Austin Energy customers can receive up to $600 back on the purchase of a new electric bike, scooter, moped or motorcycle through the utility's E-Ride rebate program.
Income-qualified customers enrolled in the utility's Customer Assistance Program can receive up to $1,300, and organizations purchasing fleets of five to 25 vehicles can receive up to $800 per vehicle.
The breakdown
Funding is limited and first-come, first-served, and rebates are not guaranteed until Austin Energy approves the application. Customers should confirm rebate availability before purchasing, the utility said.
Austin Energy has provided E-Ride rebates since 2007 and doubled the amount in 2023. The program supports the city's broader mobility goals under the 2023 Austin Bicycle Plan, which City Council adopted in November 2023 alongside the Urban Trails Plan to expand infrastructure for bicycles and similar mobility tools, according to the Transportation and Public Works Department.
How it works
Per Austin Energy's program guidelines, applicants must be Austin Energy electric customers, and the vehicle must be new and purchased from an Austin Energy-approved dealership. A dealer list is available at www.austinenergy.com.
Applications must be submitted online within 60 days of purchase with the invoice and spec sheet, and customers are limited to three E-Ride rebates per fiscal year, which runs Oct. 1-Sept. 30, although fleet purchases are exempt from this rule.
Approved applicants will receive their rebate check within six to eight weeks of approval, per Austin Energy.
Something to know
The rebate program now operates alongside heightened attention on the lithium-ion batteries that power e-bikes.
A May 23 fire at the Capital Metro Bikeshare maintenance facility damaged bike batteries and charging infrastructure, according to a statement on the agency's website. CapMetro pulled all bikes from docking stations and suspended Bikeshare service until further notice, saying it is conducting a thorough investigation before restoring service.
Community Impact has submitted a request for more information on the origin of this fire and will update this story.
The National Fire Protection Association, which dedicated its 2025 Fire Prevention Week to lithium-ion battery safety, said the batteries can overheat, catch fire or explode if damaged or used improperly. The NFPA recommends buying devices from reputable manufacturers, using the charger that came with the device and never charging batteries on beds or near flammable items.
The U.S. Fire Administration advises choosing certified products; storing batteries at room temperature; and discontinuing use if a battery shows an odor, color change, excessive heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises.
Learn more
Residents can apply online at Austin Energy's E-Ride rebate page and can check application status there using their confirmation and utility account numbers.
More information on electric transportation is available through Plug-In Austin and the utility's Electric Vehicle portal.
