Portland Will Pay You to Ride an E-Bike—Here’s the Scoop
Last Updated on April 21, 2025 by Kristina
Thinking about swapping your car for an electric bike? If you live in Portland, Maine, the city might actually help you pay for it.
Through the Electrify Bikes! rebate program, qualifying residents can get up to $2,500 toward a new e-bike and gear. It’s part of a push to make getting around town cheaper, safer, and a whole lot more sustainable.
From Sweat-Soaked Commutes to Smooth Rides
Take Cashel Stewart, for example. For years, he biked six miles each way from Deering Center to his job in South Portland on a regular pedal bike. It got the job done, but let’s just say it wasn’t always pleasant.
“I’d show up a bit disheveled or sweaty,” he said. “It was a bit of a ride.”
That changed in 2023 when he and his wife, Hali, heard about the city’s new rebate program. They signed up at City Hall—along with a hallway full of others—and walked away with a voucher covering 60% of the cost of a new electric bike.
Cashel picked out a $2,000 Aventon e-bike, paid around $1,000 out of pocket, and hasn’t looked back since. He’s logged over 3,000 miles in two years.
“It’s not just the savings,” he said. “You see people. You run into your neighbors. It adds to your quality of life.”
So, How Does the Program Work?
Here’s the breakdown:
- The city covers 60% of the cost of an e-bike, plus accessories like a helmet and lock—up to $2,500
- Bikes must be bought from approved local shops like CycleMania (Portland), REI (Westbrook), and L.L.Bean (Freeport)
- You have to live in Portland and meet the income limits:
- $68,500/year for a one-person household
- $97,800/year for a household of four
- If you’re selected, you get a voucher and 30 days to buy your bike. The shop invoices the city for the rest.
The program is funded through a $200,000 chunk of federal recovery funds. In its first year, it helped 75 residents get rolling. Now, with enough left in the pot for about 35 more e-bikes, the city is randomly selecting new recipients from a growing waitlist of over 200 people.
Bigger Than Bikes
Portland’s push for e-bikes ties into a bigger conversation around safe, accessible transportation. In response to a rise in pedestrian deaths, the City Council just adopted a Vision Zero plan aimed at eliminating serious injuries and fatalities on the road.
E-bikes are part of that puzzle. According to Troy Moon, the city’s sustainability director, they reduce traffic, encourage more active travel, and make short trips easier—without a car.
At the same time, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine is running programs to spread the word. They bring demo e-bikes around town, lend them through libraries, and even provide bikes to folks in recovery. The goal? Get more people to see e-bikes as a real option for everyday life.
Portland’s Pedal Power Movement
If you’ve noticed more people zipping around town on two wheels lately, you’re not imagining things. Portland’s bike share program—launched with Tandem Mobility—has seen thousands of rides since it kicked off in 2022. And while the numbers dipped slightly in 2024, the city says the program continues to grow a strong cycling culture.
Infrastructure and access are the keys. Programs like Electrify Bikes! aren’t just making bikes more affordable—they’re helping shape a city where hopping on a bike feels normal.
Ready to Ride?
If you’re a Portland resident and think you might qualify, now’s the time to jump in. The city will be selecting the next round of recipients soon. Check the city’s website for details—and get your name on the list.
For more news on electric bikes click here
RELATED CONTENT
Kristina is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.
Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.
When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.
