Denver E-Bike Voucher Program Funded by Climate Tax Launched

DENVER (KDVR) — Beginning Friday, residents of Denver can receive a significant voucher toward the purchase of a new e-bike or cargo bike.

All Denver residents will be eligible for a $400 discount on a qualifying e-bike, with an additional $500 ($900 total) discount on the purchase of an e-cargo bike. Income-qualified residents are eligible for an instant rebate of $1,200.

At FattE Bikes in Denver, visionary director Kenny Fischer said the response was quick.

“All I heard was the phone,” Fischer said. “’When will it be online, how can I get it? Can I queue? It’s incredible.”

E-bikes, or e-bikes, have grown in popularity in recent years as an eco-friendly form of transportation. But with costs ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, reaching low- and middle-income families has been a struggle.

Emily Kleinfelter dropped off a deposit for a FattE bike on Friday, saying Denver’s voucher made it possible.

“The discount was definitely a game-changer,” she said. “I mean, happy Earth Day to us, right?”

Kleinfelter uses a traditional bicycle to get around Denver and said she rarely uses her car anymore.

“I’m going to put baskets on it, maybe another rack or two, and it will eventually replace my car for me,” she said.

How to get an e-bike voucher in Denver

Over at FattE Bikes, Kenny Fischer said their bikes start at around $2,000, with various customization options pushing those prices higher.

Fischer is offering an additional $100 off to celebrate and hopes the voucher will get Denver residents who otherwise wouldn’t think of e-bikes in on the action.

“An income-skilled person can get our $2,800 cargo bike for $1,000,” Fischer said. “It’s crazy.”

Denver residents can request a voucher here. Once you have your voucher, simply bring it to your bike purchase for an instant discount.

The program is funded by the Denver Climate Protection Fund, which voters approved in 2020.

It is estimated that the 0.25% sales tax will raise up to $40 million annually for projects dedicated to eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.