Charlene’s Shift to Sustainable Transportation
Charlene Huston posing with her new blue Rad Runner eBike.
“If you’ve ever dreamed of owning an eBike, don’t wait. With CEC’s support, it’s more possible than you think.”
Charlene Huston has always loved biking. But after undergoing hip replacement surgery, she knew a traditional bike wouldn’t be as easy or enjoyable as it once was. That’s when an electric bike started to feel like the perfect way to stay active and support the environment, without the physical strain.
Still, the cost was a barrier. As a senior on a fixed income, eBikes felt out of reach — until her nephew sent her a link to a local eBike incentive program. When overwhelming demand crashed the application site, Charlene thought she’d missed her chance. On the verge of giving up, she contacted Community Environmental Council (CEC) for help, and was met with personalized support that helped her secure a $1,750 voucher. With it, Charlene paid just $187 for her brand-new blue Rad Runner, complete with an added front basket and rearview mirror.
Now, she rides every single day — commuting from her home in San Roque to her art studio in Goleta, running errands, and visiting friends and family. “I rode my new eBike home from Rad Power Bikes in the Funk Zone with a huge smile on my face,” she said. “It’s fun, it’s freedom, and I feel good knowing I’m cutting down on car trips and doing my part for the planet.”
Charlene is no stranger to climate action. She was one of the original artists behind Santa Barbara’s LightBlueLine climate project in 2007. Today, she’s still inspiring others to take action. “If you’ve ever dreamed of owning an eBike, don’t wait. With CEC’s support, it’s more possible than you think,” Charlene said.
