Thank you for your interest in the City of Boulder’s e-bike incentives! We are providing vouchers to help pay for part of the cost of an electric bicycle (e-bike). Our goal is to encourage more sustainable, healthy ways of travel around town.

We’ve put together this pre-application guide to help you prepare for registration and, if you are selected to receive a voucher, the application.

For more information, review our E-Bike Incentives webpage.

To register, visit the registration portal.

Pre-Application Guide

Understand the Incentives

Visit the official City of Boulder E-Bike Incentives webpage to understand the details of our e-bike incentives. Familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria, incentive amounts and deadlines.

Check Eligibility and Gather Documentation

Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and make sure you have all the necessary documentation to prove your eligibility.

This will include proof of:

  • City of Boulder residency.
  • Income, if applying for an income-qualified voucher.

Those selected to receive a voucher will have 96 hours to submit these documents. Please review the list of accepted documents below.

  1. Proof of City of Boulder Residency

    All applicants must provide one of the following documents to show they are a resident of the city of Boulder:

    • Current valid Colorado Driver’s License or ID
    • Computer Generated Bill (utility, credit card, doctor, hospital, etc.)
    • Bank Statement
    • Pre-Printed Pay Stub
    • First-Class Mail (from a government agency or court)
    • Current Homeowner's, Renter's, or Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy
    • Mortgage, Lease, or Rental Contract
    • Motor Vehicle Registration
    • USPS Change of Address Form CNL107
    • Military Service Form DD214

    Individuals who are unable to provide any of these documents may be eligible to provide a letter from a known community organization stating they are unhoused, use their facility and services, and receive their mail there.

    Income Requirements for Income-Qualified Applicants

    To qualify for the income-qualified voucher, your household income needs to be below 80% of area median family income for Boulder County as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

    Current (2023) income limits are shown in this table:

    PERSONS IN FAMILY

    LOW (80%) INCOME LIMITS ($)

    1

    66,700

    2

    76,200

    3

    85,750

    4

    95,250

    5

    102,900

    6

    110,500

    7

    118,150

    8

    125,750

    Find more information on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Income Limits Summary webpage.

    Proof of Income Eligibility for Income Qualified Vouchers

    First page of Federal 1040 Document. Please make sure to blackout any sensitive or private information, such as social security numbers.

    • Aid to the Needy and Disabled (AND)
    • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • Your Form SSA-1099
    • Old Age Pension (OAP)
    • Xcel Energy’s Income Qualified DSM Programs
    • Xcel Energy’s Income Qualified Community Solar Gardens program
    • Energy Outreach Colorado’s Colorado Affordable Residential Energy Program (CARE)
    • Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
    • Boulder Housing Partners Qualifying lease - showing all family in the household
    • Boulder County Public Assistance
    • Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA) assistance
    • School Free/reduced lunch programs
    • Boulder Parks & Recreation Financial Aid
    • PlayPASS program

    *All documents must be dated within one year of application.

    Please note that Colorado State law restricts the use or disclosure of information concerning recipients of federally aided public assistance and welfare. Because of this, we cannot accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or other federal assistance payments, social services and child welfare services documentation as proof of income.

Research E-Bike Options

Research e-bike options, contact or visit local participating bike shops, and choose a bike that best fits your needs and budget. Look for e-bikes that meet your commuting needs and style preferences while keeping price in mind. Take into consideration factors such as bike type (regular e-bike, e-cargo and e-adaptive), battery range and any additional features you might want. Please note, you may not change the type of voucher you receive after you have registered.

Please take a moment to check out our list of participating bike shops and explore Community Cycles’ e-bike quick guide for a list of qualifying e-bikes.

  1. The Types of E-Bikes to Choose From: Regular E-Bikes, E-Cargo Bikes and Adaptive E-Bikes 

    E-bikes are bicycles with rechargeable batteries and an electric motor that gives riders a boost as they pedal.

    E-cargo bikes are designed to carry cargo or multiple people. They are typically larger and have a longer frame. Long tail, long john, Bakfiet and box bikes are all e-cargo bikes. Not every e-bike with a rack is considered an e-cargo bike. E-cargo bikes that qualify for a voucher must have a cargo capacity of 100lbs. They can carry cargo or multiple people but tend to be more expensive and heavier than regularly sized e-bikes.

    Adaptive e-bikes are e-bikes designed specifically for people experiencing disabilities. Looking for adaptive e-bike options? Reach out to ebikesboulder@aptim.com for support. If you have balance issues, please be aware that some bikes, like tricycles, may be more difficult to balance than others. For support with choosing the right adaptive e-bike, reach out to ebike@communitycycles.org. For adaptive e-bike options that qualify for vouchers, reach out to ebikesboulder@aptim.com.

    Be sure to check out Community Cycles’ Buyers Guide for the pros and cons of each bike type as you research which e-bike you would like to purchase. If you have specific questions about which bike is right for you, reach out to Community Cycles at ebike@communitycycles.org.

    Income-qualified applicants: decide if you want a starter kit voucher.

    Those registering for income-qualified vouchers can opt-in to receive an additional $200 starter kit voucher. This can be used towards safety accessories including bike helmets, bike locks, bike lights and child seats. Take stock of what you need, and make sure to opt-in to this kit if you need safety gear.

Plan Your Budget

Estimate the total cost of the e-bike you would like to purchase, including taxes and accessories, and compare this cost with the incentive amount you are applying for. This will help you understand how much money you need to pay out-of-pocket.

Please note, that you may not change the type of voucher you receive after you have submitted your registration. It is important to decide on your preference between an e-bike, e-cargo or adaptive e-bike before you register.

Please also note that e-cargo bikes tend to be more expensive that regular e-bikes. Although e-cargo bike vouchers provide a larger discount to help cover this added cost, you may still pay more for an e-cargo bike than a regular e-bike depending on the option you choose.

VOUCHER CATEGORY

VOUCHER AMOUNT

ESTIMATED PERSONAL
COST AFTER VOUCHER

Standard income e-bike

$300

$1,000 to $1,700+

Standard income e-cargo bike

$500

$1,300 to $5,500+

Income-qualified e-bike

$1,200

$100 to $800+

Income-qualified e-cargo bike

$1,400

$400 to $4,600+

  1. Other Important Reminders 
    • This is a point-of-sale voucher, meaning if you receive a voucher, you get a discount when you purchase an e-bike.
    • You are responsible for paying the difference between the purchase price of the e-bike and the voucher amount.
    • There is no minimum or maximum purchase price. However, the voucher discount amount cannot exceed the purchase price of the e-bike, nor can it include taxes or shipping costs.
    • The voucher is for a new e-bike from one of our participating bike shops.

    Explore Community Cycles’ e-bike quick guide for a list of qualifying e-bikes.

Register

Follow the instructions within the application portal to submit your registration. This will involve filling out an online form, attaching copies of required documents, and selecting which voucher type you would like to receive.

Next Steps After You Register

Wait for Confirmation

Wait for an email from ebikesboulder@aptim.com confirming if you were selected or waitlisted, along with next steps. The city will contact you via email by Sept 14 at 5 p.m. If you do not receive an email, please check your spam folder.

If you are on the waitlist, the city will contact you to apply if vouchers become available. This may take several weeks as initial voucher recipients decide whether to spend their voucher. The city will notify you that all vouchers have been distributed.

Submit Eligibility Documentation

Recipients will have 96 hours to submit proof of city of Boulder residence and income (if applying for an income-qualified voucher). If your application is not completed within this time, the voucher will be offered to registrants on the waitlist.

Purchase and Enjoy

If you are awarded a voucher, use it within 45 days to help pay for an e-bike from a participating bike shop and get riding!

Share Your Experience

After purchasing your e-bike, consider sharing your experience and your new e-bike. Sharing your story can help inspire others to make sustainable transportation choices. If you’re interested in sharing your e-bike or e-micromobility story with the city, you can sign up to be notified of potential future opportunities.

Always refer to our official e-bike incentives webpage for the most up-to-date information.

Happy e-biking!

Two people riding e-bikes on the bike path
Community Cycles