Let’s go for a spin, Colorado! Denver’s popular e-bike rebate program has been up and running since April 2022. And, now, Colorado is launching the largest statewide e-bike rebate program in the U.S. Thanks to the passage of SB22-193, e-bike rebates will be available to low- and moderate-income Coloradans.
The final round of applications will open at 10 a.m. on February 12, 2024 and close at 4 p.m. on February 19, 2024.
UPDATE: The Colorado Energy Office does not anticipate receiving additional funding (past February 2024) for the statewide e-bike rebate program. However, the office is preparing to launch a statewide e-bike tax credit on April 1, 2024.
All Colorado residents will be eligible to receive this tax credit as a $450 point-of-sale discount on a qualified e-bike purchase from an authorized e-bike retailer through 2032.
Here’s how it works:
Interested individuals will need to apply for the program prior to purchasing an e-bike.
To ensure all eligible Coloradans have an opportunity to apply for an e-bike rebate, Colorado Energy Office (CEO) will open applications for a period of one week each month.
Then, randomly selected individuals will receive the rebate that they can redeem at a participating retailer for a discount at the time of e-bike purchase.
Sign-up here for updates, including notification of when application windows will be open.
To qualify for the e-bike rebate, you must buy a new e-bike from a participating bike retailer. The e-bike must be for use by the e-bike applicant and not for resale. Rebates are not retroactive to past purchases.
Rebate Eligibility
To be eligible for an e-bike rebate, you must be a resident of the State of Colorado and be 18 years of age or older. Proof of Colorado address will be required. All documents presented must be dated within one year of application. Proof of income will also be required.
To meet the income-qualifications for the low-income rebate of $1,100, your household income needs to be below 80% of the area median income (AMI).
To meet the income-qualifications for the moderate-income rebate of $500, your household income needs to be between 80% to 100% of the area median income (AMI).
Note: You cannot combine the Denver or Boulder rebate with the statewide rebate program.
Bike Eligibility
Rebate recipients may redeem a rebate for the purchase of any class of e-bike (per the State of Colorado e-bike definition). There is no minimum or maximum purchase price. (Note: Full-suspension mountain bikes are not eligible for the rebate.)
Class 1: An electrical assisted bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph.
Class 2: An electrical assisted bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance regardless of whether the rider is pedaling but ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph.
Class 3: An electrical assisted bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 mph.
Has two or three wheels and fully operable pedals.
Electric motor is 750 watts or less. (The bike may not be gasoline-powered.)
For more information about the rebate program, click here.
Anne says
The best thing about the state’s rebate program is it is a random drawing. You can take your time as long as you click submit by 4:00 pm on the closing day. Also be sure to check the income chart. I was surprised to discover a two person household could have income close to $100,000 in metro Denver and qualify for a rebate. It is one rebate per person. In a two person household, each person can submit their own application.
I suggest waiting to submit. No need to jump on first thing Monday morning. Wait until later in the day or Tuesday – Friday. There’ is much less traffic on the website. Also, it was easy and faster to get answers via email or phone when I had a question. I applied every month thus far, August – October and was randomly selected on my 3rd try. Rebate was emailed to me with the 60 day expiry date and time clearly noted.
A nice e-bike can be found for a little more than the amount of your voucher, especially when paired with a good sale. I was able to find an e-bike where my out of pocket cost amounted to a bit more than the sales taxes. The rebate voucher does not cover sales taxes but I have an alternate, gas free form of transportation for $270. A customer in the shop with me got her ebike for $115.
Also note e-bikes are generally heavier and handle differently than a nonpowered bicycle. Rather than order an affordable brand LECTRIC e-bike online, sight unseen I went to look at them in person and test rode a couple of options at Boost Bikes on Broadway in Denver. Thanks to the test ride I got a basic lesson and know I ordered an e-bike I can handle. The hardest part, waiting for my new e-bike to be delivered.