Electric Bikes, Vehicles, & Infrastructure

Electric Bicycles 

Electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes, are bicycles with an integrated motor and battery that provide extra propulsion. This added motorized power enables riders to ride longer and more frequently. E-bikes also benefit riders who may be discouraged from traditional bicycles due to convenience, age, limited physical fitness, disability, or injury. 

In 2015, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill, AB 1096, into law that clarifies how e-bikes are to be regulated in California. The bill: 

• Provides clear rules on how e-bikes must be equipped and operated. 
• Regulates e-bikes like traditional bicycles and not like mopeds. 
• Ensures e-bikes are not subject to the registration, licensing, or insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles. 
• Designates three types of e-bikes.  

Types of E-Bikes 

E-Bikes in the City of Arcata 

California local governments, such as the City of Arcata, have some leeway in developing regulations and ordinances regarding e-bikes. Currently, the City of Arcata has 10 committees that provide advice and/or recommendations to the City Council. These committees may soon discuss possible regulations to implement. View our Meeting Portal for updates on upcoming public city council/committee meetings regarding e-bikes.

City of Arcata Charging Stations 

Currently, there are 6 public electric vehicle charging stations in the City of Arcata. 

Arcata Technology Center - 1459 8th St., Arcata, CA 95521 

• Ports: 2 EV Plugs (J-1772)
• Cost: $0.35/kWh from 4-9pm & $0.30/kWh all other times
• Hours: Open 24/7 
• Phone: 1-855-900-7584 
• Description: There are two Level 2 chargers at this location on ChargePoint network. Visit ChargePoint to set up an account or simply pay onsite with a credit/debit card. You can also download the ChargePoint app to locate other charging stations and make payments.  Call the Redwood Coast Energy Authority (the number listed above) for any maintenance issues or if you are interested in receiving a ChargePoint membership card. 

F Street Parking Lot/Arcata Ball Park - 601 8th St. Arcata, CA 95521

• Ports: 6 EV Plugs (J-1772, CCS/SAE, & CHAdeMO)
• Cost: DC1 & DC2 - $0.30/kWh ($0.40 peak times) & L2 - $0.30/kWh ($0.35 peak times)
• Parking: DC1 & DC2 - While charging $0.05/min & Not charging $0.20/min (After 15 min grace period) & L2 - While charging $1.25/hr & Not charging $5.00/hr  (After 15 min grace period)
• Hours: Open 24/7 
• Phone: 1-888-758-4389
• Description: The charging station is on the ChargePoint network and is located in the parking lot behind the fire station and across from the Ball Park. There are three EV parking spots. Visit ChargePoint to set up an account or simply pay onsite with a credit/debit card. You can also download the ChargePoint app to locate other charging stations and make payments. Call the Redwood Coast Energy Authority (the number listed above) for any maintenance issues or if you are interested in receiving a ChargePoint membership card. 

Days Inn & Suites -  4701 Valley West Blvd Arcata CA 95521

• Ports: 2 EV Plugs (J-1772)
• Cost: Free
• Hours: Open 24/7 
• Description: The charging station is located in the hotel parking lot. Non-networked so no activation required. Reserved for guests and customers only. 

HSU Schatz Energy Research Center - 1 Harpst St. Arcata, CA 95521

• Ports: 2 EV Plugs (J-1772)
• Cost: Free 
• Hours: Open 24/7 (Parking permit required during enforcement days/hours)
• Phone: 707-826-3773
• Description: The Schatz Energy Research Center is located on the south side of campus, across from the Behavioral & Social Sciences building and behind the Natural Resources building. To access the charging station, take the driveway between the G14 and G15 parking lots and park on the south side of the Schatz Center. One parking space is EV-only; parking here is limited to four hours, and the vehicle must be charging while parked. The second parking space is ADA parking (EV not required). HSU parking permits are required for both spaces and can be purchased from the kiosk in the G15 parking lot or at the Student & Business Services building. 

HSU Harry Griffith Hall - 1 Harpst St. Arcata, CA 95521

• Ports: 10 EV Plugs (J-1772) 
• Cost: Free 
• Hours: Open 24/7 (Parking permit required during enforcement days/hours)
• Description: Harry Griffith Hall is located on the south side of campus, across from the Natural Resources building. To access the charging station, take Harpst Street on to campus and make a right onto B Street. The stations will be located in the parking lot behind Harry Griffith Hall on the right side of B street. HSU parking permits are required for all spaces and can be purchased from the kiosk in the G15 parking lot or at the Student & Business Services building. 

Arcata Community Center - 321 Dr. M.L.K. Jr Pkwy, Arcata, CA 95521

• Ports: 8 EV Plugs (J-1772) 
• Cost: $0.35/kWh 4pm-9pm & $0.30 kWh all other times 
• Hours: Open 24/7
• Phone: 1-855-900-7584
• Description: Arcata Community Center and Sports Complex is located off Union Street near Healthsport Arcata and the Parkway Apartments. To access the charging station pull into the Community Center parking lot off Union Street. The charging stations will be located in the lot between the park and the Sports Complex area. 

Other Charging Stations in Humboldt County

Electric vehicle infrastructure is currently expanding in Humboldt County. Many cities and towns in the area have charging stations, and there are even plans to bring DC fast charging stations along HWY 101 in the near future. For a complete map showing charging stations in Humboldt County, as well as stations throughout the rest of the state and country, visit PlugShare or the U.S Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center.

City of Arcata EV Parking Exemption 

In order to encourage the reduction of air pollution and locally generated greenhouse gas emissions, as well as to promote the usage of zero-emission vehicles, the City Council of the City of Arcata approved Resolution No. 023-48 on March 19, 2003. This resolution grants zero-emission vehicles, specifically battery-powered vehicles and hydrogen-powered vehicles, free use of all parking meters operated by the City of Arcata. 

How It Works 

Simply bring your car registration and license to the Arcata Police Department where they will create an annual parking permit. The permit allows the vehicle to park at any metered space in city limits free of charge. Parking time limits still apply.

Tax Credits & Other Incentives 

The cost of purchasing an electric vehicle has decreased over the past few years and will most likely continue to decrease within the next decade. However, for many consumers, the upfront cost of purchasing an electric vehicle is a major financial roadblock that keeps them out of reach. Fortunately, there are several Federal, State, and private incentives that can make the switch to electric much more affordable and appealing.  

EV Frequently Asked Questions 

Are electric vehicles dependable? 

Electric vehicles are some of the most dependable vehicles on the market. They will last as long or longer than gasoline automobiles, with less regular maintenance required. In fact, battery electric vehicles require no oil changes, tune-ups, or new spark plugs. Electric motors will also outlast the body of the vehicle. Many automakers also offer warranties on the batteries as well as safe disposal of worn-out batteries.

How far will an electric vehicle go on a single charge? 

That depends on the exact make and model. A battery electric vehicle (BEV) can generally travel 80-240 miles on a single charge. A plug-in electric hybrid vehicle can generally travel 20-50 miles on a single charge but has a total extended range of 460-590 miles with its gasoline engine.

What if I need to travel farther? 

Most electric cars have enough range for the daily commute. Very few drivers travel farther than 80 miles on a daily basis. For the infrequent occasions when a long-distance drive is needed, the drive can be done with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), by access to public transportation or vehicles in car-share services, or by renting or borrowing another vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle? 

Much less than it costs to buy gasoline! In Humboldt County, the Redwood Coast Energy Authority's network of charging stations cost $0.48 per charging session + $0.18 per kWh. Depending on the electric vehicle, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2 - $13.

How long does it take to fully charge an electric vehicle? 

The actual charging time depends on the size of your battery, how far you have driven, and the charging station you use. A Level 1 station can recharge an EV in 10+ hours, a Level 2 station can recharge an EV in 4-8 hours, and a Level 3 station can recharge an EV in as little as 20-60 minutes. 

Most people charge their cars at home, work, or park at a charging station when out running errands. Plug it in when you arrive and it will be ready for you in the morning, the end of the workday, or by the time you leave.

How do you find charging stations?

There are several free public charging apps and online databases that could help you locate charging stations. 

• U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center (online database) 
• PlugShare (online database) 
• ChargePoint (free app) 
• Greenlots (free app) 

How much does it cost to install a home charger? 

If you want to charge an EV at home, you can actually do it without installing a home charger. Most EV’s come with an adapter that allows you to plug into any 110V outlet. If you want to charge at home at a faster rate by installing a Level 2 charger, contact a professional electrician for more information. 

What happens when an electric vehicle runs out of "juice"? 

The same thing when a gasoline-powered vehicle runs out of gas, you'll need a tow or a push. In some areas, roadside mobile charging assistance is available. 

Are electric vehicles actually environmentally friendly? 

Yes! Electric vehicles emit little to no greenhouse gasses. They do however need to be recharged and thus must draw electricity from somewhere else. If that electricity comes from renewable energy than the vehicle is no longer a part of the pollution cycle.