When Brian Colley thinks about his new electric bike, one word comes to mind: independence. Whether he’s biking to work or taking a trip to sketch around Glenwood Springs during his free time, he can get where he wants without the hassle of a car.
“I feel fancy when I’m riding,” admits Colley. “It’s eye-catching. I feel very fortunate to have it. I’m thankful.”
Colley is thankful because his e-bike came to him courtesy of E-BikeThere Garfield County. Funded by the State’s Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant Program with matching support from Garfield Clean Energy, E-BikeThere provided heavily discounted e-bikes to 50 income-qualified residents from across the county, representing a diversity of hometowns, ages, and genders. Participants also received $150 in equipment and workshops or 1:1 coaching sessions on safety, bike repair, and security.
The program’s goal is simple: replace car and truck trips with a healthier, more efficient option. E-bikes make it possible to travel longer distances with less effort than a traditional bike, while avoiding the stress and cost of driving. Plus, they help older riders or those with mobility challenges continue to travel on two wheels.
“The speed I once had is restored with the zip of this electric bike,” said one participant in an anonymous survey. “It feels like being a kid again.”
After calling for applications, submissions were scored by E-BikeThere Garfield County using a rubric that awarded points based on participants’ home and work locations. Higher scores were given to those living and working in the same community, and applicants’ commitment to using an e-bike as their primary means of transportation. However, given that many Garfield County residents work long distances from home, applicants who committed to using e-bikes for other purposes were also considered.
E-bikes present an attractive alternative to a car, especially as traffic in Garfield County is on the rise. They take short car trips off local roads, reducing congestion and local emissions. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that nearly 75% of all household motor vehicle trips were 10 miles or less. For some folks, these trips are doable by bike, especially with the extra boost of an electric bike.
“I use it for almost every trip to a restaurant, bar, event, or groceries. It has been a tremendous and delightful resource,” said one participant.
One year after receiving the bike, 30% of the new e-bike owners in the program reported that all of their car trips were replaced by their e-bike, and 70% reported that most of their trips were completed on their e-bike.
“I really never liked bike riding, honestly, until I got this bike,” admits Wesolowski. “I use it to go to the grocery store and [ride] to golf every week. I even ride up a lot in Grand Junction too. It’s a blast.”
For riders, it’s more than just the bike itself that makes trips convenient. The ability for frames to carry or pull gear and groceries is a game changer. Using the $200 maintenance or accessory voucher provided by the program helped participants buy trailers or attachable bags for work tools or attach trailers for kids or pets. The accessories made it easier to rely on their e-bike for errands, commuting, and other daily tasks.
“Having the panniers and rack is great,” says Seth Bontrager. “Carrying so much lets me make trips by bike that I otherwise wouldn’t.”
Buzzing around town on e-bikes is more than just a way to get from one place to another. It’s freedom, independence, and a chance to choose a healthier, simpler way of life.
Current e-bike rebates
Coloradans can get $450 off a qualifying e-bike at participating local retailers. On Jan. 1, 2026, the discount drops to $225. Participating shops in and near Garfield County include Basalt Bike and Ski, Aloha Mountain Cyclery, Sunlight Ski & Bike Shop, REI Glenwood Springs, Bear Trail Bikes, and Ute City Cycles. Call ahead to confirm your local shop is offering the rebate. Some utilities and municipalities also offer e-bike rebates.
Colorado is also currently running a grant program for up to $25,000 for projects that replace commercial or fleet vehicles with electric cargo bikes. Eligible programs include commercial delivery, public shared e-cargo bikes, gig economy delivery, and e-cargo bike fleets.