SPOKANE, Wash. — A new rebate program aims to make getting around town a little bit easier.
A new Washington Department of Transportation program will make e-bikes more affordable for families who make less than the county’s median income.
E-bikes have become increasingly more popular thanks to their battery-powered electric motors.
Jon Amend, owner of Bike Hub on Spokane’s South Hill, said their e-bike sales make up about 35% of all bike sales.
“We have a lot of commuters that use e-bikes to get around town. It’s nice, especially on the South Hill. If you have to go up to 29th on a regular bike, that’s quite a big huff and it’s a steep hill to climb up,” he said.
WSDOT’s rebate program will work with local bike shops around Washington to sell and service bikes eligible for the rebate.
The point-of-sale discount could be as much as $1,200 and would apply to the bike, as well as any related equipment and future repairs.
“It’s to be able to run errands, to connect them to parts of their own community that are divided by state routes and main roads,” WSDOT’s Adele Peers said.
WSDOT said similar programs in other cities have proven to be successful.
There will be 5,800 vouchers available in Washington to accommodate the high number of expected applicants.
The application for the rebates will be available in April 2025.
For more information on the e-bike program, visit wsdot.wa.gov.
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