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eBike Program Info
Transportation costs are rising for many households. Gas prices are increasingly unpredictable, vehicle insurance and maintenance costs continue to increase, and purchasing a car has become out of reach for many residents. Limited transportation and mobility choices also limit access to jobs, services, food, recreation, and community connection. While no single solution works for everyone, e-bikes can help fill an important gap.
About the E-Bike Program
The E-Bike Program helps make electric bikes more affordable through interest-free payment plan options available at a local bike shop. Instead of paying the full cost upfront, participants can choose an e-bike model that fits their lifestyle and budget and pay over time with zero interest.
This pilot is supported by a $50,000 philanthropic grant.
The program is designed to help more people experience the benefits of e-bikes for everyday transportation. By reducing upfront costs, the pilot supports residents using e-bikes for commuting, errands, childcare, recreation, and other daily trips.
How to Participate
This program is offered in partnership with The Garage OTR, so if you're interested, you can visit the shop to test ride available e-bike models and learn more about the payment plan options.
Currently, only Cincinnati residents ages 18 years and older are eligible.
If you are new to biking in Cincinnati, check out Tri-state trails: Grab a Low-Stress Bike Map near you! | Tri-State Trails
Why E-Bikes?
Electric bikes combine the flexibility of a bicycle with the added support of a small electric motor. Riders still pedal, but the extra boost makes trips easier and more accessible for more people. Other benefits of e-bikes include:
Avoid gas and parking expenses
Make hills and longer trips easier
Replace short car trips or serve as a primary mode of transportation for car-free households
Enjoy a fun and flexible way to travel
No driver’s license is required and insurance is optional
Reduce environmental impact and improve local air quality by not driving
What About Costs?
E-bikes are significantly less expensive to operate than cars. Depending on usage, the average cost to charge an e-bike battery is around $2 per month.
Like any bicycle, e-bikes do require occasional maintenance, but maintenance costs are typically far lower and less frequent than routine car expenses like oil changes, gas, insurance, or major repairs.
Once an e-bike is paid off, ongoing monthly transportation costs can be very low. Actual savings depend on how often the bike replaces car trips and which e-bike model is selected.
Try this E-Bike Savings Calculator - Compare Car vs E-Bike Costs Instantly
Program Goals
This pilot is exploring how e-bikes can expand affordable transportation options for Cincinnati residents, improve access to jobs, services, and community destinations, and support healthier and more sustainable mobility options. E-bikes alone will not address all transportation challenges for all people, but they can be one of many options. The participation, feedback, and data gained from this program will inform additional future mobility programs and investments.
The Cincinnati Innovation Team
The Cincinnati Innovation Team was created in partnership between the City of Cincinnati and the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. They focus on advancing innovative, equity-centered solutions that support the City’s long-term goals, including those outlined in the Financial Freedom Blueprint and the Green Cincinnati Plan. Their core work is focused on exploring inclusive transportation and mobility solutions, particularly for those households and neighborhoods most affected by mobility constraints and inequalities. This e-bike program is the first of many pilot initiatives to come that will seek to improve mobility options and be co-designed with residents like you.
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