ATLANTA — The first round of applications for Atlanta’s E-bike rebates is in, and the response reflects the growing popularity of battery-charged two-wheelers.
A lightning bolt of inspiration brings Mary Dawson to Clutch Bicycle Shop in Southwest Atlanta. She’s one of 8,888 people hoping to pay little or nothing for a bike with a charge.
“I don’t have to worry about driving my truck, looking for parking,” said Dawson. “I can go to the grocery store, the local deli.”
Fueled by $1,000,000 from the City of Atlanta, the rebate program offers $500 to $2,000 off the price of an electric bike. The first round of applications ended last Sunday. Propel ATL and the Atlanta Regional Commission plan to accept more applications in August and October. They’re currently searching for ways to expand beyond the city limits.
“Going after federal grants to take this program to the region and by taking it to the region give out more bikes,” said Propel ATL’s Jeremiah Jones.
E-bikes combine pedal power with an electric motor to travel as fast as 25 miles an hour.
“They’ve become hugely popular,” said Clutch owner Michelle Dunbar. “They hit the market and bam, everyone wants an E-bike.”
Michele and her husband Kris operate one of the shops participating in the rebate program. They’ve talked to customers looking for a way to get out of their cars.
“Things like grocery shopping, even taking the kids to school,” said Kris Dunbar. “We have bikes that can adapt up to two kids.”
Propel ATL and the Atlanta Regional Commission plan to select all of the rebate winners for round one by the end of July.