COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — With nearly 40,000 people in Franklin County not having access to a car, the City of Columbus announced it would expand a program that helps residents pay for electric bikes from local shops.
The Columbus City Council said the E-bike Incentive Pilot Program would reopen for applications beginning at 7 p.m. Monday, in partnership with Smart Columbus. The program provides residents who are at least 18 years old and have a household income of less than $150,000 per year with vouchers between $500 and $2,500 toward the purchase of an e-bike.
“Enabling alternative transportation options is paramount,” Council President Shannon Hardin said. “Our e-bike incentive program aims to improve access to jobs, reduce traffic, enhance air quality, and provide affordable transportation.”
Since the pilot first launched in July 2023, the city has handed out 289 vouchers. With more than 7,800 residents expressing interest in the program — and the city saying that over 38,000 Franklin County residents don’t have access to a car — Columbus has opened the program back up to distribute an additional 350 vouchers.
Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla said the demand for e-bikes is high in Columbus. The response she’s heard from those who already received rebates has been positive.
“I think that the word about e-bikes is out,” Barroso de Padilla said. “People know what they are, they’re excited to have them, they’ve excited to get them. They’re just a little bit cost prohibitive for some folks, right? So, that’s why this rebate is so important.”
E-bikes can also be beneficial for people who can’t afford a car and those who have mobility issues when using a simple pedal bike, according to Barroso de Padilla. She said it’s really about the accessibility an e-bike provides.
Recipients of the e-bike incentives can redeem them at the following six retailers across Columbus:
- Beechwold Bicycles at 4584 N. High St.
- Capital City Scooters at 2509 Summit St.
- Franklinton Cycle Works at 897 W. Broad St.
- Johnny Velo Bikes at 4231 N. High St.
- Orbit City Bikes at 4544 Indianola Ave.
- Paradise Garage at 921 N. High St.
Dan Monnig, owner of Paradise Garage, said many families have used the program as a chance to save money.
“We definitely have a lot of families that we’re seeing in and outside of the program that have two cars, car payments are pretty high these days, and people are like let’s get rid of one car and be a one car family then have an e-bike for the auxiliary vehicle,” Monnig said.
To apply, click this link.