A report released today by The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) showed 579 residents redeemed rebates through the City of Atlanta’s E-bike Rebate Program, and that most recipients are riding often and driving less. The program, a first-of-its-kind in metro Atlanta, was funded by a $1 million investment from the Atlanta City Council and was administered by ARC.

The city launched the program last year to remove financial barriers to e-bike ownership, reduce transportation costs, and promote a shift from car-dependent travel. Community outreach was provided by Propel ATL.

“The E-bike Rebate Program delivered on its promise to expand access to affordable and sustainable transportation options,” said City of Atlanta Mayor and ARC Board Chairman Andre Dickens. “The recipients truly reflect our community. They include students looking for cost-effective rides to class, parents juggling kids and a job, and older adults seeking recreation and community. We look forward to seeing them roll around Atlanta as they embrace bike travel in their daily routines.”

Highlights from the Atlanta E-Bike Rebate Program 2024 Year-End Report include:

• The program proved to be highly popular. In all, 11,065 Atlanta residents applied for a rebate, about 2% of the city’s population. Applications were received from nearly every city neighborhood.

• Rebate recipients are driving less and riding frequently. Those surveyed said they have reduced their frequency of driving to work or school by about 40%, and nearly three-quarters (74%) are riding their e-bikes at least two days per week.

• The program primarily served low- and moderate-income residents. In all, 82% of total rebate funds redeemed were redeemed by income-qualified individuals earning 80% or less than the area median income. That’s above the program’s 75% target.

• The program provided an economic boost for local bike shops. In total, the redeemed rebates led to more than $1.2M in bike and accessory sales at the 12 participating bike shops in the City of Atlanta.

• About a third of rebate recipients chose cargo e-bikes, which offer increased utility. Of the 579 rebates redeemed, 194 were for cargo e-bikes, which are designed to carry additional passengers or weight.

E-bike rebate recipient LaMiiko Moore, a southwest Atlanta resident, said getting her cargo e-bike has altered her commuting habits.

“My e-bike has been a game-changer. I use my e-bike when I go to the grocery store, run errands, visit friends, and even take my daughter places,” she said. “I still have my car, but it now seems ridiculous to drive short distances when I can just hop on my e-bike. I ride four to five times a week. Being on an e-bike helps you discover things that you’ll fly by in a car. It helps you see things differently.”

The e-bike rebate program exceeded expectations, said Bennett Foster, managing director of Mobility Services at ARC.

“We know the demand for e-bikes is only growing as people seek affordable transportation options,” he said. “We would be thrilled to help administer another phase of this program should funding become available in the future.”