E-bikes: zero-emissions vehicles that you get to ride

E-bikes are catching on fast, and are particularly well-suited to our active lifestyle on western Colorado. They combine the environmental advantages of electric vehicles with the low cost and health benefits of biking – and there are financial incentives too.

An e-bike is a bicycle with a battery-powered "assist." When you pedal, a small motor engages and gives you a boost. That's a big help on hills, and it makes it easier and faster to commute or travel longer distances than on a regular bike. Many e-bike owners find that they ride more, and drive less.

As with an electric vehicle, an e-bike has an onboard battery that you charge when not in use. The charger plugs into a regular electrical outlet, and a full charge will give you 35-50+ miles of assist (depending on a lot of variables). Assuming typical electricity rates, the cost of a charge is literally just a few pennies.

Financial incentives

A decent commuter e-bike will cost upwards of $2,000 new, but a number of incentives are available that can bring the price down considerably.

Most notably, the Colorado Energy Office offers a $450 point-of-sale (i.e., instant) rebate off the purchase of an e-bike from a participating retailer – full details can be found here. As of January 2025, there are three participating retailers in Garfield County: Basalt Bike & Ski (in Carbondale), Sunlight Ski & Bike Shop (Glenwood Springs) and Bear Trail Bikes (Rifle). You can check this list to see if others have signed on.

Also, if you happen to be a Holy Cross Energy customer, you can get a $50 rebate on an e-bike; apply via the HCE website.