The program was envisioned, designed, and created by San Diego County leadership and Pedal Ahead 501c3, with initial funding provided by San Diego County, The Left Coast Fund, The San Diego Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund, and SDG&E.

Pedal Ahead was initiated to serve as an alternative to automobile transportation through socially conscious transportation.

The program is growing to increase e-bike ridership throughout all of San Diego County with a sustained focus to serve residents living in under served communities.

Riders use a GPS app to track trip distances and transportation and recreation patterns, which are collected by Pedal Ahead to better understand program impacts.

Through the adoption of e-bikes, Pedal Ahead’s goal is to enhance quality of life for participants using e-bikes for both commuting and recreational activities.

Through phased integration, Pedal Ahead will create a network of individually operated e-bikes that are initially loaned and eventually owned by participants at the program’s two-year conclusion. 

To qualify for the Pedal Ahead program, you must be a resident of any San Diego County Supervisorial District, meaning anyone residing within any San Diego County ZIP Code is welcome to apply to participate in the program.

Pedal Ahead has e-bikes available to participants in all San Diego County Supervisorial Districts, with an emphasis on people with low income, unreliable transportation, and lack of nutritional food sources in their immediate area.

Pedal Ahead electric bicycles are the popular Electra Bicycles Townie GO! 7D, or of equal specifications.

The e-Bikes are simple to use, have comfortable saddles, and feature with three levels of pedal assist — meaning the rider must be pedaling to receive the electric boost from the motor.  

Each bicycle is new, whereas participants  receive a new bike at the beginning of the loan-to-own period. We service each unit upon delivery. Sample photos.

Due to high volume the Pedal Ahead community e-bike program is currently NOT accepting new applicants.

After your application is submitted, Pedal Ahead staff will review the application and contact you via email to relay next steps.

Pedal Ahead  does not share participant information with third parties. 

Participate in Pedal Ahead for a minimum of 2 years

• Commit to using the e-bike for a minimum of 150 miles* per month (i.e., an average of 5 miles per day) (*mileage requirements slightly differ for participants enrolled in the SANDAG pilot program launching in fall 2022)
• Record mileage on the free Strava mobile app and request to join Pedal Ahead in “groups” within the app
• Participants secure annual personal bicycle insurance. Insurance is necessary for liability, loss, theft, and damage to the e-bike.
  • Pedal Ahead has recommended vendors (State Farm, Simple Bike Insurance).

After successful completion of the program, including meeting all program requirements, participants will be offered ownership of the bicycle.

Participants who do not reach the minimum mileage level will be offered the opportunity to own the e-bike at a prorated cost (TBD).

Pedal Ahead works with Stay True Cycle Works, Trek – Bonita, and California Bicycles among others for program participant support, meetings, group rides, neighborhood forums, e-bike distribution, maintenance, skills training, and rider safety education.

This e-bike resource network of locations continues to grow as we expand regionally.

Every month we announce the location and times for group meetings and DIY maintenance opportunites.

Absolutely not.

The Pedal Ahead program is open to riders 18 years and older with all bicycling abilities.

We encourage participants to use the e-bikes to get to work, school and/or recreation destinations while leading active and healthy lifestyles.

Monthly classes will include opportunities to learn more about e-bikes, how to ride safely, maintenance and bicycle security and other bicycle-related topics. 

Pedal Ahead will be providing each participant with a safety and visibility package that includes front and rear lights integrated into each e-bike, a helmet with integrated light, high visibility vest, and U-lock with cable for security.

Each e-bike will also be equipped with devices that secure front wheels and seats.

Pedal Ahead will provide instructions on how accessories and safety features are operated. 

Through support from SDG&E and The San Diego Foundation's COVID-19 Response Fund, Pedal Ahead supports workforce development in these under-served communities by providing an opportunity to the targeted age group (18-26) to participate in internships, mentorships, and education classes through a Community Center partnership with Mesa College, Adams Avenue Business Association, San Diego Workforce Partnership, and Outdoor Outreach.

Pedal Ahead has worked with leaders in the bicycle industry to develop a curriculum to include small business entrepreneurship, marketing and sales, and mechanical bicycle maintenance.

Through a network of partners in both the local and national bicycling industries, the program will also allow additional opportunities for young adults to gain real-world work experiences, which include learning how to perform maintenance on traditional and electric bicycles, group rides, and participating in events that support the Pedal Ahead program.

• For more information, and to sign up, email Pedal Ahead at mainoffice@pedalahead.com.