Overview
The District E-Bike Incentive Program (Program) within the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) helps residents buy electric bicycles (e-bikes) and supports bicycle businesses in the District.
2024 Process
The 2024 application window was open from April 1 – April 15, 2024. DDOT received and reviewed over 2,800 applications from Preferred Applicants. DDOT used a randomized selection process (lottery) to select voucher recipients from the entire pool of Preferred Applicants, regardless of when between April 1-15 the application was submitted. DDOT followed up with applicants about their status in mid-May. The funding for vouchers was very limited, and only a few hundred applicants were selected to receive a voucher. DDOT hopes to receive funding in FY 2025 to open another application window.
How the Program Works
DDOT issues vouchers to approved applicants to be used to buy an e-bike at an authorized retailer. Not everyone who applies for a voucher will receive one. The retailer reduces the up-front purchase price by the amount of the voucher.
Who Can Apply
DDOT opened the 2024 application window to Preferred Applicants only. A Preferred Applicant is a District resident enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, or the DC Healthcare Alliance. DDOT does not anticipate that any 2024 funding will remain after distributing the first round of vouchers. However, DDOT hopes to receive funding in FY 2025 to open another application window. DDOT anticipates fulfilling approximately 250 vouchers with the FY24 funding.
District residents must apply in advance and be approved before purchasing an electric bicycle. Retroactive rebates are not allowed. To participate in the Program, individuals must:
- Be a District resident;
- Be over 18 years old;
- Be a Preferred Applicant (enrolled in SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or DC Healthcare Alliance); and
- Intend to purchase an eligible bicycle-bike or related service or accessory after approval.
*In 2024. In future years, the application window may open to Standard Applicants.
Approved Purchases
District residents must apply for a voucher in advance and be approved before buying an e-bike or other items. Voucher recipients can purchase:
- A regular electric bicycle or an electric cargo bicycle that is legal in the District and meets ANSI/CAN/UL 2272, ANSI/CAN/UL 2849, or any successive safety standards;
- Locks;
- Accessories to support a disability.
An approved Applicant must purchase their e-bike or accessory at an authorized retailer and present their voucher in advance of their purchase. The retailer will reduce the up-front purchase price by the amount of the voucher, and the District will reimburse the authorized retailer directly.
The following chart outlines the vouchers available:
|
Purchased Item/Service |
Preferred Applicants |
Standard Applicants^ |
|
Electric cargo bicycle |
$2,000 |
$1,000 |
|
Electric bicycle |
$1,500 |
$750 |
|
Annual maintenance |
$250 |
$0 |
|
Disability components |
$250 |
$125 |
|
Bicycle lock |
$150 |
$75 |
^ The 2024 application window was only open to Preferred Applicants; in 2025, the program may change and open the application to all residents, including Standard Applicants.
Notes: Vouchers through the Program are not included in gross income for District taxes. DDOT is authorized to issue rules, subject to Council approval, to implement and expand upon any components of the Program.
Authorized Retailers
The retailers listed below are Authorized Retailers and have an agreement with DDOT. They are the only shops where you can redeem a voucher.
|
|---|
2024 Application Pop-Ups
DDOT was in the community during the application window to spread the word about the program and support residents applying in person.
- April 3 from 12 pm – 5 pm – 250 M Street SE
- April 4 from 2 pm – 6 pm – Trek Skyland
- April 5 from 3 pm – 6 pm – Takoma Park Neighborhood Library
- April 6 from 1 pm – 5 pm – Healthy Homes Fair / DC Family Biking E-Bike Tasting at the DC Armory
- April 6 from 12 pm – 3 pm – Spring Fling Egg-stravaganza at THEARC
- April 7 from 10 am – 2 pm – FreshFarm Market at Union Market
- April 7 from 11 am – 3 pm – Conte's Cathedral Heights
- April 10 from 8 am – 12 pm – 250 M Street SE
- April 10 from 3 pm – 7 pm – Mt. Pleasant Library
- April 11 from 3 pm – 7 pm – Deanwood Rec Center (Minnesota Avenue)
- April 12 from 12 pm – 6 pm – King Electric Bikes (502 23rd Street NW)
- April 13 from 9 am – 12:30 pm – FreshFarm Market H Street NE
- April 13 from 11 am – 3 pm – Conte's Navy Yard
- April 14 from 8:30 am – 1:30 pm – FreshFarm Market Dupont
Frequently Asked Questions
When will applications open?
We do not yet know if the program is funded for 2025. If funding is finalized, we will announce an application window on this website.
2024 applications were open from April 1 – 15, 2024, on this website. DDOT also posted notices online, in print media, and through community partners.
How do I apply?
The 2024 application window is closed. If you met the criteria for a Preferred Applicant (District resident enrolled in SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or DC Healthcare Alliance), you were encouraged to apply in Spring 2024 during an application window. DDOT received and evaluated all applications submitted during that window – it did not matter when during the window they are submitted. We equally considered all applications submitted at any time during the window and randomly selected voucher recipients using a lottery from the applications.
What do I need to apply?
You will need a) an internet connection to access the application or b) to attend an application event in person. You will also need the following documents:
- Proof of District residency;
- DC DMV-issued REAL ID;
- DC DMV-issued REAL ID non-driver identification card; or
- DM DMV-issued Limited Purpose Driver's License.
- Proof of SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or DC Healthcare Alliance enrollment.
- Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card for SNAP or TANF enrollment;
- DC Healthcare Alliance Member ID card; or
- Medicaid ID card.
Can I buy an e-bike now and get reimbursed?
No, DDOT will not issue any reimbursements for e-bikes or accessories.
How does the incentive work?
DDOT will issue vouchers (also known as instant rebates or discounts) to approved applicants to be used at the point-of-sale at an authorized retailer. Not everyone who applies for a voucher will receive one. The retailer will reduce the up-front purchase price by the amount of the voucher.
When will I know if I am approved for a voucher?
DDOT reviewed applications when the application window closed and reached out to applicants in mid-May. The vouchers are very limited. Only a few hundred applicants will be approved for a voucher.
Why is the program focused on Preferred Applicants?
The bill requires DDOT to issue at least 50 percent of the total value of all vouchers issued in a fiscal year to Preferred Applicants and work to ensure that the application process increases applications from Preferred Applicants.
History & Background
For a history of the District Electric Bicycle Incentive Program, please view Act 25-249 in the District's Legislative Information Management System.
Resources
We wrote this E-Bike Guide to help dispel confusion and empower readers with the knowledge to make informed, safe choices when purchasing, riding, and maintaining their e-bikes in order to have the safest and most rewarding experience possible.
This safety guidance by People for Bikes will take you through a series of short videos that explain what an electric bicycle is, how to handle your e-bike battery, where you can ride e-bikes, and best practices for rider safety and etiquette when on your e-bike.
This new online driving education course from Bicycle Colorado focuses on filling the knowledge gaps seen in existing driving education, specifically on sharing the road safely with bicyclists and pedestrians.
Battery Fire Safety Fact Sheet