Colorado residents who are interested in purchasing an electric bicycle (e-bike) have one last chance to apply for a rebate program that offers up to $1,100 off the cost of a qualified e-bike. The final round of applications for the Community Access to Electric Bicycles Rebate Program opened on Monday, February 12, 2024 and will remain open until 4:00 PM MT on Monday, February 19, 2024.
What is the e-bike rebate program?
The e-bike rebate program is a statewide initiative launched by the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) in June 2023 to increase access to e-bikes for low- and moderate-income Coloradans. The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, promote healthy and active lifestyles, and support local e-bike retailers.
The program offers two tiers of rebates based on income levels. Low-income applicants can receive a base incentive of $1,100, while moderate-income applicants can receive a base incentive of $500. Additionally, applicants can receive extra incentives for purchasing e-cargo bikes, adaptive e-bikes, or equipment such as helmets, locks, and lights.
The rebates are available as point-of-sale discounts at participating e-bike retailers across the state. Applicants must first apply online and receive a confirmation email with a voucher code before visiting a retailer. The voucher code is valid for 30 days and can be used for one e-bike purchase only.
How to apply for the e-bike rebate program?
To apply for the e-bike rebate program, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a Colorado resident with a valid Colorado driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Have a household income that is less than or equal to 100% of the area median income (AMI) for their county of residence
- Agree to complete a pre- and post-purchase survey about their e-bike experience
Applicants can check their income eligibility and find the list of participating retailers on the program website. To apply, applicants must fill out an online application form and upload proof of income and residency documents. Applicants will receive an email confirmation with a voucher code within two business days if their application is approved.
The final round of applications will close at 4:00 PM MT on Monday, February 19, 2024. Applicants who are not selected during this round will automatically be entered into a waitlist selection round that will take place in early-April. Placement on the waitlist does not guarantee a rebate.
What are the benefits of e-bikes?
E-bikes are bicycles that have an electric motor that assists the rider’s pedaling. E-bikes can help riders overcome barriers such as distance, terrain, age, mobility, and physical fitness that may prevent them from using traditional bikes. E-bikes can also provide economic, environmental, and health benefits, such as:
- Saving money on gas, parking, and maintenance costs
- Reducing carbon emissions and air pollution from motor vehicles
- Improving physical and mental well-being by increasing physical activity and reducing stress
- Enhancing social and recreational opportunities by expanding access to bike trails, parks, and other destinations
According to the CEO, e-bikes have the potential to replace nearly 60% of household motor vehicle trips that are 6 miles or less and 75% of trips that are 10 miles or less. These trips account for a significant portion of transportation emissions in the country.
What are the future plans for e-bike incentives in Colorado?
The e-bike rebate program is funded by a one-time allocation of $4 million from the state’s general fund. The CEO does not anticipate receiving additional funding for the program in the future. However, the CEO is preparing to launch a statewide e-bike tax credit on April 1, 2024, thanks to the passage of SB22-193 in 2023.
The e-bike tax credit will allow all Colorado residents to receive a $450 point-of-sale discount on a qualified e-bike purchase from an authorized e-bike retailer through 2032. The tax credit will be funded by a $10 fee on the registration of new motor vehicles that emit greenhouse gases.
The CEO will also continue to offer grants to non-profit organizations, local governments, tribal governments, and other community-based organizations to create e-bike programs that give e-bikes to low- and moderate-income Coloradans. The grants are part of the Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant Program, which is an expansion of the Can Do Colorado E-bike Pilot Program that started in June 2020.
The CEO encourages Coloradans to take advantage of the e-bike incentives and explore the benefits of e-biking for themselves and their communities.
