WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Washington state is rolling out a new program to make electric bikes more affordable.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) introduced its WE-Bike pilot program the week of Jan. 15.

The program will offer $1,200 and $300 rebates to qualifying residents who buy an electric bike, depending on their household income level. WSDOT says it expects to give out around 8,500 vouchers, with most going to low-income households.

The department says e-bikes make bike riding more accessible, reduce spending on vehicles and vehicle maintenance and help improve the health of their riders and the planet.

When the program launches this spring, those interested will have two weeks to enter their name into a pool for a chance at being selected. It was funded using $5 million of the state’s 2024 transportation budget.

Visit the WSDOT website to read more about the program and find out if you qualify.