Local and tribal governments can apply for a portion of the money to create their own rebate programs for low-income residents. Grants awarded by state officials will range from $25,000 to $750,000 and can be used to provide discounts at the time of sale or as a rebate after purchase.
The state money awarded through the new local government grants program can only be used to provide rebates for people who fall at or below the median income for their county,
“The statewide e-bike rebate program, as well as other local e-bike rebate programs, have experienced tremendous interest to date,” said Sarah Thorne, a senior program manager for Colorado Energy Office’s transportation team who runs the program. “This program is another way to get e-bike rebates into the hands of Coloradans, while giving local governments flexibility to create programs that best meet the needs of their unique communities.”
Colorado lawmakers in 2022 to pay for programs that reduce air pollution. The bill, SB22-193, also set aside $9.5 million for the state’s e-bike rebate program and grants to local governments.
Denver, Boulder, Durango, Crested Butte and Vail already run local e-bike rebate programs, Thorne said. The local and state programs have been popular.
“I think e-bikes are a transformative transit option for many people,” she said, especially those who can’t afford a car or for whom public transportation doesn’t work.
The Colorado Energy Office will accept applications for the local government grant money from Thursday to Nov. 30.
The for individuals is currently accepting applications for rebates that range from $500 to $1,750. The application window will close 4 p.m. Monday.
Denver’s — worth up to $1,400 — will be available Nov. 28.
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