D.C. residents can soon get vouchers or rebates to buy and maintain electric bikes. The D.C. Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the incentive program for bicycles purchased from retailers in D.C., following successful pilots in other cities. For lower-income residents, the incentives could total $2,000 toward the purchase of a cargo e-bike and $1,500 for a standard e-bike.
- There’s also up to $300 envisioned for a replacement battery, up to $250 for annual maintenance, up to $250 for add-ons to accommodate riders with disabilities, and up to $150 for a bike lock.
- For all other residents, the incentives are halved, which equals up to $1,000 for a cargo e-bike and $750 for a standard e-bike.
For lower-income residents eligible for SNAP and TANF:
- Up to $2,000 for the purchase of a qualifying cargo e-bike
- Up to $1,500 for the purchase of a qualifying e-bike
- Up to $300 for a replacement battery
- Up to $250 for annual maintenance
- Up to $250 for e-bike parts to accommodate riders with disabilities.
- Up to $150 for a bike lock
For all other residents:
- Up to $1,000 for the purchase of a qualifying cargo e-bike
- Up to $750 for the purchase of a qualifying e-bike
- Up to $150 for a replacement battery2
- Up to $125 for e-bike parts to accommodate riders with disabilities
- Up to $25 for annual maintenance
- Up to $75 for a bike lock
Zoom In: DC.’s bill props up local bicycle shops by offering grants to train staff to become e-bike mechanics. The city is also offering $50,000 grants for businesses opening a shop selling or repairing e-bikes in Ward 7 or 8. The program will have $500,000 in funding.
What’s next: It is anticipated to take effect later this year. The District Department of Transportation will need to decide whether to issue the incentives as rebates or vouchers.