LISTEN: The first program, aimed at reducing transit costs and car dependency, launched in 2024 and has been renewed for 2026. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports on the return.

Atlanta resident Frank George was one of the first people to cash in on the rebate program.

Atlanta resident Frank George was one of the first people to cash in on the city's e-bike rebate program.

Credit: Atlanta Regional Commission

Atlanta’s E-Bike Rebate Program will return this year for another round of applicants. Atlanta City Council recently approved $1 million in funding for the program.

Propel ATL and the Atlanta Regional Commission will receive funds from the city to continue the rebate program. The initial launch in 2024 issued 734 rebates for mostly low-income applicants to redeem in Atlanta bike shops.

Jeremiah Jones works with Propel ATL. He said the program saves people money on car expenses.

"We saw a reduction of about 40% less driving in a given week," he said. "74% of all people who received rebates rode their bikes about two, at least two times a week."

Rebates allow participants to buy a standard e-bike or a cargo e-bike. Jones said this was an economic boost for participating bike shops. 

"We had 12 shops within the program that are within the city limits of Atlanta, that the rebate recipients had to utilize their rebates at," he said. "They saw $1.2 million increase in revenue sales for e-bikes here in the city of Atlanta."

Rebates in 2024 were between $500 and $2,000. This year’s rebates will be adjusted for rising e-bike costs. 

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