An Act expanding community access to electric bicycles

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Natalie Blais and 2 co-sponsors

DOER launches Commonwealth Grant Initiative to fund e-bike share and ownership programs, expanding access and prioritizing environmental justice communities.

Accompanied a study order, see H5323

Summary: H.3451 — An Act expanding community access to electric bicycles

Overview

H.3451, introduced February 27, 2025, seeks to broaden access to electric bicycles (e-bikes) by creating a state grant program to finance bike share and ownership programs administered by municipalities, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. The bill adds a new Section 11J to Chapter 25A, establishing the Commonwealth Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant Initiative and directing the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to run the program.

Purpose and intent

Expand community access to e-bikes through grant funding.

Support bike share programs and ownership programs as a means to improve mobility, reduce emissions, and promote environmental justice.

Prioritize programs that serve environmental justice or disproportionately impacted communities.

Key provisions

(a) Establishment: DOER shall create the Commonwealth Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant Initiative to finance programs administered by municipalities, businesses, and nonprofits.

(b) Eligible uses: Grants may be used to purchase and maintain e-bikes, related equipment and infrastructure, labor costs for program implementation, and both direct and indirect administrative costs.

(c) Eligibility: Recipients must administer a bike share program with e-bikes or an ownership program offering e-bikes to individuals or households, either directly or via a contract with a third party.

(d) Application and criteria: DOER shall implement an application process, create award criteria, and give priority to programs operating in environmental justice or disproportionately impacted communities.

(e) Matching funds: Recipients must provide a certain percentage of matching funds (the exact percentage is not specified in the text provided).

(f) Reporting and compliance: DOER shall set periodic reporting requirements to ensure funds are used for the stated purposes and establish procedures to address noncompliance, including potential reimbursements.

(g) Administrative costs: DOER may use up to 10% of the grant fund to cover its own direct and indirect administrative costs.

Who is affected

Local municipalities, businesses, and nonprofit organizations seeking funding for e-bike bike share or ownership programs.

Potential program participants and riders in communities served by these programs.

Communities designated as environmental justice or disproportionately impacted areas, which are prioritized under the grant criteria.

Funding and administration

Administered by the Department of Energy Resources.

Funding supports purchasing, maintenance, infrastructure, labor, and administrative costs for programs.

DOER can retain up to 10% of the fund for administration.

Procedural and timeline notes

Status: Reporting date extended to Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

Hearing: Scheduled for May 14, 2025 (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM in A-2).

Legislative path: Referred to the Senate/House committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy; Senate concurrence noted in action log.

Related: Similar matter previously filed as House Bill 3145 (2023-2024); HD 2731 replaces or supersedes prior filing.

Potential impact

Increased funding opportunities for community-based e-bike programs.

Expanded access to sustainable transportation options, with emphasis on underserved communities.

Clear governance for application, matching requirements, reporting, and accountability.