QuickTake:

A surge in participation is outpacing available funding for the program, which provides up to $300 to customers who have purchased an e-bike. Utility staff will evaluate potential program changes and say that no decisions have been made about whether or when the program could reopen.

The Eugene Water & Electric Board paid out five times as many e-bike rebates last month at it typically does during May.

And the peak season is still ahead for e-bike rebates, which helps community members pay for electric-assist bikes.

After giving 572 rebates last month, EWEB said in a news release that it’s halting the program June 19 because demand is outpacing funding sooner than expected. The program has provided up to $300 to EWEB account holders who have purchased an e-bike.

“The strong response to this program demonstrates the community’s interest in electric mobility,” said Juan Serpa Muñoz, who oversees EWEB’s electric mobility programs, in the news release. “By pausing now, we can assess program performance, evaluate available funding and ensure transportation electrification resources continue to support a range of customer and community needs.”

Applications submitted before June 19 will be reviewed and processed according to program requirements. EWEB requires a completed purchase, including proof of delivery, for customers to receive the rebate. A preorder, reservation or deposit does not count.

To receive the rebate, EWEB requires the device to be an electric-assisted bicycle or tricycle in one of three e-bike classes defined in Oregon law and have pedals.

EWEB staff say the utility has historically spent over $300,000 per year in e-bike rebates. Current participation could more than double that amount, affecting the utility’s ability to fund other electric mobility programs. Those include electric mobility grants for community agencies and nonprofits — last year, EWEB gave $30,000 to University of Oregon to install an electric bus charging station — and electric vehicle charging equipment rebates, among others.

EWEB staff say that pausing the e-bike rebates will allow the utility to evaluate funding availability across the programs, which are funded by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

During the pause, staff will consider potential program changes, as well as “the role of e-bikes in meeting utility and community goals for transportation electrification.”

Utility staff say no decisions have been made regarding whether or when the program may reopen.