Worcester E-Bike Program Expands To 10 More Communities

WORCESTER, MA — A program that began in 2022 in Worcester offering free electronic bikes to local residents is expanding, offering residents in 10 communities near Worcester to get a free or heavily discounted e-bike.

The Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (MassBike) program began in 2022 by distributing 98 free e-bikes to Worcester residents who met certain criteria. The recipients will keep their bikes forever, but their riding patterns are being used by MassBike and city planners to chart new bike routes in a bid to reduce car trips.

Over the first year of the program, the Worcester e-bike riders logged close to 50,000 miles, with the most miles logged riding from home to work, according to MassBike. To date, the riders have logged close to 60,000 miles.

The newly expanded program, funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, is now open to residents over age 18 in Shrewsbury, Westborough, Grafton, Auburn, Millbury, Boylston, West Boylston, Holden, Paxton and Leicester. Worcester residents will also get another chance to apply during the expansion. To be eligible, applicants must earn 80 percent or below the state median household income. Based on income levels, applicants will be either eligible for totally free e-bikes or rebates between 60 and 75 percent.

E-bikes are a relatively new entry into the transportation landscape. The bikes offer riders battery assistance climbing hills and hauling cargo — like groceries or luggage — or offer moped-like propulsion (without the carbon emissions) during a full ride. E-bikes can range in price from around $500 to several thousand dollars.

The deadline to apply for the e-bike program is March 31. Find full details on the MassBike program page.