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Atlanta e-bike rebate program sees high demand for 1st grants

By and FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team
Updated  July 6, 2024 6:47pm EDT
Atlanta
FOX 5 Atlanta

Atlanta's e-bike rebate sees high demand

Nearly 9,000 people entered the first lottery for e-bike rebates in Atlanta, and there's still opportunities for interested bikers to join the next one.

ATLANTA - The city of Atlanta's new e-bike rebate program is off to a great start.

The Atlanta Regional Commission, the group running the program, said that nearly 9,000 people applied for the rebate by the deadline of June 23 - more than 2% of the city's adult population.

"We weren't sure what kind of a response we would have when we started this and we've been thrilled there's a lot of demand out there," ARC spokesman Paul Donsky said.

The city invested $1 million in the program. Anyone can apply as long as they are residents of the city of Atlanta and 18 years old or older.

ARC says nearly half of the 8,888 people who applied reported being income qualified - earning at or below 80% of the region's median household income of around $60,200 for an individual. As part of the program, 75% of rebates were reserved for Atlanta residents identified as low- and middle-income earners. Those rebates range from $1,500 for a standard e-bike or $2,000 for a larger cargo bike, able to carry items or another passenger.

"We know that almost half of our income eligible applicants plan on using the e-bike to get to work. So the need is real," Donsky said.

Other residents would get $500 for a standard e-bike and $1,000 for a cargo bike.

Rebates for new e-bikes in Atlanta

Anyone inside the City of Atlanta can apply for rebates to go toward a new e-bike. Here's how you can get your hands on some of that cash.

The ARC held a lottery to pick the first batch of 413 rebate recipients. Winners have 12 vendors within the city to choose from to purchase their bikes. The bikes can go over 20 miles an hour and some have a range of 50 miles.

At Clutch Bike Shop, owner Michelle Dunbarsays they've received calls and emails about the rebate program.

"Everyone's hoping they get picked," she said.

If you missed your shot this time, don't feel defeated. The next round of applications is tentatively scheduled near the end of August with a selection lottery in September.

The third round is planned for sometime near October.

Officials estimate that around 800 to 1,000 e-bikes will be purchased through the rebate program.

To learn more about the program, visit the Atlanta Regional Commission's website.