COLUMBUS, Ohio — John Robinson is the president of Johnny Velo Bikes in Clintonville. 

His bike shop is one of the few bike shops in Columbus that participates in the electric bike subsidy program because he believes in the program’s mission to make Columbus less car-centric. 

What You Need To Know

  • The second year of the Columbus electric bike subsidy program applications close Monday, Aug. 19th

  • Columbus residents who are 18-years-old or older with a household income of under $150,000 per year are eligible to receive between $850-$2,000 toward an electric bike 

  • To apply, click here

“We're about getting people on bikes. That's why I started this bike shop is I think biking is a very efficient way, not only for exercise, but getting around town and reducing our carbon footprint,” said Robinson.

Funded by the city, Columbus City Council approved $500,000 for the e-bike subsidy program in May. Columbus City Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla partnered with council president Shannon Hardin to put this program forward. She has always been an advocate for less cars but in the most accessible way possible.  

“With an e-bike, you go faster. You don't have to peddle as far. So especially for folks that, you know, might have mobility issues or, you know, you want to get someplace fast or you may not be as fit, you may have other challenges where, you know, you need a different kind of vehicle in which to move,” said Columbus City Councilmember, Lourdes Barroso de Padilla.  

This is the second year of the program and Robinson has been a part of it since the beginning. He said this program has tremendously increased his sales.

“We actually sold more bikes and e-bikes than we had in the previous four years combined. So, it was a big impact to our business and one that we really needed,” said Robinson. 

The success of the program wasn’t just felt by Robinson’s bike shop but all across the city. 

“We almost broke the Internet last year, right. Almost broke the site because of the sheer volume of folks like within 45 minutes. Right. We had such a response from folks who wanted these who wanted an e-bike,” said Barroso de Padilla. 

Subsidy recipients can receive between $850 to $2,000 toward an e-bike depending on their income. To apply you must be eighteen years old or older, have a household income of under $150,000 a year and must be a resident of Columbus. The application for the e-bike subsidy program closes Monday, Aug. 19. To apply, click here.