Columbus investing $250,000 in electric bicycle discount program for 100-150 residents
Columbus is providing $250,000 to help 100-150 people with incomes of under $150,000 get a discount of $500-$1,200 on the purchase of an electric bike from one of five designated vendors. GREG LOVETT/THE PALM BEACH POST
Columbus is incentivizing its residents to try out electric bicycles.
In efforts to reduce traffic, limit pollution and make transportation more financially accessible, the city is investing $250,000 in a partnership designed to give residents discounts of up to $1,200 on electric bicycles.
Nicknamed e-bikes, electric bicycles can travel faster than traditional bikes, and are generally considered easier to ride. They have an electric motor and a rechargeable battery.
"E-bikes are an inclusive transportation option for folks who, due to age, fitness level or mobility challenges, may not feel comfortable with a traditional bike," said Barroso de Padilla, chair of Columbus City Council's public service and transportation committee.
Columbus residents must be at least 18 years old and have a yearly household income of less than $150,000 to be eligible for a discount. The city plans to give out between 100 and 150 discounts, all in the range of $500-$1,200, based on income. Additionally, discount recipients will get a $200 credit for safety gear.
The e-bikes sold on discount will come from Beechwold Bicycles, Franklinton Cycle Works, Johnny Velo Bikes, Orbit City Bikes and Paradise Garage. The e-bikes eligible for discounted sale must cost at least $999.
"We don't want folks choosing bikes that aren't up to scale," said Council president Shannon Hardin. "We don't want those bikes that have not been as reliable as the bikes we've chosen."
The city is calling the discount initiative a pilot program, with long-term sights on making biking what Hardin called a "true commuter option." The city's capital budget, set to pass Monday, includes a $16 million investment in protected bike lanes long sought by bicycling advocates.
"We know that as a community, we're gonna add nearly a million people over the next 20 or so years," Hardin said. "We cannot add 800,000 more cars to Columbus and still be able to have the same quality of life that we enjoy today. We believe that more transit options that we can bring in Columbus in general will help us grow in a better way for all of us, even those who would never choose to ride a bike."
Applications for enrollment in the incentive program will be available starting Monday online at www.columbusebikes.com. Applicants will be asked to provide documentation proving their city residence and income. Later in the year, the city will conduct research and a survey of discount recipients to determine the feasibility of a larger-scale e-bike incentive program in 2024.
JNimesheim@dispatch.com
@JackNimesheim