EWEB to pause e-bike rebate program due to funding issues arising from unexpected demand
The Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) will pause its electric bicycle (e-bike) rebate program on June 19 following a significant increase in program participation during the first half of 2026.
The recent increase in e-bike rebate participation could require a significantly larger share of EWEB's transportation electrification funding than originally budgeted.
Through the first five months of 2026, EWEB has already issued nearly as many rebates as are typically awarded in an entire year. In May alone, the program processed 572 rebates, which is close to five times the number of rebates typically seen during that month. And the peak season for e-bike rebates is still ahead.
Historically, EWEB has spent over $300,000 per year in e-bike rebates. But with the current trend of participation, that figure could easily jump to over twice that amount. Such a spending level would represent over 75% of EWEB's 2026 transportation electrification budget and affect our ability to deliver on other transportation electrification commitments.
In addition to e-bikes, EWEB's transportation electrification portfolio also supports electric mobility grants for community agencies and nonprofits, rebates for residential and commercial electric vehicle charging equipment, EV car sharing, and other electric mobility initiatives. Pausing new applications to the e-bike program will allow EWEB to evaluate funding availability across the full portfolio and make responsible decisions about next steps.
Applications submitted before the June 19 deadline will be reviewed and processed according to program requirements. A pre-order, reservation, deposit or waitlist placement do not constitute an e-bike purchase, per the terms of the rebate program. EWEB requires a completed purchase, including proof of delivery, for customers to receive the rebate.
"E-bikes are some of the most economical, carbon-efficient ways to get around," said Juan Serpa Muñoz, who oversees EWEB’s electric mobility programs. “The strong response to this program demonstrates the community’s interest in electric mobility. By pausing now, we can assess program performance, evaluate available funding, and ensure transportation electrification resources continue to support a range of customer and community needs.”
All of EWEB’s electric mobility programs, including the e-bike rebate are funded through the Oregon Clean Fuels Program, which is administered by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
During the pause, EWEB staff will assess program performance, review funding availability across transportation electrification programs, and evaluate potential program modifications and evaluate the role of e-bikes in meeting utility and community goals for transportation electrification. No decisions have been made regarding whether or when the program may reopen.
E-bikes have played an important tool for reducing transportation-related emissions, expanding mobility options and supporting active transportation. By pausing the program before all available funds are committed, EWEB can make thoughtful decisions about how to invest transportation electrification resources to maximize community benefit.
“E-bikes are one part of EWEB’s broader commitment to transportation electrification — a key strategy to help our community meet its climate goals,” said Serpa Muñoz. “Pausing now allows us to make thoughtful decisions about how to best invest these resources going forward.”
Customers interested in learning more about the program, including current eligibility requirements and application information, can visit EWEB's e-bike rebate webpage at eweb.org/e-bike.
