Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant Program

The Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant Program is administered by the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) as part of its broader initiative to improve air quality and promote equity in transportation access. This program builds upon earlier efforts, including the Can Do Colorado e-bike pilot program, and is authorized through the passage of Senate Bill 22-193. The bill supports both rebate and grant-based programming aimed at increasing electric bicycle access for income-qualified individuals throughout Colorado. By funding ownership and bike-share programs, CEO aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve mobility, and promote a just transition to renewable transportation. This grant program provides funding to local governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations that seek to deploy e-bike programs for individuals earning less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). Projects must either distribute e-bikes for individual ownership or establish shared fleets accessible to multiple users. The program prioritizes projects located in disproportionately impacted communities or EPA-designated nonattainment areas. All projects must be fully operational by summer 2024 and demonstrate sustainability beyond the grant term. Eligible expenditures include e-bikes, accessories, charging stations, insurance, limited emergency vouchers, training costs, and up to one bike tune-up per participant. Administrative expenses are allowed but capped at 25% of the budget. The total program funding for fiscal year 2024 is approximately $890,000. CEO anticipates awarding between six and ten grants ranging from $75,000 to $160,000 each. A 10% matching contribution is required, which can be met through cash, grants, or documented staff time. Applicants must present a detailed budget and narrative, procurement schedule, and a work plan that includes development, deployment, and support phases. Grantees must report progress monthly until deployment is complete and then quarterly for one year post-deployment. Data collection on usage and emissions impact is mandatory and may be supported by the OpenPATH platform provided by NREL. The application process is two-phased. First, applicants were required to submit a concept paper by November 14, 2023. Selected applicants were then invited to submit a full proposal by December 22, 2023. Those invited were eligible for up to 10 hours of technical assistance including reviews and meetings. Applications were evaluated from December 26, 2023, to January 10, 2024. Winners were announced January 12, 2024, and grant agreements issued by March 1, 2024. Implementation began in March 2024, with e-bike deployment expected to start by May 2024. Key contacts for the program include Sarah Thorne, who serves as the point of communication for submissions and inquiries. Questions were accepted until November 1, 2023, and responses were published on November 3, 2023. The program is subject to the Colorado Open Records Act and other state administrative requirements. Prior awardees include municipalities and nonprofits such as the City of Grand Junction, Routt County Riders, and Community Cycles. All reporting, payments, and documentation must adhere to CEO guidelines and will be reimbursed upon satisfactory delivery and reporting.

Full proposal applicants can receive up to 10 hours of technical support, including three meetings and one review. Feedback is verbal only.