Washington residents will be able to apply for a state Department of Transportation electric bicycle rebate beginning at 7 a.m. Wednesday. The rebates range from $300 to $1,200 and will be applied at the time of purchase. The program closes at noon April 23. Following on the success of Washington’s electric vehicle rebate program, state officials in January announced the launch of the new rebate program geared to making electric bicycles more affordable. The state has allocated $4 million to the rebate program. An estimated 10,000 rebate vouchers will be given out, with most going to low-income households. “Washington residents are very excited about this program,” Adele Peers, program manager for WE-Bike, said in a news release Monday. “We’re proud to launch an application website available in English and Spanish that helps people prepare to apply and makes the whole process simple.”

Qualifying applicants with a household income at or below 80 percent of the county-area median income ($66,100 for an individual in 2024) will receive a rebate of $1,200. Applicants not meeting that income requirement will get a rebate of $300. State officials caution there likely won’t be enough rebates available to meet demand. After the program launches, those wanting a rebate will have two weeks to enter their name into a pool for the chance at being selected. After that two-week period ends, individuals will be randomly selected to receive a rebate. They will then have two weeks to submit any required documentation to receive their rebates electronically. The rebates can be redeemed at a participating bike shop. They can be applied to safety equipment purchases, but all items must be purchased at the same time. A helpline will be available. Interested residents can visit the WE-Bike website at ebikesWSDOT.aptim.com to check eligibility, learn about qualifying e-bikes and retailers and familiarize themselves with the application process.

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