If you’ve recently noticed a few more shiny, new e-bikes cruising the streets of the ATL, it may be because the first round of e-bike rebates has been awarded to Atlanta residents.
The popular rebate program is putting e-bikes into the hands of riders who are pedaling their way to work, to run errands, and much more – all while improving their health and the Atlanta region’s air quality.
ARC is administering the program for the City of Atlanta, which is investing $1 million in the program. The goal is to provide affordable transportation options for moderate and low-income individuals.
With demand sky-high, ARC is holding a series of random lottery drawings to award batches of the sought-after rebates, which range from $500 to $2,000, depending on type of e-bike and the recipient’s income level.
In the first round, 413 vouchers were distributed in late July to lucky Atlanta residents out of the nearly 9,000 who had signed up for the lottery.
We talked to a few of the recent rebate program recipients who were eager to share their experience.
[NOTE: City of Atlanta residents who want to put their name in the hat for the next round have until Aug. 30 to register!]
Demetricus Benedict
Age: ‘Going on 50’
Neighborhood: Southwest Atlanta
According to Demetricus Benedict, his experience with his new e-bike is nothing short of “phenomenal!” He rides his e-bike to work, saddles up to meet friends on the Beltline, and pedals to breakfast on the weekends. He appreciates that the e-bike reduces travel time and saves him money that he’d otherwise spend on gas and rideshare trips.
Once notified that he was one of lucky few who was selected to receive the rebate, Demetricus decided to purchase his e-bike from Clutch Bicycle Shop, one of the 12 shops participating in the program, mainly because of its proximity to his home. He was also familiar with Clutch as they had successfully serviced his road bike previously.
“I was really impressed that when I told the staff I was interested in making a purchase, they allowed me to take the e-bike out for a test run,” said Demetricus. He took the bike for a spin on the BeltLine and was instantly hooked.
Frank George
Age: 52
Neighborhood: Southwest Atlanta / Westview Community
For someone who hasn’t ridden since middle school, Frank George is the epitome of the old saying, ‘it’s like riding a bike.’ He’s hopped on his new e-bike regularly since redeeming his rebate in early August.
He started biking mostly for exercise but has begun to run errands and go to the grocery store on two wheels, with plans to travel farther from home eventually.
When notified he was chosen for a rebate, Frank began his research and started test riding different models. Frank utlimately purchased an Aventon Aventure e-bike, also from Clutch.
Excited about his newfound love of bike riding, George has told his family and friends about the rebate program and encouraged them to apply during the next lottery cycle.
Susan Roberts
Age: 78
Neighborhood: Piedmont Heights in Midtown
Susan Roberts is the proud new owner of a Tern cargo e-bike that she purchased at Outback Bikes with help from an e-bike voucher.
With very little knowledge about e-bikes, Susan spent a lot of time visiting websites and watching YouTube videos that compared different types and models of bikes. She visited a number of bike shops and attended a Propel ATL event at Atlantucky Brewing where staff from various shops were on hand to discuss the merits of various models. She even created a spreadsheet to compare features of different bikes.
After many test drives, Susan narrowed her choices down to four bikes. She ultimately chose the Tern from Outback Bikes – a shop she decided she could trust beyond the initial purchase. “I was impressed that Outback provides lessons and inspects the bikes they sell during regularly scheduled service visits,” she said.
Details for second round of applications:
Application Window
Saturday, August 25 – Friday, August 30
Applicants Notified
September 9
Applicants Submit Documentation
September 9 – September 23
Rebates Issued
End of September
For more about the City of Atlanta funded, ARC managed e-bike rebate program: https://atlantaregional.org/what-we-do/mobility-services/atlanta-e-bike-rebate-program/atlanta-e-bike-program-application-and-selection-process/
What’s Next ATL, produced by the Atlanta Regional Commission, is a community resource that explores how metro Atlanta is growing and changing, and how the region is addressing its most pressing challenges.
