How to Get Free E-Bike From Government – Explained

If you are looking for a way to get free e-bikes from the government, you have stumbled across the right article.

So, without any further ado, let’s get started –

Does The Government Offer Free E-Bike?

The government does not offer free e-bikes. However, you can get a grant or a tax rebate from the government through US electric bike rebate program, which the government started as an initiative to get more people to switch to e-bikes.

In the next section, let’s look at the US Electric Bike Rebate program.

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What Is The US Electric Bike Rebate Program?

The US electric bike rebate program was started and funded by the federal government but administrated by individual states. This program aims to switch as many people as possible to E-Bikes.

Nearly every state offers the rebate program with its own rules and regulations for how to apply and what type of e-bikes qualify for the rebate program.

This program doesn’t offer free e-bikes from the government. It will cover up to 30% of the cost of an e-bike up to $1500, but to qualify, an e-bike should cost under $8000.

The rebates are available in different amounts ranging from $400 to $1000 to $1500. Disabled people can even get a rebate of up to $1800 to purchase an e-bike under the program.

The IRS also administrates the program, meaning you must fill out the taxes and provide the purchasing documents from a local retailer or manufacturer to receive a rebate from the government.

Some States offer you up to  $2,500 back on your electric bike purchase. However, US Electric Bike Rebate Program mandates you to qualify for certain eligibility to get a rebate or a grant for an e-bike from the government.

Things To Know Before You Get A Free Bike From The Government?

Before you get any free e-bikes from the government, you should know these things.

• You must know what kind of vehicle you are getting into. If you have no experience with e-bikes or pedal assist bikes, it is best to start with a regular non-electric one first. This will allow you time to learn about the working of an e-bike before taking it out on the road.
• Make sure you and the e-bike you are about to purchase are eligible under the program.
• This program only covers up to 30% of the cost of up to $1500 for an eligible e-bike. Some states may offer tax rebates of up to $2500
• As the IRS administers this program, make sure to file your taxes.
• You must have a purchase document proof from your local retailer or the manufacturer to get a tax rebate.

How To Get Free E-Bike From Government

You must qualify for your state’s US electric bike rebate program to get a grant from the government. Different states run this program and provide grants in various forms, such as cashback, tax returns, rebates, and monetary grants to purchase e-bikes.

• First, you must search whether the program is available in your state.
• After finding a program offering a free e-bike from the government, you must check its eligibility requirement to qualify.
• If you cannot find one, go to Dsireusa.org. Enter your zip code and check for the incentives and programs currently available in your state.
• If eligible, you can apply for the program.

Eligibility For Free E-Bike From Government?

As stated, free e-bikes from the government are only available if you qualify for the program’s eligibility through which you apply.

• You must be 16 years old.
• Household income should be at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. To get the full credit, a single filer’s income must be less than $150,000 for a joint filer less than $300,000.
• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) administers the US electric bike rebate program, meaning you must file your taxes to be eligible for a tax rebate from the government.
• The IRS states you should have proof of purchase documentation from your local retailer to be eligible for the tax credit. In addition, there are some restrictions on who qualifies for a free e-bike from the government.

However, the eligibility for free e-bikes from the government varies for different states. Hence, it is best to refer to your state’s US electric bike rebate program for its requirements.

Benefits Of Free E-Bike From Government

There are several benefits of e-bikes.

• They use regenerative braking, which means their battery gets charged while you are riding them, which can save you money on electricity bills.
• They are good for the place with no access to car parking. You can park them anywhere within reason as they don’t require any parking spot.
• E-Bikes are eco-friendly as they work on electricity and don’t require any fuel to work, so there is no emission of harmful gas.
• E-bikes enable you to travel longer distances with less effort and makes you healthy as they require pedaling until the speed reaches a certain point where the motor kicks in.

The District E-Bike Incentive Program (Program) within the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) helps residents buy electric bicycles (e-bikes) and supports bicycle businesses in the District.

2024 Process

The 2024 application window was open from April 1 – April 15, 2024. DDOT received and reviewed over 2,800 applications from Preferred Applicants. DDOT used a randomized selection process (lottery) to select voucher recipients from the entire pool of Preferred Applicants, regardless of when between April 1-15 the application was submitted. DDOT followed up with applicants about their status in mid-May. The funding for vouchers was very limited, and only a few hundred applicants were selected to receive a voucher. DDOT hopes to receive funding in FY 2025 to open another application window.

How the Program Works

DDOT issues vouchers to approved applicants to be used to buy an e-bike at an authorized retailer. Not everyone who applies for a voucher will receive one. The retailer reduces the up-front purchase price by the amount of the voucher.

Who Can Apply

DDOT opened the 2024 application window to Preferred Applicants only. A Preferred Applicant is a District resident enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, or the DC Healthcare Alliance. DDOT does not anticipate that any 2024 funding will remain after distributing the first round of vouchers. However, DDOT hopes to receive funding in FY 2025 to open another application window. DDOT anticipates fulfilling approximately 250 vouchers with the FY24 funding.

District residents must apply in advance and be approved before purchasing an electric bicycle. Retroactive rebates are not allowed. To participate in the Program, individuals must:

• Be a District resident;
• Be over 18 years old;
• Be a Preferred Applicant (enrolled in SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or DC Healthcare Alliance); and
• Intend to purchase an eligible bicycle-bike or related service or accessory after approval.

*In 2024. In future years, the application window may open to Standard Applicants.

Approved Purchases 

District residents must apply for a voucher in advance and be approved before buying an e-bike or other items. Voucher recipients can purchase:

• A regular electric bicycle or an electric cargo bicycle that is legal in the District and meets ANSI/CAN/UL 2272, ANSI/CAN/UL 2849, or any successive safety standards;
• Locks;
• Accessories to support a disability.

An approved Applicant must purchase their e-bike or accessory at an authorized retailer and present their voucher in advance of their purchase. The retailer will reduce the up-front purchase price by the amount of the voucher, and the District will reimburse the authorized retailer directly.

The following chart outlines the vouchers available:

Purchased Item/Service	Preferred Applicants	Standard Applicants^
Electric cargo bicycle	$2,000	$1,000
Electric bicycle	$1,500	$750
Annual maintenance	$250	$0
Disability components	$250	$125
Bicycle lock	$150	$75

^ The 2024 application window was only open to Preferred Applicants; in 2025, the program may change and open the application to all residents, including Standard Applicants. 

Notes: Vouchers through the Program are not included in gross income for District taxes. DDOT is authorized to issue rules, subject to Council approval, to implement and expand upon any components of the Program.

 

2024 Application Pop-Ups

DDOT was in the community during the application window to spread the word about the program and support residents applying in person.

• April 3 from 12 pm – 5  pm – 250 M Street SE
• April 4 from 2 pm – 6 pm – Trek Skyland
• April 5 from 3 pm – 6 pm – Takoma Park Neighborhood Library
• April 6 from 1 pm – 5 pm – Healthy Homes Fair / DC Family Biking E-Bike Tasting at the DC Armory
• April 6 from 12 pm – 3 pm – Spring Fling Egg-stravaganza at THEARC
• April 7 from 10 am – 2 pm – FreshFarm Market at Union Market
• April 7 from 11 am – 3 pm – Conte’s Cathedral Heights
• April 10 from 8 am – 12 pm – 250 M Street SE
• April 10 from 3 pm – 7 pm – Mt. Pleasant Library
• April 11 from 3 pm – 7 pm – Deanwood Rec Center (Minnesota Avenue)
• April 12 from 12 pm – 6 pm – King Electric Bikes (502 23rd Street NW)
• April 13 from 9 am – 12:30 pm – FreshFarm Market H Street NE
• April 13 from 11 am – 3 pm – Conte’s Navy Yard
• April 14 from 8:30 am – 1:30 pm – FreshFarm Market Dupont

Frequently Asked Questions

When will applications open? 

We do not yet know if the program is funded for 2025. If funding is finalized, we will announce an application window on this website.

2024 applications were open from April 1 – 15, 2024, on this website. DDOT also posted notices online, in print media, and through community partners.

How do I apply? 

The 2024 application window is closed. If you met the criteria for a Preferred Applicant (District resident enrolled in SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or DC Healthcare Alliance), you were encouraged to apply in Spring 2024 during an application window. DDOT received and evaluated all applications submitted during that window – it did not matter when during the window they are submitted. We equally considered all applications submitted at any time during the window and randomly selected voucher recipients using a lottery from the applications.

What do I need to apply?

You will need a) an internet connection to access the application or b) to attend an application event in person. You will also need the following documents:

• Proof of District residency;
  • DC DMV-issued REAL ID;
  • DC DMV-issued REAL ID non-driver identification card; or
  • DM DMV-issued Limited Purpose Driver’s License.
• Proof of SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or DC Healthcare Alliance enrollment.
  • Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card for SNAP or TANF enrollment;
  • DC Healthcare Alliance Member ID card; or
  • Medicaid ID card.

Can I buy an e-bike now and get reimbursed? 

No, DDOT will not issue any reimbursements for e-bikes or accessories.

How does the incentive work? 

DDOT will issue vouchers (also known as instant rebates or discounts) to approved applicants to be used at the point-of-sale at an authorized retailer. Not everyone who applies for a voucher will receive one. The retailer will reduce the up-front purchase price by the amount of the voucher.

When will I know if I am approved for a voucher? 

DDOT reviewed applications when the application window closed and reached out to applicants in mid-May. The vouchers are very limited. Only a few hundred applicants will be approved for a voucher.

Why is the program focused on Preferred Applicants? 

The bill requires DDOT to issue at least 50 percent of the total value of all vouchers issued in a fiscal year to Preferred Applicants and work to ensure that the application process increases applications from Preferred Applicants.

FAQ

Does the government offer free e-bikes?

No. Free e-bike from the government is not available. But you can get grants through tax rebates, tax returns, or cash back on purchasing e-bikes.

Is a free e-bike from the government “really” free?

No. You only get grants ranging from $400, $1000, and $1700 depending on your eligibility and states to purchase an e-bike.

How can I get grants to purchase an e-bike?

You must qualify for the US Electric Bike Rebate Program to get grants to purchase an e-bike.

How long do e-bikes last?

With regular maintenance and care, you can expect your electric bike to last as long as a regular bike. If you are paying attention to it in the rain, it should last you over 10 years.