedals it's a bicycle. if it didn't have pedals i'd agree then it would be a motorcycle, but if it can be pedaled it's a bicycle

[@punkdigerati]

You're voicing an opinion and then telling people not to voice theirs.

[@jasonkrantz8946]

Lol good deal dang

[@mrhawk2005]

a con

[@Zetler]

CA have 5% unemployment, the highest in the nation. E-bike rebate gotta go.

[@alexpuzzanghera5393]

That's dumb this will help people get to work. Invest in working class people. Lower traffic for everyone

[@Sanesaint1]

Dude it's only worth a thousand

[@Area13ebikes]

Then unfortunately you don't know about quality or bicycle components. You couldn't even buy the parts for 1k.

[@mikelaplante1837]

Day 2 of asking for an ebike giveaway ❤

[@Area13ebikes]

Step 1. Start making videos. You need to put in the effort!

[@mikelaplante1837]

@@Area13ebikes i dont have a bike to review my friend

[@Area13ebikes]

@@mikelaplante1837 just make a video about ebikes. Plenty of things you can do.

[@Wize817]

Dude I seen your comment all over YT. You beggin for the most pricey/popular ebikes?! 😅 Just buy a cheap one or use a payment plan. They got some as low as $400 online or try scooters? Thats how most people start. At this point theres almost too many ebike reviewers, you have to be dedicated full time and do all the tests or not bother, most dont make much $, but good luck.

[@MrUpscaleman]

Yesterday's voucher giveaway was a complete scam. Online an hour before, waiting. After launch I waited for almost 2 hours and got a message saying all the vouchers were gone....better luck next time.

[@WaffleStaffel]

The larger companies who already have UL cert spread some money around. This sort of corruption is out in the open these days. Check out the story from the Edison Motors guy who's making electric semi-trucks. The person in the government who approves grants contacted him via a different email address turns out this person also runs a private company who writes grant applications/greases the skids for grants. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpzVe3d5q6mIqM0

[@jeffmpvd7689]

EBikes are evolving. Do you think the California government wants to be held responsible for putting a bike in some family's hands with a big rebate only to have it start a fire in their home? UL certification is not perfect but a good start.

[@WaffleStaffel]

​@@jeffmpvd7689 Then why did they clam up when asked to explain the sudden change of heart? If it was all above board they should be happy to share. Honestly. _People like you are why so many still believe that Arabs with box cutters brought down _*_3_*_ skyscrapers..._

[@jdb1117]

@@jeffmpvd7689 agreed. Not everything is a conspiracy. It makes sense that bikes the state of CA are paying for be safe esp these days with CA wildfire issues.

[@jdb1117]

Did they fuck up by not having the UL cert in the first writeup of the proposal. Absolutely.

[@humbertovcorona6812]

Hi Area 13 I'm liking the blackbird ,I'll be contacting you or hey send me some more information and we'll hook up,thanks again

[@SuperBajafresh]

TODAY IT IS OUT! 12-18-2024, NO PROBLEMS, SO STOP COMPLAINING.

[@HammerHed13]

No problems? lol You must be one of the blessed, to have been able to enroll. Not me, or anyone I know.