WSDOT will accept e-bike rebate lottery applications April 9–23

The WE-Bike website as of April 7.

The WSDOT e-bike rebate program is nearly ready to accept applications. The pilot program, which the department has named WE-Bike," will take applications starting April 9 and ending at noon April 23. Recipients of these instant rebates" will be selected using a lottery system after the end of the application window, so there should be no need to spam your web browser's refresh button on April 9 to get in.

To be eligible, applicants must be a resident of Washington State at least 16 years of age (under 18 will need a guardian to sign). Multiple people from a household can apply, but rebates will be limited to one per household. Rebates cannot be used retroactively on bikes that were purchased previously, they can only be applied at the point of sale. Bikes fitting the three state-recognized classes of e-bikes qualify as well as e-trikes and adaptive e-bikes. Electric mountain bikes do not qualify even if they fit a recognized class. Only bikes manufactured as e-bikes qualify, so after-market retrofits are not allowed. Qualifying bikes must have batteries certified by UL, a third-party safety certification company.

A winning applicant can only use their rebate at a participating shop (map), and only shops with physical stores and repair services in Washington State can qualify. Bike shops that want to participate should call 1-833-909-4222 or email ebikesWSDOT@aptim.com.

Folks in households that make up to 80% of their County's area median income and are selected in the lottery can qualify for up to $1,200 in rebates, which is huge. Other winning applicants are limited to $300, which isn't too shabby either.

The rebate programs rolls out as the state legislature is considering a 10% e-bike tax, which would do the exact opposite of what the rebate is trying to accomplish: Getting more Washingtonians on e-bikes. Trump's tariff's are also putting the bike industry into a precarious position since all of the major bike-producing nations are slated for major tariff hikes. So these rebates are a small glimmer of hope in a very troubled time for bike shops. Whether you are selected for a rebate or not, the coming months will be a great time to throw some business their way.

Here's an outline of the full process from the WE-Bike FAQ:

Step 1:Application - During this step we'll ask you to share contact and basic personal information as well as whether you are eligible for an income-qualified rebate. You will also be invited to participate in the University of Washington research.

Applicants must use this portal/web page to apply for an instant rebate.

During application, you will be asked to confirm your email address, create a login and password, then complete your application for the program. You will receive a confirmation email once you have submitted your application.

The application period will be open for two weeks starting April 9 2025.

Applicants select the application type they are eligible for: income qualified or non-income qualified rebate.

Applicants answer a few demographic questions, confirm their information, and acknowledge the program's Terms and Conditions.

If the applicant is under 18, a parent or guardian will have to sign on their behalf

After the application period has closed the system will randomly select a number of applicants to complete their application.

NOTE:You will not be able to change the application type (income verified or non-income verified) once the registration period has closed. Please make sure you review the income requirements carefully.

Step 2:If selected for an instant rebate, you must then provide qualifying documentation of residency within the state of Washington and, if applicable, income qualification.

Selected applicants will receive an email invitation to complete their application.

Applicants will have 96 hours to complete and supply qualifying documents to verify their eligibility.

Applicants who successfully complete their application will be awarded an instant rebate that is good for 45 days.

Residents must redeem instant rebates for qualifying e-bike purchases at an approved participating bike shop.