Colorado Customers Report Long Delays Receiving “Free” E-Bikes Through Popular Promotion

A Colorado e-bike promotion that attracted significant attention by offering nearly free electric bikes is now drawing complaints from customers who say they have been waiting months longer than expected for delivery.

According to a recent investigation by 9NEWS Denver, dozens of customers who ordered e-bikes through Bear Trail Bikes reported lengthy delays, missed delivery estimates, and frustration over limited communication while waiting for their bikes to arrive.

The situation has raised concerns among consumers, but it is important to note that the controversy appears to center on order fulfillment and delivery timelines rather than Colorado’s statewide e-bike tax credit program itself.

⭐ What You Need to Know

Colorado’s statewide e-bike tax credit remains active and legitimate. However, some customers who ordered heavily discounted or nearly free e-bikes through Bear Trail Bikes report waiting months longer than expected for delivery. The delays appear to be related to fulfillment challenges rather than the state’s tax credit program. Bear Trail Bikes has since paused new free e-bike orders while it works through existing customer orders.

How We Researched This Story

This article is based on reporting from 9NEWS Denver, information published by Bear Trail Bikes, Colorado Department of Revenue guidance regarding the state’s e-bike tax credit program, customer discussions, and publicly available information regarding Colorado incentive programs.

As with all news coverage on Electric Bike Explorer, I encourage riders to verify current program details directly with participating retailers and state agencies before making purchasing decisions.

What Is Colorado’s E-Bike Tax Credit?

Colorado offers a statewide point-of-sale e-bike tax credit that reduces the purchase price of qualifying electric bikes purchased through participating retailers.

For 2026, the statewide tax credit provides a $225 discount that is applied directly at checkout. Riders do not need to wait until tax season to receive the benefit.

The statewide credit is currently scheduled to remain available through 2032, helping make electric bikes more affordable for Colorado residents.

Some cities and local programs may offer additional incentives that can sometimes be combined with the statewide credit, creating even larger savings opportunities for eligible riders.

Related:

• State E-Bike Rebate Programs Guide
• State-by-State E-Bike Laws Guide
• Colorado State E-bike Law Guide
• Colorado State E-bike Rebates Guide

What Happened?

Bear Trail Bikes attracted significant interest by promoting certain e-bike models as being nearly free after applying available discounts.

The promotion combined Colorado’s statewide $225 e-bike tax credit with additional discounts offered by the retailer. Customers were still responsible for taxes and applicable fees, but the final cost was dramatically lower than a typical e-bike purchase.

For many riders, especially first-time buyers, the offer appeared to be an excellent opportunity to get started with electric biking at minimal cost.

However, according to the 9NEWS report, numerous customers claim their bikes did not arrive within the advertised delivery windows.

Some customers reportedly expected delivery within six to twelve weeks but were still waiting more than twenty weeks later.

Others said they received periodic emails confirming their place in the fulfillment queue but were unable to obtain firm delivery dates.

Bear Trail Bikes Responds

Bear Trail Bikes has acknowledged fulfillment challenges and currently states on its website that new free e-bike orders have been paused while existing orders are fulfilled.

The company has cited demand levels that exceeded expectations and has stated that it is continuing to work through outstanding orders.

While some customers remain frustrated by the delays, others have reported eventually receiving their bikes after extended waiting periods.

As a result, customer experiences appear to vary considerably.

Is Colorado’s E-Bike Tax Credit Program the Problem?

Based on currently available information, there is no indication that Colorado’s statewide e-bike tax credit program itself is responsible for the delivery delays.

Thousands of Colorado residents have successfully used the tax credit through participating retailers since the program launched.

The complaints highlighted by 9NEWS focus primarily on one retailer’s ability to fulfill orders and communicate realistic delivery timelines to customers.

That distinction is important because some readers may incorrectly assume the state’s incentive program is being questioned.

Colorado’s e-bike tax credit continues to operate statewide through participating retailers.

Additional Context About Reimbursements

Adding another layer to the discussion, some Colorado retailers have publicly stated that they have experienced delays in receiving tax credit reimbursements from the state.

One retailer interviewed by CBS Colorado reported waiting on more than $300,000 in outstanding reimbursements.

While there is no public evidence directly connecting those reimbursement concerns to the specific delays discussed in the 9NEWS report, it does illustrate some of the operational challenges businesses may face when participating in large-scale incentive programs.

Why So Many Riders Were Interested

The promotion generated attention because it lowered the financial barrier to e-bike ownership.

Many electric bikes cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. When customers saw promotions reducing that cost to little more than taxes and fees, interest surged.

For riders who had been considering an e-bike but were hesitant because of the price, the promotion appeared to offer a rare opportunity.

This also demonstrates how powerful incentive programs can be when combined with retailer discounts.

What To Do If Your E-Bike Order Is Delayed

If you are waiting on an e-bike order that has exceeded the promised delivery timeframe, consider taking the following steps:

1. Contact the retailer and request an updated timeline in writing.
2. Save all receipts, order confirmations, and email communications.
3. Review the company’s refund and cancellation policies.
4. Document any delivery estimates that were provided during the purchase process.
5. Contact your credit card company if merchandise is not delivered and refund requests are denied.
6. Reach out to your state’s consumer protection office if you believe a company has misrepresented a product or service.

Having thorough documentation can be extremely helpful if a dispute becomes necessary.

Red Flags To Watch For Before Ordering Any E-Bike

Long delivery times do not automatically indicate fraud or misconduct. Supply chain disruptions and inventory shortages can happen throughout the bicycle industry.

However, I generally recommend paying attention to these warning signs before placing an order:

• Delivery estimates that repeatedly change.
• Difficulty reaching customer support.
• Vague responses regarding inventory availability.
• No clearly published refund policy.
• Significant order backlogs with limited communication.

These warning signs apply to any online retailer, not just businesses participating in rebate or tax credit programs.

Related:

• How to Avoid E-Bike Scams
• Electric Bike Buying Guide
• Best Affordable Electric Bikes

@stevestaeger

INVESTIGATION: I’ve gotten dozens of tips from people who paid a small fee to get a free e-bike – and never got it. The company making the offer, Bear Trail Bikes, did it with a state tax credit. Up until last year Colorado was offering bike retailers a $500 tax credit if they reduced the price of an e-bike by $450 for Colorado residents. We asked the state how many credits this company got and got strange answers. Now the company is telling us customers to contact the state and tell them to release tax credits. (Credit to @CO Consumer Investigations who put in a ton of legwork on this investigation) #colorado #denver #ebike #bike #tax

♬ original sound – Steve Staeger | Consumer News

My Take

I think this story highlights an important difference between a great incentive program and a great buying experience.

From everything currently available, there is no indication that Colorado’s statewide e-bike tax credit program itself is the problem. Thousands of riders have successfully used the program to purchase electric bikes across the state.

The concerns raised in this case appear to center around fulfillment timelines, communication, and customer expectations.

As someone who follows the e-bike industry closely, I’ve seen situations where a promotion becomes more successful than anyone anticipated. Demand can quickly exceed inventory, shipping capacity, or customer service resources.

That does not automatically mean a company is acting dishonestly.

However, when customers are waiting months beyond expected delivery dates, communication becomes critical. Riders deserve honest updates, realistic timelines, and clear explanations about what is happening with their orders.

I think the biggest lesson for consumers is to do a little research before placing an order, especially when a deal sounds almost too good to be true. Check customer reviews, understand refund policies, verify inventory status, and make sure you know exactly what timeline is being promised.

Programs that help people afford electric bikes are a positive thing for the industry. Hopefully this situation serves as a reminder that transparency and customer communication are just as important as offering a great deal.

For more news on electric bikes click here

External Sources

Colorado Department of Revenue E-Bike Tax Credit:
https://tax.colorado.gov/electric-bicycle-tax-credit

Bear Trail Bikes:
https://www.beartrailbikes.com

CBS Colorado:
https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/colorado-business-claims-state-owes-outstanding-e-bike-tax-credit/