ARC, City of Atlanta launch e-bike program

The Atlanta E-Bike program officially launched on June 16. The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) partnered with the City of Atlanta and Propel ATL to offer this program that is designed to provide affordable transportation options for Atlantans, particularly moderate- and low-income individuals. Earlier this year, the city of Atlanta invested $1 million in the program to help break down barriers to E-Bike ownership, reduce transportation costs, and replace single-occupant vehicles on the road.

Applications opened on Sunday, June 16, and will run through Sunday, June 23. Only a limited number of E-Bikes will be available following the launch of the program. Anyone can apply for the program, but recipients will be picked through a lottery selection, with 75% of the checks going to those earning at or below $60,200. Those who meet income criteria can receive $1,500 for a standard e-bike and $2,000 for a cargo e-bike. Non-income-qualified recipients who are selected will receive $500 for a standard e-bike and $1,000 for a cargo e-bike. Once a person is selected, they have 90 days to purchase an e-bike at a participating bike shop in the city.

To apply for the program, applicants must have the following:

• Proof of ID
• Proof of residency
• For income-qualified applicants, you must provide at least one of the following:
• Most recent W-2 or 1099
  • First page of most recent 1040 (Line 11 – Adjusted Gross Income)
  • Unemployment benefits/workers’ comp benefits
  • Proof of employment

For the full application process and eligibility requirements, click HERE.

Estimated Program Timeline:

Still have questions regarding the E-Bike program or E-Bikes in general? Check out our list of FAQs.

What is an E-Bike?

An E-Bike is a bicycle or a tricycle equipped with fully operable pedals, a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. E-bikes are categorized into three categories.

Class 1 bikes are equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and it stops when the electric bicycle reaches the speed of 20 mph.

Class 2 bikes are equipped with a motor that helps when pedaling up to 20 mph. They are also equipped with a throttle that will power the bike up to 20 mph without pedaling.

Class 3 bikes are equipped with a motor that helps only when the rider is pedaling, and it stops when the electric bicycle reaches the speed of 28 mph.

What is the difference between a standard e-bike and an e-cargo bike? 

A standard e-bike is a Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike with two or three wheels and fully operable pedals. The electric motor must be 750 watts or less and cannot be gas-powered. An e-cargo bike has an extended frame (a long tail, long john, Bakfiet, or box bike) designed to carry additional people or cargo. The bike’s extended frame must have a published cargo load carrying capacity of at least 100 lbs.

What are the rules for riding an E-Bike? 

In the state of Georgia, you must wear a helmet to ride a Class 3 E-Bike. You must also be at least 15 years old to operate a Class 3 E-Bike. E-bikes are allowed to be ridden on the road, but must be as far right as practical or on a finished shoulder. E-bikes are allowed on all marked bike paths.

Do you need a license or insurance to ride an E-Bike? 

The state of Georgia does not require a license or registration to ride an E-Bike.

Will there be another chance at applying for the program? 

Pending funding availability, there are expected to be two additional application rounds for the program-a total of three rounds. Sign up for updates on when the next round will happen, HERE.

Once approved for the program, where can I buy my e-bike? 

You can buy an e-bike at a participating bike shop in the city. Click here to see what bike shops are participating in the program.

Still have questions? Check out the official Atlanta E-Bike Program page for more information on the program and e-bikes.