How Denver Became America's Biggest E-Bike Booster - Bloomberg

An e-bike rider travels along the bike lane on the Cherry Creek Trail in downtown Denver in 2022.

Photographer: RJ Sangosti/Denver Post via Getty Images

Since 2022, the Colorado city has handed out close to 15,000 vouchers in a bid to cut traffic, clean the air and spark an electric cycling boom.

Two and a half years ago, the city of Denver launched what might be the most explosively popular transportation policy of the post-pandemic era.

In April 2022, the city invited residents to request a rebate if they bought an electric bike at a local shop. Any adult could apply for a voucher worth $400 off an e-bike or $900 off an e-cargo bike; those with low-incomes could get $800 more.