As the popularity of electric bikes surges, so do their prices, often starting at $1,200 or more. In a bid to make e-bikes more accessible to residents, Washington State is set to launch its first e-bike rebate program. It starts this April when a collaboration between the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and its vendor, APTIM, LLC becomes a reality.

MAKING E BIKES MORE AFFORDABLE FOR YOU

The program will provide point-of-sale discounts on electric bikes and related safety equipment, making the purchase of these environmentally friendly transportation options more affordable for residents. “I am thrilled to share that following a competitive bid process in 2024, WSDOT identified APTIM, LLC., to develop the technology and processes the agency needs to safely and securely manage the program,” says Adele Peers, who oversees WSDOT’s e-bike initiative.

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THE PROGRAM IS UNDERWAY IN A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT STATES

APTIM brings a wealth of experience to the program, having successfully implemented e-bike rebate initiatives in cities such as Boston, Bentonville, Boulder, and Denver, as well as in the state of Colorado. In the coming weeks, APTIM will finalize logistics for the program, which includes training and educating bike shops throughout Washington on how to participate. They are also developing a secure online portal where consumers can apply for rebates, as well as a system to reimburse bike shops for eligible sales.

LAWMAKERS BACK THE PROGRAM WITH YOUR TAX DOLLARS

The Washington Legislature has earmarked $5 million for the e-bike rebate initiative in the 2024 supplemental transportation budget, a significant step toward promoting sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions in the state. With the launch of this program, Washington hopes to not only encourage more residents to adopt electric bicycles but also to foster a safer and more bike-friendly environment across the state.

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