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ARC, City of Atlanta Launch State’s First-Ever E-Bike Rebate Program

Atlanta — Jun 16, 2024

(ATLANTA – JUNE 16, 2024) – The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) and the City of Atlanta today announced the launch of a highly anticipated e-bike rebate program designed to provide affordable transportation options for moderate and low-income individuals.

City of Atlanta residents have until Sunday, June 23 to submit an application to enter a lottery for e-bike rebates of up to $2,000. Applications are available at atlantaregional.org/ebikerebate.

The city is investing $1 million in the program, which is being administered by ARC. Equity is a primary focus, with 75% of rebates reserved for income-eligible individuals earning at or below 80% of the Atlanta region’s median household income. The income limit varies based on size of household, starting at $60,200 for an individual.

Income-eligible residents can receive a $1,500 rebate for a standard e-bike and $2,000 for a cargo e-bike. Rebates for other residents are set at $500 for a standard e-bike and $1,000 for a cargo e-bike. Rebates will be distributed quarterly and can be redeemed at participating retailers within the City of Atlanta.

“E-bikes are truly a game-changer, offering an affordable, environmentally friendly transportation option that helps people drive less and, in some cases, even replace a car,” said Rosalind Tucker, Managing Director of Mobility Services at ARC. “This rebate program will bring the cost of e-bikes within reach of people in the City of Atlanta who otherwise would not be able to afford one.”

Demand for rebates is expected to be strong. About 6,000 people have signed up to learn more about the program. Up to 700 e-bike rebates are expected to be distributed during the life of the program.

E-bikes promise considerable cost savings to riders. The average metro Atlanta resident spends more than $11,000 a year on transportation expenses, such as fuel and maintenance. The annual cost of electricity to power an e-bike is less than $15.

Increased use of e-bikes may also help reduce traffic and improve air quality. Denver’s $3 million e-bike program, for example, has put 7,600 on e-bikes on the road and reduced vehicle miles traveled by about 165,000 per week, avoiding about 3,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

“The Atlanta e-bike rebate program has the potential to bring this advantageous transportation option to residents and working families in Atlanta. As both a city councilman and ARC board member, I am pleased to champion the use of e-bikes and the e-bike rebate program to help people find clean transportation options as our city grows,” said Councilmember Matt Westmoreland.

 About the E-bike Rebate Program

• The Atlanta City Council on January 8 approved a measure to invest $1 million to establish the e-bike rebate program, which is being administered by ARC.
• The program reserves 75% of rebates for income-eligible individuals earning at or below 80% of the Atlanta region’s median household income. The income limit varies based on size of household, starting at $60,200 for an individual.
• Income qualified residents are eligible to receive a $1,500 rebate for a standard e-bike and $2,000 for a cargo e-bike. Rebates for other residents are $500 for a standard e-bike and $1,000 for a cargo e-bike.
• The rebate amount is deducted from the price of the bike when a rebate holder makes a purchase. Rebates are limited to one per City of Atlanta resident, and bikes must be purchased at a participating local bike shop.
• Up to 700 e-bikes are expected to be purchased through the rebate program. Rebates are limited to one per resident.
• Rebate applications must be submitted by Sunday, June 23, 2024, via altantaregional.org/ebikerebate.
• A randomized lottery will be held to select e-bike rebate recipients.
• Individuals selected by ARC during the lotter must furnish proof of identity, age, and address. Additional documentation is required for verification of income-qualified applicants.
• Upon confirmation of eligibility, participants will receive a rebate code redeemable at participating bike shops. These point-of-sale rebates must be utilized within 90 days.
• Atlanta becomes the first city in Georgia to offer e-bike rebates and the third in the Southeast, joining Tampa, Fla. and Raleigh, N.C.

What’s an e-bike?

• An e-bike is essentially a two- or three-wheeled bicycle that is equipped with a small, rechargeable battery-powered electric motor to assist while the rider pedals.
• Some models have throttles that can be used without pedaling up to 20 mph. Range varies anywhere from 20 miles to 50 miles or more per charge.
• No special license or registration is needed to operate.
• An e-cargo bike has an extended frame designed to carry additional people or cargo.

Potential impact:

• Cost savings: The average metro Atlanta resident spends more than $11,000 a year on transportation expenses, such as fuel and maintenance. The annual cost of electricity to power an e-bike is less than $15.
• Reduced traffic & cleaner air: Denver’s $3 million e-bike program, for example, has put 7,600 on e-bikes on the road and reduced vehicle miles traveled by about 165,000 per week, avoiding about 3,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

For further details about the e-bike rebate program, https://atlantaregional.org/what-we-do/mobility-services/atlanta-e-bike-rebate-program/

Contact Name: Sheryl Merritt
Contact Phone: 470-757-3799
Contact Email: smerritt@atlantaregional.org