Portland’s E-Bike Voucher Program for 2026 and Beyond

We really can count ourselves lucky to be in Portland. Not every city in the country is thinking this far ahead when it comes to transportation, but ours is putting real effort into getting people out of cars and onto bikes. One of the biggest pushes is the new E-Bike Voucher Program, aimed at helping riders who could benefit most from switching to an e-bike.

It’s a nation-leading idea, and while the full rollout is still a little ways off, the details we have now paint a clear picture of what to expect. Here’s the latest as of this writing.

Who Qualifies — And How Much Support Is Available?

The voucher program is designed for riders in the low- to moderate-income bracket, defined as households making 60% or less of Portland’s Area Median Income (AMI).

Qualified applicants will be eligible for:

• Up to $1,900 total

  
  

  • $1,600 toward a new Class 1 e-bike

  • $300 toward accessories (helmet, lock, fenders, lights, racks, etc.)

  
  

To keep things fair, vouchers will be distributed through a lottery system. Over the program’s planned three-year span, Portland anticipates offering up to 6,000 vouchers.

There are a few limitations to be aware of, including how the city defines an e-bike, which shops can accept the voucher, and what models meet the program’s safety standards.

What Counts as a Qualifying E-Bike?

The parameters are clearly defined:

• Class 1 pedal-assist only, with a max assist speed of 20 mph

• Two or three wheels

• Motor rated at 750 watts or less

• 20-inch wheels or larger

• Must meet UL 2849 or EN 15194 electrical safety standards

• New and fully assembled

What does not qualify:

• Direct-to-consumer brands (Rad Power, Lectric, Jetson, etc.)

• Big-box bikes (Huffy, Schwinn, etc.)

• Anything shipped in a box requiring home assembly

• “E-bikes” without pedals — including Sur-Ron, Talaria, and Rawrr style electric motorcycles

Outside of these restrictions, the program is pretty flexible. Commuters, cargo bikes, mountain e-bikes, hybrids, tandems, and adaptive trikes are all eligible categories.

Which Bike Brands Qualify?

The city maintains a dynamic Approved Brand and Model List that updates as shop inventories change. Nearly every reputable shop-quality brand now offers multiple Class 1 e-bikes that may appear on the list.

A few qualifying examples available here at NW Pro Gear include:

• Bianchi T-Tronik

• Fuji E-Traverse (currently $1000 off)

• Gazelle Arroyo C5

• Gazelle Medeo T9

• Priority Current (belt drive, smooth, low maintenance)

• Kona Coco HD

• And more, depending on stock

Check back regularly — availability and model eligibility will shift throughout the year.

What Doesn’t Count as an E-Bike in This Program?

It’s important to separate electric bicycles from light electric motorcycles.

Bikes without pedals — such as Sur-Ron, Talaria, and Rawrr — are not considered bicycles under state law and do not meet voucher requirements, even if you occasionally see them on bike paths where they shouldn’t be.

How to Apply

Here’s the main portal:

https://portlandebikerebate.com/

Applications are currently closed, but you can sign up for updates. That’s the whole process for now — short and sweet.

Who Can Accept Your Voucher?

You’ll need to purchase your e-bike from a qualifying local bike shop, meaning a shop that sells complete bicycles and offers full service and repairs.

That excludes:

• Big box stores

• Online-only brands

• Direct-to-consumer shipments

  
  

The city’s goal is to ensure riders receive a properly assembled, safe, and serviceable bike — and real support from trained mechanics when they need it.

When Does the Program Begin?

Full voucher distribution is expected to begin in March 2026.

Keep an eye on the signup page for real-time updates as the date approaches.

Where to Learn More

The city has been hosting community sessions about the program, including an upcoming Adaptive Cycling Roundtable on December 5th at the Albina Public Library at 1:30pm.

Earlier sessions covered the full structure of the voucher program, and if recordings surface, we’ll share them here.

For now, your best resource is the official voucher site, which updates with new information as it becomes available.

In Summary

• Check your eligibility

• Sign up for voucher updates

• Explore qualifying Class 1 e-bike options

• Plan ahead for the program’s full launch in March 2026

Portland’s voucher program has the potential to make a meaningful shift in how people move through our city, and we’re excited to help riders find safe, reliable e-bikes that fit their needs.

From the whole family here at NW Pro Gear, thank you for more than eleven years of support. We look forward to helping you find the right e-bike — and as always, test rides are welcome.

Chainrings and cheers.