This summer, the city will offer incentives to expand access to e-bikes, encourage adoption and to study the role e-bikes play in advancing Boulder's climate and transportation goals.
Project Overview
The city is in the process of developing e-bike incentives. This webpage will be updated as new information becomes available.
The incentives will provide those living in the city of Boulder with a discount voucher to cover part of the cost of an e-bike bought from a participating bike shop. Vouchers will be available for commuter e-bikes and e-cargo bikes, which are designed to carry cargo or multiple people. Those interested will need to apply online to enter a random selection for a limited number of vouchers. Bike shops will be reimbursed for vouchers used at their stores.
Income-eligible applicants will receive larger discounts to help cover the upfront cost of e-bikes and important equipment. This could include helmets, child seats and bike locks to encourage safe, frequent use of new e-bikes.
The 2023 incentives are funded by the city's Climate Tax and supported by a partnership with Community Cycles.

How to Apply
A limited number of discount vouchers will be available. Vouchers will be awarded through a random selection system after the online application period. The application link will be available later this summer. Please stay tuned for specific dates and more information.
Application Timeline
Applications will open in Summer 2023. Please check back for specific dates. For e-bike application alerts, sign up for the E-bike Alerts Email List.
Check Out Community Cycles' E-Bike Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
E-bikes are bicycles with rechargeable batteries and an electric motor that gives riders a boost as they pedal.
E-bikes have a range of benefits. They help users:
- Use their car(s) less and save money on gas.
- Bike longer distances and on tough terrain, like hills and dirt roads.
- Run errands and make shorter trips quicker while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Provide first- and last-mile connections to public transit.
- Live healthier lives. They get users moving outside as they travel from one place to another.
- Improve the health of our community. E-bikes reduce air pollution from cars, which improves air quality.
New class 1 and 2 road, hybrid, e-cargo and adaptive e-bikes are eligible for this program. Full-suspension mountain e-bikes are not eligible.
- Class 1 e-bikes are equipped with an electric motor that gives the rider a boost only when pedaling. These bikes reach a max speed of 20 miles per hour (mph).
- Class 2 e-bikes are also equipped with an electric motor that gives the rider a boost even when they are not pedaling. These bikes reach a max speed of 20 mph.
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.
Standard voucher:
- E-bike: $300
- E-cargo: $500
Income-qualified voucher:
- E-bike: $1200
- E-cargo: $1400
*Please note: voucher amounts may change at the discretion of the City of Boulder.
E-Bike vouchers are only available to City of Boulder residents over the age of 18. All applicants will need to provide proof of residency.
All income levels can apply to the standard voucher. Income-qualified applicants will need to provide proof of income or proof of participation in an income-qualified program.
The city is planning two release dates for vouchers in 2023. The first release will be for 200 vouchers, evenly split between the four voucher types. The purpose of this is to gauge interest in the different incentive types and adjust, as needed, for the second release.
Because income-qualified applicants will receive a larger voucher amount, 79% of funding from the first release will go to income-qualified vouchers and 21% to standard income vouchers.
To qualify for the income-qualified voucher, your household income needs to be below 80% of area median family income for Boulder County as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Current (2023) income limits are shown below:
Persons in family | Low (80%) Income Limits ($) |
---|---|
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.
If you apply and are randomly selected to receive a voucher, you will have to finalize your application by uploading proof of Boulder residency. If you are receiving an income-qualified voucher, you will need to upload income-related documentation. Once your application is verified, you will receive your voucher.
Options for documentation to provide proof of residency or income-eligibility will be provided on this webpage before the application period.
Residents will apply for vouchers using an online application portal. Stay tuned for more information and a link to the portal.
Vouchers will be distributed by random selection after the application period. Please stay tuned for specific dates and more information.
The city is planning two release dates for vouchers this year. The first release will likely happen in July, and the second will likely happen in September. Those dates may change.
City staff are still working on building out the application system and will be updating this webpage with more detailed information about the application process and date.
Residents will apply for vouchers using an online application portal. Stay tuned for more information and a link to the portal.
You will be notified via the email you submitted as part of the online application.
No. A limited number of discount vouchers will be available. Vouchers will be awarded by random selection after the online application period.
Vouchers can be used in-person at local participating bike shops in Boulder County. E-bikes cannot be purchased online.
Participating local bike shops include:
- Small Planet Bikes
- Trek Bikes
- Front Range Cargo Bikes
- Freedom Folding Bikes
- *More shops coming soon as we confirm participation.
No, e-bikes must be purchased from local bike shops.
Doing so provides voucher recipients with a greater choice of e-bikes while supporting the local economy.
Income-qualified recipients will have the option to receive a $200 starter kit voucher which can be used towards safety accessories including bike helmets, bike locks, bike lights and child seats for e-cargo bikes.
The estimated cost of e-bikes after the voucher discount is applied can range based on the price of the bike and voucher amount.
- This is a point-of-sale voucher, meaning voucher recipients will receive a discount when they purchase an e-bike.
- The voucher recipient is responsible for paying the difference between the purchase price of the e-bike and the voucher amount.
- The voucher discount amount cannot exceed the purchase price of the e-bike, nor can it include taxes or shipping costs.
Voucher category | VOUCHER AMOUNT |
ESTIMATED PERSONAL |
---|---|---|
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+ |
Statewide and regional incentives are still being developed. As information becomes available, we will provide details on how this may affect city e-bike incentives.
Sign up for the city’s Climate Initiatives and Transportation and Mobility e-newsletters for updates and other relevant news.
For e-bike application alerts, sign up for the E-bike Alerts Email List.
Contact Support
For general program questions, contact EbikeIncentives2023@bouldercolorado.gov or call the general Public Works information line at 303-441-3200.
Learn How to Safely Use Your E-Bike
E-bike Workshops
Learn hands-on skills – from fixing a flat tire to brake adjustments. Sign up on Community Cycle's website.
Stay tuned for free workshops and skill-building opportunities available to voucher recipients.