Washington State E-Bike Rebate & Incentive Guide 2026: WE-Bike Program Round 2

Washington state's WE-Bike e-bike rebate program is gearing up for a bigger, better second round in 2026 with significantly more funding. After lessons learned from the inaugural 2025 launch, the state legislature has committed $7 million to Round 2, making this one of the most anticipated e-bike incentive programs in the Pacific Northwest.

WE-Bike Program Overview

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) WE-Bike program offers instant rebates to help residents purchase electric bikes. The program is designed to promote active transportation and make e-bikes accessible to all Washington residents.

Rebate Amounts

• Standard Rebate: $300 for general applicants
• Income-Qualified Rebate: $1,200 for eligible lower-income residents
• Type: Instant rebate applied at participating retailers — no waiting for reimbursement

What Happened in Round 1 (2025)

The first round launched in April 2025 and provided valuable data for improving the program:

• Application Period: April 9–23, 2025
• Demand: Applications far exceeded available vouchers
• $1,200 income-qualified rebates: Had high redemption rates — the larger amount effectively motivated purchases
• $300 standard rebates: Saw lower redemption — thousands of vouchers went unredeemed, suggesting the $300 amount may not have been compelling enough
• Key Takeaway: The state is evaluating whether to increase the standard rebate amount for Round 2

2026 Round 2: What to Expect

• Funding: The Washington legislature has earmarked $7 million for the second round
• Timeline: Expected to launch in 2026 — exact dates TBD
• Selection Method: Lottery-based (if applications exceed available vouchers)
• Improvements: The state is incorporating feedback from Round 1 to improve accessibility and redemption rates

👉 Sign up for WSDOT WE-Bike Program Updates

Eligibility Requirements

Standard Rebate ($300)

• Must be a Washington state resident
• Must be 16 years or older
• Must purchase from a participating retailer

Income-Qualified Rebate ($1,200)

• All standard requirements, plus:
• Household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
• Documentation of income eligibility required

Tacoma E-Bike Rebate Program

The City of Tacoma launched its own e-bike rebate program alongside the state's Round 1 in April 2025:

• Tacoma residents may have access to additional city-level incentives
• Check Tacoma.gov for 2026 program details

How to Prepare for Round 2

1. Sign up NOW: Register your email on the WSDOT website to receive program notifications
2. Gather documentation: Have proof of Washington residency ready. If applying for the $1,200 rebate, prepare income documentation (tax returns, pay stubs, or enrollment in qualifying assistance programs)
3. Research e-bikes NOW: Know exactly which e-bike you want before the application window opens — it may close quickly
4. Find participating retailers: Check which retailers near you will participate in Round 2
5. Set calendar reminders: When WSDOT announces the application window, mark it immediately

Qualifying E-Bike Requirements

• Classes: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes are eligible
• Condition: Must be a new e-bike
• Retailer: Must be purchased from a registered participating retailer

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Round 2 applications open?

Exact dates haven't been announced yet. Sign up at the WSDOT website for email notifications.

Will the $300 standard rebate increase?

WSDOT is reviewing Round 1 data. The low redemption rate for $300 vouchers suggests the amount may be adjusted, but nothing has been confirmed.

Can I apply if I already received a Round 1 rebate?

Program rules for Round 2 haven't been finalized. Check WSDOT's guidelines when they're released.

How quickly will applications close?

In Round 1, the application window was April 9–23, 2025 (two weeks). Round 2 may have a similar or different window.

Is the rebate taxable?

Consult a tax professional regarding whether the rebate is considered taxable income in your situation.

Get Ready with FavoriteBikes

Don't wait until the last minute! Start researching your perfect e-bike now. At FavoriteBikes, our electric bikes are designed for the Pacific Northwest — rain-ready, powerful, and built to last. When the 2026 rebate window opens, you'll be ready to apply and ride.

👉 Browse FavoriteBikes.com — Pacific Northwest Ready E-Bikes

Official Resources

• WSDOT WE-Bike E-Bike Rebate Program
• WE-Bike Application Portal
• City of Tacoma E-Bike Programs

Disclaimer: The 2026 Round 2 program details have not been finalized. Information is based on legislative funding allocations and Round 1 program structure. Always verify current details with WSDOT before purchasing. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Last updated: February 2026.