Colorado E-Bike Rebate Program 2024

The Colorado E-Bike Rebate Program has been a pivotal initiative designed to promote the adoption of electric bicycles among residents, contributing to the state’s sustainability and environmental goals. Administered by the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), the program has provided substantial financial incentives to make e-bikes more accessible to a broader population. However, as of February 2024, the e-bike rebate program has closed.

Individuals who applied but were not selected during the final application round in February have automatically been entered into a waitlist. This waitlist offers a glimmer of hope as the CEO will randomly select individuals to receive rebates from any expired or unused funds from previous application rounds in early April. It’s important to note that placement on this waitlist does not guarantee a rebate, and those selected will be notified via email by the Colorado Energy Office.

Looking ahead, while the CEO does not foresee additional funding for the statewide e-bike rebate program beyond February 2024, they are preparing to launch a new initiative to continue supporting e-bike purchases. Starting April 1, 2024, a statewide e-bike tax credit will be available to all Colorado residents. This tax credit will offer a $450 point-of-sale discount on qualified e-bike purchases from authorized retailers, extending through 2032. For more information and a list of participating retailers, residents are encouraged to visit the e-bike tax credit page on the CEO’s website.

This transition from rebates to tax credits marks a significant shift in Colorado’s approach to promoting e-bike usage, ensuring continued support for environmentally friendly transportation options across the state.

Participant Eligibility For Colorado E-Bike Rebate Program

To be eligible for the Colorado e-bike rebate, you must:

1. Be a resident of Colorado
2. Be 18 years or older
3. Meet income qualifications

Proof of Address

You need to show that you live in Colorado. Here are some documents you can use, as long as they are dated within one year of your application:

• Colorado Driver’s License or ID
• Utility bill (like electricity or water)
• Bank statement
• Pay stub (from the last 3 months)
• Government mail (like from the court or DMV)
• Insurance policy (home, renter’s, or car)
• Lease or mortgage agreement
• School transcript or report card
• Car registration
• USPS Change of Address form
• DD Form 214 (for veterans)

If you don’t have these, you might be able to use a letter from a government agency or non-profit organization if you are unhoused.

Income Qualification

Your eligibility for the rebate depends on your income and the number of people in your household. This is based on the Area Median Income (AMI) where you live.

Low-Income Rebate

• Your household income must be below 80% of the AMI.

Example: If you live in Eagle County and have 3 people in your household, your household income must be below $85,200.

Documents Needed:

• The first page of your 2022 Federal tax form 1040 (use Line 11 – Adjusted Gross Income)
• Proof of enrollment in programs like SSDI, SSI, SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and others

Moderate-Income Rebate

• Your household income must be between 80% and 100% of the AMI.

Example: If you live in Eagle County and have 3 people in your household, your income must be between $85,200 and $106,500.

Documents Needed:

• The first page of your 2022 Federal tax form 1040 (use Line 11 – Adjusted Gross Income)
• Proof of enrollment in similar programs as the low-income rebate

Summary Chart

This guide makes it easy to understand who can apply for the Colorado e-bike rebate and what documents they need.

Colorado E-Bike Rebate Program: Rebate Amounts

The Colorado E-Bike Rebate Program offers financial incentives to help residents buy electric bikes. Here’s a simple guide to understand how much money you can get back:

Who Can Get a Rebate?

• Low-Income Residents: Households earning less than 80% of the area median income (AMI).
• Moderate-Income Residents: Households earning between 80% and 100% of the AMI.

Rebate Amounts Chart

Important Points

• Equipment Incentive: You can use an extra $100 to buy a helmet or a lock.
• E-Cargo Bike Incentive: If you buy an electric cargo bike, you get an extra $300.
• Adaptive E-Bike Incentive: If you need an adaptive e-bike, you get an extra $250.

How to Apply and Redeem

1. Application: When the application window opens, apply online through the Colorado Energy Office website.
2. Selection: A random selection process will determine who gets the rebates.
3. Notification: If selected, you will get an email notification.
4. Documentation: Provide proof of your Colorado address and income eligibility.
5. Redemption: Present your rebate voucher at a participating bike shop to get the discount.

Note

• The rebate does not cover sales tax or bike assembly costs. Sales tax is calculated based on the original retail price, not the discounted price after applying the rebate​ (Colorado Energy Office)​​.

How to Apply for the Colorado E-Bike Rebate

Application Process

• Pre-Registration: Register during the pre-application period, which is open for one week each month.
• Random Selection: After the pre-application period, a set number of individuals are randomly selected to receive the rebate.
• Documentation Submission: If selected, you will receive an email asking you to provide proof of residency and income. You have 48 hours to upload the necessary documents.
• Rebate Voucher: Once your application is approved, you will receive a rebate voucher via email.

4. Redeem Your Rebate

• Take your rebate voucher to a participating bike shop to get your discount on the e-bike purchase. Note that the rebate cannot cover sales tax or bike assembly costs.

E-Bike Eligibility for Colorado E-Bike Incentive Program

To qualify for the Colorado E-Bike Rebate Program, the e-bike must meet certain criteria. Here’s an easy-to-understand guide for school students:

General E-Bike Eligibility

• Classes of E-Bikes:
  • Class 1: Motor assists only when pedaling, stops assisting at 20 mph.
  • Class 2: Motor assists regardless of pedaling, stops assisting at 20 mph.
  • Class 3: Motor assists only when pedaling, stops assisting at 28 mph.
• Wheels and Pedals: Must have two or three wheels and fully operable pedals.
• Motor Power: Electric motor must be 750 watts or less, and no gasoline-powered engines.
• Purchase Price: No minimum price, but the maximum price is $5,000.
• Ineligibility: Full-suspension mountain bikes are not eligible.

E-Cargo Bike Eligibility

• Design: Extended frame designed to carry more people or cargo.
  • Examples: Long tail, long john, Bakfiet, or box bike.
• Load Capacity: Must have a published cargo load carrying capacity of at least 100 lbs.
• Purchase Price: No minimum price, but the maximum price is $8,500.

Adaptive E-Bike Eligibility

• Design: Electric bikes modified to meet specific mobility needs.
  • Can have two or three wheels.
  • Can be recumbent or a modified standard e-bike.
• Retailer Availability: Not all retailers sell adaptive e-bikes.
• Purchase Price: No minimum price, but the maximum price is $8,500.

Summary Chart

Redeeming Your E-Bike Rebate

To help you understand the process of redeeming your e-bike rebate, here’s a clear chart that outlines the key details:

Participating Retailers for E-Bike Rebates

To be eligible for the e-bike rebate, you must purchase a new e-bike from an approved retailer. The bike must be bought after you’ve received the rebate and is intended for personal use by the rebate applicant, not for resale. Rebates cannot be applied to past purchases.

You can find authorized e-bike retailers near you by using the map or the list provided below. This will help ensure that your purchase meets the rebate program requirements.

See List Of Participating Retailer

Other E-Bike Rebates in Colorado

In addition to the statewide e-bike rebate program, various local governments and utilities in Colorado offer additional e-bike incentives. Here’s a detailed look at some of these programs:

Statewide Program

The Colorado Energy Office provides a substantial statewide e-bike rebate program. Starting April 1, 2024, this program will allow residents to combine an e-bike rebate with a $450 tax credit, provided the e-bike is purchased from a retailer participating in both programs. Rebates are available to low- and moderate-income residents with specific requirements for each category. The program aims to make e-bikes more accessible to a broader population, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the use of eco-friendly transportation​​.

Denver

Denver residents can apply for rebates through both the statewide program and the city’s specific rebate program managed by the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency. However, these rebates cannot be combined on a single purchase. Denver’s program offers rebates ranging from $300 to $1,400, depending on income qualifications and bike type. The city releases a new set of vouchers every two months, which are quickly claimed, so prompt application is necessary​.

Boulder

Residents of Boulder are eligible for the statewide e-bike rebate and can also apply for the city’s specific rebate program. Similar to Denver, Boulder’s rebates cannot be stacked with the state rebate. The City of Boulder offers incentives to encourage residents to switch to e-bikes, enhancing local efforts to reduce traffic congestion and pollution​.

Summary Chart

California Ebike rebate Program