LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A new statewide incentive program could soon give thousands of Arkansas residents financial assistance to purchase electric bicycles, expanding transportation options and reducing vehicle emissions.
The Arkansas Tri-Region E-Bike Incentive Program will offer more than 5,800 e-bike vouchers to eligible residents in Central Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas and the Fort Smith region. Applications open July 6 at 9 a.m.
A $7 million Environmental Protection Agency Climate Pollution Reduction Grant funds the vouchers, which range in value from $700 to $1,200.
Officials said the program aims to encourage residents to consider alternatives to driving while improving regional air quality.
“We hope that people will take advantage of this program to help purchase e-bikes that they can then use to ride to work, they can go visit a friend in the neighborhood, or they can go run an errand,” said Casey Covington, executive director of Metroplan.
Covington said reducing the number of vehicle trips could help address seasonal air quality concerns.
“Our region suffers from high ozone levels during the summer, and any time that we can encourage somebody to use a bicycle or walk and avoid a vehicle trip, that helps us ensure that we’re able to maintain the good air quality,” he said.
Local bicycle retailers said interest in electric bicycles has continued to grow as consumers seek more affordable commuting options.
“We’ve had people come in buying e-bikes, probably three, but I’d say between three and eight per week,” said Eric Easterly, store manager at Spokes. “A lot of them are using them for commuting.”
Easterly said the vouchers could significantly reduce the upfront cost for first-time buyers.
“If they’re getting between a $700 and $1,200 voucher, we’ve got bikes that start around $1,499 retail,” he said.
Applicants will be selected through a randomized lottery system, with the first drawing scheduled for July 21. Selected applicants must provide the required documentation before receiving their vouchers.
Covington said the program has the potential to reshape how residents travel throughout the region.
“This grant certainly is going to change transportation options in Central Arkansas,” he said.