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E-bike sales growing in Clark County with a rebate from the state coming in April

Popularity of electric bicycles has been on the rise for years

By Shari Phiel, Columbian staff reporter
Published: January 25, 2025, 6:10am
3 Photos
Will Phillips, president and owner of Vancouver Cyclery, wheels an e-bike around his shop’s parking lot Thursday. Starting in April, the Washington State Department of Transportation is offering rebates of up to $1,200 for e-bike purchases.
Will Phillips, president and owner of Vancouver Cyclery, wheels an e-bike around his shop’s parking lot Thursday. Starting in April, the Washington State Department of Transportation is offering rebates of up to $1,200 for e-bike purchases. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian) Photo Gallery

Following on the success of Washington’s electric vehicle rebate program, state officials have announced a new rebate program aimed at making electric bicycles more affordable. The program will be managed by the Department of Transportation.

The rebates will range from $300 to $1,200 and be applied at the time of purchase. The state’s program manager, Adele Peers, said the rebates will be available starting in April.

The popularity of electric bikes has been on the rise in recent years and is expected to continue to grow.

“E-bikes are a great form of alternative transportation for running errands, commuting, or enjoying rides where the rider’s abilities might be compromised,” said Peter Van Tilburg, executive director for Bike Clark County.

On the web

For more information about Washington’s e-bike rebate program, go to wsdot.wa.gov/travel/bicycling-walking/bicycling-washington/e-bike-programs.

According to recent data from Allied Market Research, global e-bike sales are expected to grow by 10 percent to 12 percent annually, topping $118 billion by 2030, with annual sales of e-bikes expected to reach 17 million.

“E-bikes have been growing this year, last year, and for the last few years even. They are definitely one of our more popular categories,” said Will Phillips, owner of Vancouver Cyclery. “I think that the rebate will be huge in the economy world that we’re in right now.”

State officials said $4 million has been allocated for the rebate program. They expect to give out 8,500 rebate vouchers, with most going to low-income households.

Qualifying applicants with a household income at or below 80 percent of the county-area median income ($66,100 for an individual in 2024) will receive a rebate of $1,200. Applicants not meeting that income requirement will get a rebate of $300.

When the program launches in April, those interested in receiving a rebate will have two weeks to enter their name into a pool for the chance at being selected. After that two-week period ends, individuals will be randomly selected to receive a rebate. They will then have two weeks to send required documentation to receive their rebates electronically.

The rebates can be redeemed at a participating bike shop. They can be applied to safety equipment purchases, but all items must be purchased at the same time. A helpline will be available.

Van Tilburg said the rebate program will benefit those needing transportation alternatives.

“It may allow transportation for an individual who may not be able to afford a car or the operating costs of affording a car,” he said.

Phillips said the benefits of riding an e-bike are similar to pedal-powered bikes. It’s just that e-bikes can be more fun.

“Could you imagine if everyone rode an e-bike? There’d be less traffic. It would be healthier,” he said. “For people like myself, who loves riding a bicycle, riding my e-bike in my 40s is just 10 times more fun than riding my regular bicycle. And I’m still getting 80 to 90 percent of my workout, and I’m doing it way more often than I would if it was my pedal bike. It’s just such a win.”

When it comes to buying an e-bike, the cost — especially compared with traditional bikes — has been an obstacle. Prices for good-quality e-bikes start at $1,500 and can be as much as $3,000 or $4,000. Less expensive models are available through direct-to-consumer online sales, but buyers are warned to do their research before buying. Many online sales originate in China and other countries that don’t have the same safety and quality requirements. Getting help with repairs or other customer service issues can be difficult as well.

“As cool as the incentives have been for everything else electric, like cars and solar panels, I don’t see anybody getting outside. I don’t see anybody getting in shape because of it,” Phillips said. “I think e-bikes will be a huge one.”

Community Funded Journalism logo

This story was made possible by Community Funded Journalism, a project from The Columbian and the Local Media Foundation. Top donors include the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund, Patricia, David and Jacob Nierenberg, Connie and Lee Kearney, Steve and Jan Oliva, The Cowlitz Tribal Foundation and the Mason E. Nolan Charitable Fund. The Columbian controls all content. For more information, visit columbian.com/cfj.

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