The E-Bike Incentive Program
Investing in Clean Transportation Choices
Towards the end of 2025, the City of New Orleans will launch the Electric Bike (E-Bike) Incentive Program as part of the City’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This effort will allow New Orleans residents to receive discounts at the register when purchasing qualified e-bikes and safety accessories at eligible New Orleans retailers.
The program goals are to:
- Increase mobility options for New Orleans residents
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions from transportation
- Support local businesses and the electric transportation workforce
Please note that all program details below are subject to change per the terms and conditions of the City’s federal funding agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Who is eligible to obtain a rebate?
All New Orleans residents aged 18+ are eligible to receive one e-bike rebate. Applicants must provide proof of residency.
How many rebates are available?
The City has budgeted funding for at least 3,000 rebates. 2,000 rebates are reserved for income-qualified residents. The rebates will be offered in installments over a five-year period using a random selection process.
Who is “income-qualified”?
New Orleans income-qualified residents may be verified by providing documentation such as enrollment in SNAP or Medicaid, or other documentation of income.
What is the size of the rebate?
Income-qualified rebates are $1,200 and all other rebates are $600.
What e-bikes are eligible to purchase?
E-bikes must be certified to the UL 2849 standard, the standard that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recognizes for electrical systems for e-bikes.
Are bicycling accessories eligible to purchase?
Remaining rebate value following the purchase of an e-bike may be used to purchase safety and security equipment such as a helmet, lights, and a lock.
Who is administering the E-Bike Incentive Program?
The City of New Orleans Office of Resilience and Sustainability (ORS) is managing the program with support from a third-party administrator. The City published a Request for Proposals from third-party administrators on May 19th. Proposals are due June 16, 2025, at 5:00pm central. The administrator will be responsible for developing a user-friendly, web-based portal for residents to register for rebates and for vendors to receive reimbursements.
When and how can I register to receive a rebate?
The Office of Resilience and Sustainability anticipates the first round of rebates will be offered before the end of 2025. Instructions will be provided through this website and at outreach events later this year.
Where can I use the rebates?
E-bike vendors within the City of New Orleans that service and repair the e-bikes they sell will be eligible to accept E-Bike Incentive Program rebates. The City will enroll local eligible vendors later this year Online vendors, those located outside of the city, and those which do not service e-bikes are ineligible to participate.
How are the rebates being funded?
The E-Bike Incentive Program is 100% funded by a federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant award made to the City by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Are e-bikes legal to ride on City streets and bikeways?
E-bikes are generally allowed wherever traditional bicycles can go, including streets, bike lanes, and shared-use paths. All three classes of e-bikes qualify as bicycles and fall under Louisiana’s bicycle laws.
How do New Orleans retailers register to sell qualified e-bikes and safety accessories through this program?
Eligible vendors will be invited to register with the City program later this year. Instructions will be provided through this website and through direct outreach to vendors.
How can I learn more about the E-Bike Incentive Program?
Updates will be posted on this website and through ORS social media accounts:
Email the Office of Resilience & Sustainability