$1,600 e-bike rebate program relaunches in Atlanta

ATLANTA — The City of Atlanta is re-launching its e-bike rebate program with $1 million in new municipal funding aimed at providing income-qualified residents with discounts on electric bicycles. Applications for the fall 2026 cycle are officially open and will be accepted through Sept. 22. The funding, approved by the Atlanta City Council, is expected to support more than 400 rebates during the fall application window. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The initiative builds on a 2024 pilot program during which residents redeemed 581 e-bikes following an initial pool of more than 11,000 applicants. All rebates in the 2026–2027 cycle are structured around Area Median Income levels. Households earning less than 60% AMI qualify for a $1,600 rebate, those between 60% and 80% AMI qualify for $1,100, and those between 81% and 140% AMI qualify for $550. Program guidelines allocate approximately 80% of total funding to households earning at or below 80% AMI. TRENDING STORIES: Atlanta City Councilmember Matt Westmoreland championed the legislation to refund the program. 'Two years ago, we launched the Southeast's first e-bike rebate program because we wanted to give Atlantans more choices in how they get around our city,' Westmoreland said. 'More than 11,000 residents applied and we saw firsthand the demand for affordable, sustainable transportation options. This next round builds on that success, helping more residents get around without getting behind the wheel, reducing traffic and emissions and supporting our local bike shops along the way.' Rebate recipients will be selected through a randomized lottery. Unlike previous cycles, the program uses a single rebate structure for all eligible e-bikes rather than separate amounts for standard and cargo models. Discounts can be redeemed at participating local bike shops, with the Atlanta Regional Commission expecting 11 shops to participate. Recipients who opt into ride tracking for data collection can also receive an additional $75 rebate for lock and helmet accessories. The initiative is administered by the Atlanta Regional Commission in partnership with the City of Atlanta and Propel ATL. The Atlanta Regional Commission oversees program logistics and administration, while Propel ATL leads community outreach and communications regarding bicycling and transportation. Jessie Fair, an Atlanta resident living in the Venetian Hills neighborhood, previously received a discounted e-bike through the program and shared their enthusiasm for the program. 'The e-bike I received through the-bike rebate program has absolutely changed my life,' Fair said. 'My family uses it for many of our errands and recreation near and far. We are one less car on the road and a family of happy bikers. I am a happier, healthier commuter thanks to this program. E-bikes are the future!' A second application period for the program is anticipated to open in spring 2027. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] ©2026 Cox Media Group