What is an e-bike and what are the benefits of riding one?

An electric bike, or e-bike, is a bicycle with an integrated battery and a small electric motor to assist you in pedaling faster and farther. The E-bikes in this program use rechargeable batteries and can travel up to 20 m.p.h. 

When you use an e-bike to get around, you can: 

• Save thousands of dollars annually on fuel and maintenance in comparison to owning and operating a car.

• Arrive at work and other destinations less sweaty and less tired. 

• Travel longer and further distances while enjoying the freedom, flexibility, and fun that e-bikes offer!
  
  

Why are e-bikes expensive?

E-bikes are incredible machines with an integrated electric motor that provide a new form of transportation that can shorten your commute and in many cases replace a car. For this reason, e-bikes are expensive. Columbus City Council offered this program in order to reduce the cost of e-bike purchases and make them more affordable for Columbus residents.

Who is eligible to receive a subsidy?

• Residents in the City of Columbus

• Aged 18 and above

• Household income of less than $150,000 per year.

Subsidy amounts depend on income level. Those who participate in qualifying programs (such as SNAP or Medicaid) will receive the highest subsidy amounts. 


How many subsidies were available and what were the incentive amounts during the pilot program?

In the first two phases of the program, 289 subsidies were redeemed by Columbus residents. The purpose of the pilot program was to understand demand and to test if the program was effective and worthy of long-term investment, so funding was limited at that time.

Subsidies ranged from $500-1,200 and depended on household income. There were also a very limited number of additional subsidies for cargo e-bikes. Subsidy amounts have increased in the third phase of the program.

Why can I only purchase an e-bike from a brick-and-mortar retailer within the City of Columbus?

The program continues to prioritize the ability to manage e-bike quality and to ensure that e-bikes purchased through the program can be brought in for maintenance at a nearby location. This limitation also supports the local economy and small business-owners.


Why is the program so small? Why don’t you provide more funds so more people can receive an subsidy?

Although the pilot has finished, the program is still in its early phases and is being tested to understand its effectiveness and potential for long-term investment.

If you would like to share more feedback about your experience, please submit your comments by completing the interest form or feedback form on the program website.

What are the e-bike qualifications?

• New

• Class 1, 2 or 3

• Minimum retail cost of $999 (e-bikes below $999 are not eligible for this program)

• Purchased in-person at one of the participating shops
  

Why wasn’t I selected to receive a subsidy in the first two phases of the program?

We received over 10 times the number of applications to the program than we had subsidies to provide. If you did not receive an subsidy during this pilot phase it is most likely due to insufficient funding.

Other reasons for not receiving an subsidy includes:

• Household income is over the maximum limit of $150,000 per year.

• The address you provided is not within Columbus City limits.

• Duplicate application.

• Applicant is under the age of 18.

• Name does not match the name on uploaded documents.

• Address on the residency verification document does not match the address provided on application.

• Incorrect or insufficient documentation (i.e. no date on Qualifying Program documentation)

• Documents are blurry or unreadable.
  
  

What was the selection process like in the first two phases of the program ?

Applications were reviewed and validated for proof of Columbus residency and income in each of the four subsidy tiers and approved following the direction provided by Columbus City Council.


Why did it take so long to receive notification about my application being approved or declined?

As future funding was uncertain after the initial phase, we kept the waitlist open in order to distribute more subsidies if funding were to come available. Although 289 residents redeemed their subsidies, over 450 out of 1,500 residents who applied were given the opportunity to use an subsidy, but some declined or were unable to make the purchase.

Are there plans to expand the pilot program? If so, when?

The pilot program concluded after two phases of funding were allocated to the program. Demand for e-bike subsidies and effectiveness of the program were confirmed. The program has continued into 2024, allowing approximately 350 residents to have access to a reliable and affordable form of transportation.


What other initiatives or projects are in the pipeline to support bike culture and safety in Columbus?

Columbus’ Resident E-Bike Subsidy Program is part of a larger effort by Columbus City Council to create a behavior and culture shift throughout the community to support alternative modes of transportation. These initiatives include Bike Plus, Link Us, Columbus Bikeways and Micro-Mobility Plan, and Multi-Modal Mobility Hubs.