Important Notice
This FAQ is based on currently available information about the City of New Orleans E-Bike Incentive Program, plus guidance provided to RideTHISbike where noted. Program rules, voucher deadlines, documentation requirements, redemption instructions, and eligible purchase details may change as the City and its program administrator publish additional guidance.
Independence statement: This page is published by RideTHISbike as an independent educational resource. It is not the official City application portal, and RideTHISbike does not decide who receives a rebate.
Official sources control: If anything on this page conflicts with official City or program administrator guidance, the official guidance controls.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
What Has Changed?
- July 1, 2026: Created FAQ 3 for selected applicants, including guidance about voucher transferability, limited voucher-use windows, avoiding rushed bike choices, accessories, financing, and what to bring when redeeming a voucher.
- July 1, 2026: Clarified that used e-bikes do not qualify, that a poor bike choice wastes a one-time voucher opportunity, that applicants are not required to use a voucher, and that Discovery Rides can help selected applicants make a better decision before the voucher expires.
Quick Answer
If you are selected for a voucher, slow down before you buy. Read the official instructions, confirm the deadline, confirm the bike qualifies, confirm the retailer can redeem the voucher, and make sure the e-bike fits your real life. A voucher is valuable, but a rushed or poorly matched bike can waste the opportunity.
Questions on This Page
- What happens if I am selected for a voucher?
- Can I transfer my voucher to someone else?
- How long will I have to choose an e-bike?
- Why should I avoid rushing into a bike choice after approval?
- Should I schedule a Discovery Ride after receiving my voucher?
- What happens if I do not use my voucher in time?
- Can I change my mind after being selected?
- Can I use the voucher for accessories?
- Can I use the voucher on a used e-bike?
- Can I combine the rebate with financing?
- What should I bring when redeeming a voucher?
- Who decides whether my voucher is valid?
What happens if I am selected for a voucher?
If you are selected, follow the official instructions from the City or program administrator carefully. Being selected is not the same as being finished. You still need to understand the voucher rules, any deadlines, what documentation may be required at purchase, and whether the bike and retailer qualify. Do not buy until you are sure the voucher can be used correctly.
For the broader process, read Lottery and Application Windows.
Can I transfer my voucher to someone else?
No. Based on current guidance provided to RideTHISbike, vouchers are not transferable. The person selected should expect to use the voucher according to the official instructions issued for that applicant.
Do not assume a family member, friend, or another household member can use your voucher.
How long will I have to choose an e-bike?
The voucher-use window is expected to be comparatively brief after approval. The exact timeframe should be confirmed through the official voucher instructions when issued. This page will be updated when a specific public timeframe is available.
The practical point is simple: do not wait until you are approved to start learning about e-bike types, fit, storage, service, and remaining cost.
Why should I avoid rushing into a bike choice after approval?
A voucher is a one-time opportunity. Even if the rebate covers the full cost of the e-bike, choosing poorly will waste the benefit because lottery winners will not get a second chance at a voucher. The goal is not just to buy a qualifying e-bike quickly. The goal is to choose an e-bike that fits your body, routes, storage, cargo needs, comfort level, and service needs so you will keep using it for years.
This is one reason RideTHISbike encourages residents to research and test ride before the voucher window opens. The short voucher window should not force a long-term mistake.
Should I schedule a Discovery Ride after receiving my voucher?
It is one of the best times to do so. Once you have a voucher, you already know you are seriously considering an e-bike. The remaining question is which qualifying e-bike will actually work best for your needs.
A Discovery Ride is designed to help answer that question before you use a one-time voucher. During an extended ride, you can spend meaningful time on one or two bikes while accompanied by a trained RideTHISbike technician who can answer questions about fit, comfort, handling, riding position, storage, cargo needs, maintenance, and how the bike fits your daily transportation.
The goal is not simply to help you choose a qualifying e-bike. The goal is to help you choose the right qualifying e-bike.
If you purchase the bike within 30 days of the Discovery Ride, most of the Discovery Ride fee applies toward the purchase price. For many voucher winners, that makes the Discovery Ride less like an extra expense and more like decision insurance before using a one-time benefit.
What happens if I do not use my voucher in time?
Official expiration and unused-voucher procedures should control. It is reasonable to expect that a voucher not used in time may expire, but residents should rely on the official voucher instructions rather than assumptions. RideTHISbike will update this Resource Center when more public details are available.
If your voucher has a deadline, treat it seriously.
Can I change my mind after being selected?
Yes. Receiving a voucher does not force you to purchase an e-bike. If you decide not to use the voucher, it will expire according to the official voucher rules.
The consequence is that you will likely have used your opportunity to receive a voucher. Future applications from someone who has already been awarded a voucher are expected to be denied.
If you are unsure which e-bike fits you, it is better to research and test ride before your voucher expires rather than let the opportunity pass unused.
Can I use the voucher for accessories?
Current guidance indicates that remaining rebate value after the e-bike purchase may be used for eligible safety and security equipment, such as a helmet, lights, and a lock. Final eligible accessory rules should be confirmed through official voucher instructions.
Do not assume every accessory qualifies.
Can I use the voucher on a used e-bike?
No. The voucher is for the purchase of a new qualifying e-bike. It cannot be used toward a used e-bike.
For bike requirements, read Qualifying E-Bikes.
Can I combine the rebate with financing?
Yes, many residents may still need a way to cover the remaining balance after the voucher. Financing may be one option. RideTHISbike especially likes EPIC Federal Credit Union as a local community-focused option because applicants can become eligible by opening a small account and applying for a personal loan. RideTHISbike does not earn anything by referring people to EPIC.
Financing is still debt, so residents should understand the terms before borrowing.
What should I bring when redeeming a voucher?
Bring the official voucher instructions, any identification or documentation required by the program, and payment for any remaining balance, taxes, fees, or non-covered items. The final checklist should come from the official voucher instructions.
A dedicated Voucher Redemption guide is planned for this Resource Center.
Who decides whether my voucher is valid?
The City and its program administrator control voucher validity, official instructions, and final program rules. RideTHISbike can help explain the process and help you think through bike choices, but RideTHISbike does not decide who receives a voucher or whether a voucher is valid.
Official program guidance controls if there is any conflict.
Biggest Mistakes to Avoid After Selection
- Rushing into the first bike available. A bike can qualify for the rebate and still be wrong for your needs.
- Waiting until the last minute. A brief voucher window can make a rushed choice more likely.
- Skipping real ride time. A Discovery Ride can help you compare one or two serious options before spending a one-time voucher.
- Ignoring fit and comfort. If the bike is uncomfortable, too heavy, too tall, or awkward to store, you may not keep using it.
- Buying only on price. The cheapest qualifying bike is not always the best long-term transportation choice.
- Forgetting service support. Brakes, tires, wheels, batteries, chargers, and warranty questions matter after the sale.
- Assuming the voucher can be transferred or extended. Follow official instructions instead of relying on assumptions.
Official Resources
Our Commitment to Accuracy
RideTHISbike will update this FAQ section as official information changes. If you spot something that appears outdated or inconsistent with official City or program administrator guidance, please contact us so we can review and correct it. Trust matters more than speed.
Our Promise
The purpose of this Resource Center is to help New Orleanians make the best use of a finite resource: this generous, truly free instant e-bike rebate that each lottery winner can use only once.
If the time we've invested in creating this guide helps even a few people choose an e-bike that better meets their transportation needs, and continues serving them for years to come, then every hour spent building this resource will have been worthwhile long after the rebate program has become history.
We believe the City's investment succeeds when an e-bike becomes part of everyday life, replacing car trips, improving health, reducing transportation costs, and bringing more joy to getting around New Orleans.
That's why we've invested so much time building this Resource Center, and why we'll continue updating it as the program evolves.