Colorado has an ebike rebate program for low income residents: https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/ebike-rebates https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ard95W9boXn4VySxmGwWTYviPlCHdQBd/view
With the aim to increase access to e-bikes, Colorado passed SB22-193 in 2022, which established the “Community Access to Electric Bicycles” program to provide funding for an e-bike rebate program. The e-bike rebate program offered point-of-sale rebates to low- and moderate- income Colorado residents at bike shops around the State. The rebate program launched in August 2023 and over 34,000 people applied, with about 8,000 people redeeming a rebate and purchasing an e-bike.
Basically you apply sometime in a one week application window, and if you qualify and win a random drawing, you get $1k towards purchasing a new ebike through a participating store.
I applied, and won the rebate myself, and bought a low end (for what was available) ebike, I only spent $200 for this very nice one, it's great. Really grateful to the Colorado voters/taxpayers who thought I should have an ebike and bought me an ebike. Now I can drive my car even less, and I hate driving!
If any Lemmy users reading this are low income and live in Colorado, this is the next application window: Monday, October 19, 2026 - Monday, October 26, 2026 so think about putting it on your calendar, it's not a guarantee you get it but a pretty high chance so definitely worth the time to apply if you want one.
Sorry though, I wasn't ranting at you specifically. I really do think this is an awesome thing for people to get a chance for supplemental transport.
I am just a bit salty from some recent interactions with idiots.
There have been multiple issues with bikers speeding up from behind me recently. That, and I was at a local highschool track the other day after hours just trying to get in one of my runs and was harassed by some other kids on dirt bikes that were also speeding on the paths. (Bonus! I could at least hear those.)