New Washington state rebate program will offer free e-bikes to some. Here’s who can qualify
Washington’s long-anticipated electric bike rebate program, which the state legislature allocated funding for in 2023, is finally set to launch. Last week the Washington State Department of Transportation announced that it would roll out the program in April. The program promises rebates of up to $1,200, more than the cost of an entry-level e-bike. Here’s how to see if you qualify.
Who qualifies for WA e-bike rebate
In order to qualify for the program, you need to meet the following three criteria:
Live in Washington
16 years of age or older
Able to provide a phone number, physical address, email address and demographic information
There are income requirements to receive the higher of the two possible rebate amounts, but not to qualify for the program.
How much is the rebate?
For households with an income under 80% of their county’s median, the rebate will cover $1,200. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the statewide median household income was $94,952 in 2023. For context, 80% of that figure is just under $75,962, although the amount varies by county.
If your income is too high to qualify for the $1,200 rebate, a $300 rebate is available to Washington residents of all income levels. Rebates will only be available until the $4 million in funding runs out. WSDOT estimates that 8,500 rebates will be issued, at a maximum of one rebate per household.
What does the rebate cover?
The $1,200 rebate covers roughly the entire cost of an entry-level e-bike, although the $300 rebate only covers a fraction of the price. According to outdoor equipment retailer REI, a high-quality e-bike costs around $2,000 while entry level options cost around $1,000. The rebate also covers helmets, bike locks, lights and any up-front maintenance plans.
Where can you use the rebate?
There is a catch, though. In order to use the rebate, you have to make your purchase at a participating store. So far, APTIM, the company the state selected to administer the program, has identified 200 bike shops as potential partners. It expects around 100 of those to participate in the program.
How can you apply?
WSDOT and APTIM are working to develop the application, which will be available online once the program launches.
What does the program hope to achieve?
According to WSDOT, the program aims to save Washingtonians money by making cars less of a necessity. It also hopes to improve Washingtonians’ health, access to the outdoors, help the environment and make riding a bike more accessible to those who have difficulty using manual bikes.
This story was originally published January 24, 2025 at 5:00 AM.