Denver’s very popular e-bike rebate program is back in 2024 with some tweaks that could make the program more accessible.
This year, the city is expanding funding for low-income residents and streamlining the application process. The rebates are funded through the Climate Protection Fund, a voter approved sales tax focused on climate resilience.
The program’s goal is getting Denverites to drive less and bike more.
Since launching in 2022, more than 15,000 people applied for vouchers through the program and nearly 8,000 have received and redeemed them, according to city data. About 37 percent of applications came from income-qualifying Denverites. A 2023 survey of voucher recipients found that the e-bikes replaced an average of 3.4 car trips per week per rider, or around 22 miles per week per rider.
The rebates are first-come, first-serve, and will open at 11 a.m. on Feb. 27, April 30, June 25, Aug. 27 and Oct. 29 at the city’s online portal. In the past, they’ve been snatched up within minutes of becoming available.
Here’s a guide to applying and a list of shops where vouchers can be used.
There are now two tiers for income-qualified rebates.
Previously, those rebates were set at $1,200 for a standard e-bike and $1,400 for a cargo e-bike for anyone earning less than 80 percent of the area median income.
This year, anyone making between 60 to 100 percent of the area median income, or between $52,140 and $86,900 for a single person, can get $700 for a regular e-bike and $900 for a cargo e-bike.
Anyone making below 60 percent of the area median income, or $52,140 for a single person, can get $1,200 for a regular e-bike and $1,400 for a cargo e-bike.
Denverites who do not qualify for the income rebates can continue to get $300 towards a standard e-bike and $500 towards a cargo e-bike, and people with disabilities can get up to $1,400 for adaptive e-bikes.
Denverites will also have more time to redeem their vouchers.
Previously, a recipient had up to 60 days to purchase a bike. The city has bumped that figure up to 90 days.
To meet demand, anyone who previously received vouchers — whether they redeemed them or not — will not be able to register in 2024.
The city is also adding extra safety precautions. Denverites can only redeem vouchers for e-bikes certified under specific safety standards to prevent e-bike battery fires. Denver is also requiring shops to work with battery recyclers.
