Complete the online application during the application period.

All eligible City of Cleveland residents are welcome to apply. Applicants will be entered into a random drawing to receive a rebate.

If selected, you will be asked to provide information to verify your eligibility.

Rebate amounts range from $500 to $1,500:

• $500 Standard Rate Rebate: Available to eligible Cleveland residents who do not qualify for the Income-Qualified Rebate.
• Up to $1,500 Income-Qualified Rebate: Available to eligible Cleveland residents who meet income requirements or participate in a qualifying assistance program.

Once approved, you will receive instructions on how to use your rebate.

You will have 60 days to purchase a qualifying e-bike from a participating bike shop in Cuyahoga County.

Your rebate can be used toward:

• A new Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike
• A UL-certified battery
• Eligible safety equipment, such as a helmet or lock, if rebate funds remain after the bike purchase

An e-bike is a bicycle with a small electric motor that helps you pedal. You can still pedal like a regular bike, but the motor makes riding easier. It can help you:

• Ride farther
• Climb hills more easily
• Carry groceries or other items
• Spend less money on gas and car trips

Eligible applicants will be entered into a random drawing. Not everyone who applies will receive a rebate.

Those not selected will be placed on a waitlist.

All income levels are welcome to apply. Your income does not determine whether you can participate in the program. Income information is only used to determine which rebate amount you may qualify for. 

Rebate amounts range from $500 to $1,500:

• $500 Standard Rate Rebate: Available to eligible Cleveland residents who do not qualify for the Income-Qualified Rebate.
• Up to $1,500 Income-Qualified Rebate: Available to eligible Cleveland residents who meet income requirements or participate in a qualifying public benefits program.

If selected, you will be asked to provide documentation to verify your eligibility for the rebate amount you receive.

If you are selected, you will need to provide:

• Proof that you live in the City of Cleveland.
• A valid photo ID.
• Proof of income or participation in a qualifying benefits program if you are applying for the low-income rebate.

A qualifying assistance program is a government assistance program often based on low-income eligibility that helps individuals and families with expenses such as food, housing, energy costs, education, or other basic needs.

If you participate in one of these programs, you may qualify for the $1,500 Low-Income Rebate. Examples include:

• SNAP (EBT)
• WIC
• LIHEAP (Fuel Assistance)
• Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
• Pell Grant
• SSI/SSDI
• Summer EBT
• TANF

If you participate in another similar assistance program, you may still qualify. Documentation will be required.

The rebate can only be used to buy a new Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike with a UL-certified battery from a participating bike shop.

Choosing the right e-bike depends on how you plan to use it. Think about where you will ride, how far you will travel, and what features are important to you.

Participating bike shops are here to help. Their staff can answer questions, recommend an e-bike that fits your needs, and help you find a bike that works best for your lifestyle and budget.

No, rebates must be used at a participating bike shop in Cuyahoga County.

• Cain Park Bicycle | 1904 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
• Joy Machines Bike Shop | 2605 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
• Sixth City Cycle | 4274 Pearl Rd., Cleveland, OH 44109
• Spin Bike Shop | 14515 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107

You must redeem your rebate within 60 days of receiving it.

Yes. If your e-bike costs less than your rebate amount, you may use the remaining funds to purchase an eligible bicycle helmet and/or bicycle lock.

Your rebate must be used within 60 days of receiving it. If you do not use your rebate within 60 days, it will expire and may be offered to another eligible applicant on the waitlist.

Yes. Under Ohio law, e-bike riders must follow the same traffic laws as bicyclists, including:

• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Ride as close to the right side of the road as is safe and practical.
• Ride no more than two abreast on the roadway.
• Use a white front light and a red rear light or reflector when riding at night.
• Yield to pedestrians when required.

Riding an e-bike on a sidewalk with the motor running (motor engaged) is prohibited by the State. The motor must be off for use on sidewalks.

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are generally allowed on bike paths and shared-use paths unless posted restrictions have been posted. Always ride safely and watch for people walking, driving, and biking.

Reference: Ohio Revised Code §§ 4511.52, 4511.55, and 4511.522.

Learn more about bikes and the law

E-bikes can be ridden on public roads in Ohio, however, they are NOT allowed on freeways. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bike riders must follow the same traffic laws as bicyclists.

Freeways are roads with limited access, such as interstate highways.

Reference: Ohio Revised Code §§ 4511.051, 4511.52, and 4511.55.

Bike Cleveland offers bicycle safety education, riding tips, and other resources to help you ride safely and confidently. The Cleveland E-Bike Guide is designed to help you confidently explore the world of electric bikes and discover how they can make getting around Cleveland easier, more fun, and more accessible. Inside, you’ll learn about the different types of e-bikes, how to choose the right one, riding laws and safety tips, battery care, maintenance, and how e-bikes can replace more car trips in your daily life. 

Whether you’re brand new to biking or looking to ride farther and more often, this guide will help you get rolling safely and comfortably.

Learn about more bike education