City of Denver launches 2k new e-bike rebate applications

DENVER (KRDO) -- Monday, another round of applications were launched for Denver's well-known e-bike rebate program, according to 9NEWS.

Applications opened at 8 a.m. for 2,000 new e-bike rebates. Income-qualified residents will receive half of the rebates from the city. Additional rebates will be available every month throughout the year.

The city is working to make electric bikes cheaper as more and more people continue to ride them on the streets.

"We’ve probably sold over 100 bikes since the inception of this program, from the program alone," Kenny Fischer with FattE-Bikes in Denver said to 9NEWS. "Ours are designed to be commuter vehicles. Everything from headlights, taillights, brake lights, anti-theft devices."

Fischer told 9NEWS he's seeing people coming into his shop with the intention of replacing their cars with an e-bike.

"It’s pretty much a minimum of $400 off of one of our e-bikes. If you get a cargo bike, it’s a minimum of $900 off. Some people are saving upwards of $1,700, which is amazing," Fischer said to 9NEWS.

According to 9NEWS, FattE-Bikes can travel more than 25 miles per hour without breaking a sweat. The bikes are built in Denver.

The rebate may not cover the cost of the bike in full, however it'll reduce the cost of them to be much cheaper.

"It’s making the bikes more accessible for people," Fischer said to 9NEWS. "Folks who’ve heard about them, are interested in them, but never thought they were within budget. Now it’s essentially bringing it right to their doorstep. The city is giving away free money."

In April, more than 3,000 people applied for the first round of e-bike rebates. 9NEWS reported only 848 of those rebates were redeemed. The city hopes more rebates will be used this time around. Those interested are asked to pick up their bike ahead of time.