BEND, OREGON – The City of Bend, in collaboration with Commute Options and generously funded by the Pacific Power Foundation, has successfully concluded its latest e-bike rebate program, distributing 70 electric bicycles to eligible residents. This initiative marks another significant step in Bend’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable transportation, enhancing community mobility, and reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
Program Success and Community Impact
The e-bike rebate program, which aimed to make electric bicycles more accessible, has wrapped up its 2025 cycle with all 70 available rebates distributed. As of September 12, 2025, 67 of the awarded e-bikes had been claimed by recipients, with three individuals still planning to pick up their new mode of transportation. Brian Potwin, Executive Director of Commute Options, expressed satisfaction with the program’s outcome, stating, “Our mission is to increase transportation options, and this program does just that. It puts a new transportation option under the feet—if you will—of new riders and changes their transportation choices. From that perspective, it’s very successful.” The program is designed to empower individuals by providing an affordable, healthy, and environmentally friendly alternative to car usage, helping to ease traffic congestion and promote active lifestyles.
A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Mobility
This successful e-bike giveaway was made possible through a strong partnership between the City of Bend and Commute Options, with crucial financial backing from the Pacific Power Foundation through an E-Mobility Grant. The program offered a $1,800 rebate to qualified residents, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for purchasing an e-bike. Local bike shops, including BendR Cyclery/Ride2You and Bend Electric Bikes, were key partners in facilitating the purchase of these new e-bikes, supporting local businesses while promoting sustainable transportation.
Eligibility and Selection Process
The program’s structure was designed to ensure equitable access to e-bikes for those who would benefit most. To qualify for the $1,800 rebate, applicants had to meet several criteria: be 18 years or older, reside within the City of Bend, be a Pacific Power customer, and meet specific income guidelines, generally at or below 80% of the area median income. For a household of four in Bend in 2025, this threshold was approximately $83,750 annually. A mandatory e-bike safety course, developed and administered by Commute Options, was also a requirement for all recipients, emphasizing safe riding practices and knowledge of local traffic laws, including those pertaining to e-bike classifications under Oregon state law. Recipients were selected through a lottery system, with drawings held every three weeks until all 70 rebates were awarded, ensuring a fair and accessible application process.
Building on Past Successes
This recent program builds upon the success of a similar initiative in 2023, which provided 75 rebates of $2,000 each. That program also saw overwhelming interest, with over 600 applications received. Recipients from the 2023 program reported using their e-bikes to replace car trips, contributing to measurable environmental benefits, including an estimated saving of 1,125 pounds of CO2 emissions through 363 logged e-bike trips. The continued demand and success of these programs highlight a growing need and desire for accessible, sustainable transportation options in Bend.
Bend’s Vision for a Greener Transportation Future
The e-bike rebate program is part of a broader strategy by the City of Bend to promote eco-friendly mobility and achieve its climate action goals. In addition to these incentive programs, Bend has invested in expanding its active transportation infrastructure, including the recent launch of a permanent bike-share program with Veo, which introduced 300 e-bikes to the city in July 2025. These efforts aim to reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and improve overall community connectivity and public health. The city’s commitment extends to improving bike lanes and creating safe routes for cyclists across Bend, fostering a more sustainable and livable environment for all residents of Oregon.
Looking Ahead
While the most recent e-bike rebate program has concluded successfully, the future of such initiatives remains dependent on continued funding. Commute Options and the City of Bend are hopeful for future opportunities to expand these vital programs. The success of these initiatives underscores the significant positive impact that accessible e-mobility can have on individuals and the community as a whole.
The conclusion of this e-bike giveaway represents more than just the distribution of bicycles; it signifies an investment in a healthier, more sustainable, and connected future for Bend and its residents.
