The Eugene Water & Electric Board has paused its e-bike rebate program effective June 19 after a sharp increase in participation. In May alone, the utility processed 572 rebates, about five times the usual monthly volume. The program offers $300 per e-bike and is funded through Oregon's Clean Fuels Program. EWEB budgeted $300,000 for rebates this year but expects to spend over $600,000 at the current rate. The pause is meant to prevent the program from draining funds earmarked for other electrification initiatives, including community grants for EV chargers, an EV car sharing service, and home rebates for EV charging. EWEB will use the break to reevaluate the program structure. The utility noted that e-bikes are among the most economical and carbon-efficient transportation options, though it is unclear whether higher gas prices are driving the surge.
