It’s finally here. Three years after we first reported on it and just months after what program officials deemed a successful pilot, the Portland Rides, PCEF E-Bike Rebate Program is set for its full launch two weeks from today.
The program website went live today with information about how to prep for Monday, April 6th. Given that folks can qualify for an instant rebate of up to $1,600 for a standard e-bike or up to $2,350 for a cargo e-bike (plus $300 for accessories), I expect a lot of demand. People with low incomes (at or below 60% of Area Median Income) and those in various frontline communities (whom PCEF defines as, “groups disproportionately impacted by climate change and historically underserved by sustainability programs”) will receive priority in the rebate queue. Once deemed eligible, recipients will be chosen at random through an automated process.
The program is powered by an investment from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) of $20 million over five years and is expected to provide over 6,000 bikes to people in need between now and 2029. Seetha Ream-Rao, PCEF’s Transportation Decarbonization Program manager, said the program will support Portland’s “deeply rooted bike culture,” and will, “make commuting more affordable for low-income households, support healthier communities, improve transportation access and help the city reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
An online application and a basic safety training course (completed online) are required for each interested person. Once they’re confirmed for a rebate, they’ll receive a code that can be used at any one of 14 participating local bike retailers. Participants must choose from a list of around 100 qualified e-bike models. The program only offers rebates for Class 1 e-bikes, the variety that has a top speed of 20 mph with pedal-assist only and no throttle.
Below is the list of 14 shops taking part in the program:
- PSU Bike Hub
- Joe Bike
- Nomad Cycles PDX
- Trek Bicycle Portland Slabtown
- The eBike Store, Inc
- TomCat Bikes, LLC
- Clever Cycles Bicycle & Ebike Store
- Trek Bicycle Portland Hollywood & Outlet
- Trek Bicycle Portland Westmoreland
- A Convenient Cycle
- Sellwood Cycle Repair
- pXcycle
- Metropolis Cycle Repair
- Vvolt eBikes | Portland
Applications for this first round of rebates will be accepted between April 6th and July 24th. To learn more, do a test ride, and submit your application in person, visit the EV Tailgate Party Powered by PCEF Earth Day event at Parkrose Middle School from 12:00 to 3:00 pm on April 11th.
