BY PEPPER FISHER
Olympia – E-Bikes. We’re seeing them everywhere these days, including on the Olympic Discovery Trail. Now, after a years-long process, a much anticipated state assistance program is coming that will give deep discounts for some of those who want to buy one of the pedal-assist electric bikes.
Beginning in April — nearly two years after the Legislature funded the program — about 8,500 Washingtonians will get to apply for money – up to $1,200 – toward buying an e-bike.
Adele Peers, who oversees the state’s rebate program, says people who live in a household earning 80% of their county’s median income could receive a rebate of $1,200. In Clallam County, the 2023 median household income was $68,000. 80% of that is $54,400. Those who don’t meet the income requirement can get a $300 rebate.
Program officials say the rebates will not be doled out by a first-come, first-served model. Instead, people interested in getting one of the 8,500 golden tickets will register with the state over a two-week period, providing their name, address and age. The rebates are only available to people 16 and older. Applicants will also say whether their household income qualifies them for a bigger rebate. The rebates then will be given to the applicants through a lottery. The date that registration will open has not been decided, but we’ll let you know when it’s announced.
According to Peers, 60% of the money will go to people with lower incomes.
The rebates will occur at the register, through point-of-sale discounts at about 100 bike shops “with a physical store and repair service.” Those stores have not yet been chosen.
The rebates can be used for any of the three classes of e-bikes — the fastest is able to go up to 28 mph with the motor providing power only when the rider is pedaling, also known as pedal assist. Throttles are allowed on e-bikes, but only at speeds of 20 mph or lower.