These 8 US Cities Pay You Up To $700 for Riding an E-Bike
By James Lynch | Images: Getty
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A new e-bike is a big purchase. For many, it means spending at least $1,000, if not many times that.
But depending on where you live, there might be ways to help defray those costs. That’s right, in some cities and counties, your local government or utility might actually give you cash via rebates towards an e-bike. These eight cities do just that. See how you can take full advantage.
Healdsburg, CA
Healdsburg, California, is in the midst of a one-year trial program of e-bike rebates, set to end December 31, 2021, funded by the local electric department’s allowances from California’s cap and trade program. The program offers a few levels of funding, depending on income and other factors. The highest rebate of $700 is available to those who receive a lower income-qualified electric rate from the Healdsburg Electric utility.
Other residents who buy an e-bike in Healdsburg can receive a $400 rebate or $300 for bikes purchased outside of Healdsburg. A $50 rebate is also available for e-bike conversion kits. The rebates will be limited to one per account with the Healdsburg Electric power utility and apply only to e-bikes meant to replace automobile trips (meaning no mountain bikes).
Ashland, OR
Residents of Ashland, Oregon, can get a $300 rebate towards a class 1 e-bike. The rebate program is through the Ashland Electric utility and allows each household/ utility account cash back on one new e-bike priced $3,000 or less, redeemable at select Ashland e-bike retailers.
Contra Costa County, CA
Contra Costa 511 is a program in Contra Costa County working to reduce traffic and improve air quality in the county. One of its main programs is an e-bike rebate program.
The program works by giving residents of the county either a $150 or $300 rebate, depending on income, for the purchase of a new e-bike, either class 1, 2 or 3. The program divides the county into four sections, allocating a certain number of rebates to each. The $300 rebates are specifically reserved for low-income residents. The rebate is also available for electric bike conversion kits and electric mopeds that go less than 30 mph.
Glenwood Springs, CO & Edwards, CO
Glenwood Springs, Colorado, residents who have accounts with Holy Cross Energy can get a $200 rebate for an e-bike so long as it offsets car miles. The rebate is limited to two e-bikes per household and each bike must cost more than $500. Customers will have to fill out this online form to get the rebate.
Residents of nearby Edwards will be eligible for a $200 rebate with similar restrictions so long as they are residents of Edwards and customers of Holy Cross Energy.
Ann Arbor, MI
Customers at Human Electric Hybrid, an e-bike shop in Ann Arbor, Michigan, can get a rebate on a limited number of e-bikes in a limited variety of models as selected by the city of Ann Arbor. The rebate comes in two parts: $100 off the selected models, and $50 store credit for associated accessories.
To receive the rebate, you’ll need to mention the program to the store and schedule an appointment to build the bike.
Austin, TX
Customers of Austin Energy are eligible for a rebate from Austin Energy on e-bikes, or any other two- or three-wheeled electric vehicle, including motorcycles. The rebate is tiered at $50 for purchases up to $499, $100 for purchase up to $999, $200 for purchases up to $1,999 and $300 for anything over $2,000.
The e-bike must be purchased from a list of approved dealers, and each applicant can only apply for three rebates per year.
Burlington, VT
Burlington, Vermont, residents who are customers of Burlington Electric Department can get a $200 instant rebate for a new e-bike, redeemable at participating Burlington e-bike retailers. You’ll need your license and a piece of mail to prove residency.
If you’d rather convert your existing bike to an e-bike rather than buying a whole new bike, you can also get a $200 rebate for conversion kits and installation at these same retailers.
As part of the rebate, you’ll also get a free one-year membership to the local car share program.
Vermont
Vermont residents who have a Green Mountain Power account are eligible for a $200 rebate on e-bikes costing at least $500. The program extends to retrofits to existing bikes as well.
The bikes must be bought from participating retailers and the purchase must be intended to replace car trip miles. Bikes bought purely for recreation won’t count.
Does your city or power company offer an e-bike rebate? Let us know!