The City’s E-Bike Rebate Program received a big boost this week. The Raleigh City Council approved the receipt of a one-time $80,000 grant from the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities Program.
The program offers Raleigh residents an incentive to purchase and use electric bicycles. E-bikes have an electric motor that assists the rider in pedaling, making it possible to go farther, ride longer, and carry more. E-bikes can replace cars for some trips yielding fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Recipients received a voucher toward the purchase of an e-bike at participating local bike shops. The program required applicants to be permanent Raleigh residents who are 18 years or older at time of application.
While the application process is closed, the $80,000 grant will provide between 60 to 80 additional vouchers. Originally, the City allocated $150,000 for the voucher pool. To date, 150 vouchers were issued in three batches through a third-party vendor. Those receiving vouchers have 90 days from time of notification to redeem their voucher at a participating local bike shop.
