Applications to open for $7M in e-bike vouchers
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A $7 million subsidy program aiming to drive electric bicycles beyond recreation and into everyday transportation for three of the state's largest metros will launch in July.
The big picture: The goal is to give residents more transportation choices in a region with long distances between cities, challenging topography, and a growing active-transportation network, Tim Conklin, executive director of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission (NWARPC), tells Axios.
- The NWARPC is the lead agency to distribute the vouchers.
Context: The program is funded through a nearly $100 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Pollution Reduction Grant awarded to a tri-region Arkansas coalition.
- Northwest Arkansas is expected to receive $36.25 million for green network projects, including active transportation.
State of play: The Arkansas Tri-Region E-Bike Incentive Program will distribute at least 5,844 vouchers across the Northwest Arkansas, Fort Smith and Little Rock-Conway metro areas.
- Adults 18 and older living in the metros can register for a chance at a $700 general resident voucher.
- Residents with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level can apply for a $1,200 income-qualified voucher.
Registration opens July 6, with the first computerized random selection set for July 21.
The caveat: Vouchers are to be used at participating retailers for a new, fully assembled Class 1, 2 or 3 e-bike with two or three wheels and operable pedals.
- E-motos, which look like motorcycles and usually go faster than e-bikes, are not eligible, Conklin says.
What they're saying: E-bikes let riders go farther with assistance and can "level the playing field" for people navigating NWA's topography and for people with some physical limitations, Conklin says.
Stunning stat: E-bikes are well suited for short trips, and more than half of daily U.S. trips in 2021 were under 3 miles.
Bottom line: Arkansas' outdoor recreation economy already contributes $4.96 billion directly to state GDP.
- The e-bike program tests whether trail investments can also ease commuting, lower transportation costs, and expand who benefits from outdoor infrastructure.