Adaptive: How It Works

Eligible E-Bike Types

Adaptive E-Bikes:

E-Bike Description	Example
What is an adaptive e-bike? An adaptive e-bike is an electrically assisted bicycle specifically designed or modified to accommodate riders with disabilities and/or limited mobility. Adaptive e-bikes use pedal assist and/or throttle systems, up to 1000 watts, to reduce physical strain and enable independent mobility for a wide range of abilities.

Common adaptive configurations include three wheels for added stability, recumbent models offering ergonomic seating and postural support, and handcycles that utilize arm-powered pedaling systems in place of standard leg-powered pedaling systems.

Adaptive e-bikes advance independence, social inclusion, and equitable access to Portland’s active transportation network.

Common Adaptive E-Bike Configurations:

Adaptive E-Bike Type	Design & Features	Helpful For
E-Assist Upright Trike*	Three wheels, upright seating, two rear wheels for balance	Riders with mild balance challenges or limited strength
E-Assist Recumbent Trike	Reclined seat, legs extended forward; stable “tadpole” or “delta” frame	Riders with back, joint, or balance limitations
E-Assist Handcycle	Arm-powered cycle, upright or recumbent styles	Riders with lower-body paralysis or limited leg function
E-Assist Tandem (Front-to-Back)	Two riders; one steers, both pedal	Riders with visual impairment, cognitive disability, or low confidence
E-Assist Side-by-Side / Companion Bike	Two seats side-by-side, each with pedals	Seniors, dementia-friendly rides, therapeutic programs
E-Assist Cargo Trike (Adaptive Hybrid)	Modified and/or extended frame with large cargo or passenger area	Riders transporting mobility equipment or another passenger

* The adaptive rebate is intended for those persons with a documented disability that prevents them from safely riding a standard or cargo e-bike, including an off-the-shelf trike e-bike. For an upright e-trike to be eligible for the adaptive rebate, it must include one or more of the modifications listed below. For an upright e-trike to be eligible for the adaptive rebate, it must include one or more of the modifications listed below. For questions about adaptive rebate eligibility, please contact customer support to first discuss basic eligibility prior to being referred to the adaptive e-bike specialist.

Portland Rides Customer Support
PortlandEBikes@aptim.com
(503) 563-0624

Eligible Adaptive E-Bikes:

• New and fully assembled
  • Must meet all adaptive e-bike requirements, including class 1 or 2, 20mph max speed, motor wattage of 1000W or less, UL battery (2271) — no individual cells — certifications.
  • Participant must complete a custom fitting with the retailer before ordering to ensure proper fit
• Conversion kits which convert a regular non-motorized (acoustic) adaptive bicycle into an adaptive e-bike, and wheelchair power assist conversions
  • Battery must be UL certified (UL 2271 for conversion, UL 2272 for wheelchair power assist)
  • Participant must get their adaptive bike examined pre-order to ensure it is adequate for conversion
  • Conversions must meet all adaptive e-bike requirements, including class 1 or 2, 20mph max speed, motor wattage of 1000W or less, UL battery — no individual cells — certifications

Must be an adaptive e-bike per the retailer, and modified to meet the needs of an adaptive rider (cannot be a standard/cargo e-bike without modifications): ”Modification” includes features, adjustments, or configurations that make an e-bike safe and accessible for riders with disabilities and/or limited mobility, such as adaptive seating, pedal assist customization, throttle controls, stabilization wheels, or seating support.

Ineligible Adaptive Offerings:

• Class 3 (pedal assist only with a top speed of 28 mph), and electric mountain bikes are not eligible for the adaptive program.
• At this time, used/refurbished e-bikes, demo models and open-box e-bikes are not eligible for the adaptive program.

Eligible Accessory Types

All e-bike rebate recipients will receive a separate e-mail with an accessories rebate of $300.00.

Safety & Security

• Adult and child helmets – CPSC Certified or MIPS certified
• Lights
• Mirrors
• Reflective and/or LED reflective safety vests, jackets, and other wear
• Locks

Carrying & Transport

• Front and rear bike racks (excludes car-mounted racks. All racks must be purchased with the accessories rebate and not the e-bike rebate.)
• Panniers/baskets
• Child bike seats
• E-bike battery bags

Weather Protection

• Rain gear
• Fenders

Bike Parts & Upgrades

• Pedals
• Saddles
• Tire liner

Maintenance & Repairs

• Lube and Flat kits
• Pumps

What You’ll Need to Submit an Application

We recommend you compile all verification documents and the safety training certification before starting your application. These will need to be uploaded during the submittal.

Government Issued ID:

• U.S. or internationally issued passport
• Valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card
• Valid driver’s license or state ID

Please note that government issued ID is only used in-person at the store to verify the rebate recipient and is not uploaded to the application portal, though a valid driver’s license or state ID can be used as proof of address documentation. Proof of address documents are uploaded to the application portal.

One Proof of City of Portland Address Document (dated within the past 3 months. Please black out the Social Security Numbers (SSN) before submitting):

• Valid driver’s license or state ID
• Computer generated bill (utility, credit card, doctor, hospital, etc.)
• Printed bank statement
• Pre-printed pay stub (from a period within the last three (3) months) (not accepted as Proof of Income)
• First-class mail (from a government agency or court)
• Current homeowners, renter’s or motor vehicle insurance policy
• Mortgage, lease, or rental contract (leases may be within the last year but must cover the time of the application)
• Transcript or report card from an accredited school
• Motor vehicle registration
• Military service records (DD Form 214)
• Letter of Stay or letter confirming client status from an established homeless shelter or homeless services agency
• Letter of Stay or letter confirming client status from other social service organization
• Asylum documentation (such as form I-589) (page 1 ONLY)

Individuals who are unable to provide documents to verify their physical address may be eligible to provide alternative documents and should contact customer service for individual support. If you do not have one of the proof of address documents listed above, please reach out to customer support at PortlandEBikes@aptim.com.

One Proof of Income Document (Please black out the Social Security Numbers (SSN) before submitting):

• SSI/SSDI Benefit Verification Letter
• Oregon Health Plan/Medicaid, SNAP: EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Free & Reduced-Price Lunch, HUD Housing Choice Voucher, LIHEAP (Home Energy Assistance), Employment Related Daycare (ERDC), Women Infants and Children (WIC), TriMet reduced fare program for low-income rider, Individual Development Account (IDA) holders
• 1040 information for the prior tax year (page 1 ONLY)
• Note that pay stubs and W2s are not an accepted form of Proof of Income at this time

One Proof of Disability Document (Please black out any personally identifiable information other than your name):

• Oregon Accessible Parking Placard or Plate
• SSI/SSDI Verification Letter
• VA Service-Connected Benefit Letter
• Individual Service Plan (ISP) cover page
• University Accessibility Letter
• Statement from Vocational Rehabilitation Services
• Statement from Commission for the Blind
• TriMet LIFT Paratransit Acceptance Letter
• TriMet Honored Citizen Healthcare Certification Form (completed by a healthcare provider as part of your Honored Citizen application)
  • Note: The Honored Citizen Card itself is not accepted as standalone proof, as the card is issued to multiple populations for a variety of reasons.
• Letter of Advocacy from a Caseworker or Social Worker

Individuals who are unable to provide documents to verify their disability may be eligible to provide alternative documents and should contact customer service for individual support. If you do not have one of the proof of disability documents listed above, please reach out to customer support at PortlandEBikes@aptim.com.

Proof of Completion of Safety Training

Applicants will be required to upload proof of Safety Training completion. Please complete the online safety training module here at your earliest convenience and retain a copy of your completion certification upon finishing the course (from Reach 360 Notifications <notifications-no-reply@articulate.com>). You will need to upload this certificate within the application form.

This training may take up to one hour to complete and can be started immediately.

Optional: Virtual Consultation with Subject Matter Expert

Portland Rides has contracted with a subject matter expert to provide free virtual consultations about adaptive e-bike options. Please contact customer support to first discuss basic eligibility prior to being referred to the adaptive e-bike specialist.

Portland Rides Customer Support
PortlandEBikes@aptim.com
(503) 563-0624

Funding Resources

Blanche Fischer Foundation (BFF)
The Blanche Fischer Foundation is a small foundation that provides limited financial assistance to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria, including Oregon residency, a verified permanent physical disability, and demonstrated financial need.

Important notes for applicants:

• Referrals to BFF are appropriate only if you believe you meet the foundation’s eligibility criteria.
• BFF is not an open-intake or guaranteed funding source.
• Due to limited administrative capacity, BFF is unable to review speculative or exploratory applications. 
• Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding.

Applicants should review the BFF Individual Giving Program Quick Guide before reaching out.

Request a Bike Buddy!

Need help getting started with your new e-bike? The Bike Buddy mentorship program matches experienced local cyclists with Portland riders who want to feel more confident on a bike. Mentors share their route knowledge and help build skills through a few meetups. Mentees get personalized help reaching their cycling goals, such as learning to handle their bike, practicing their commute, or riding safely.

Please note that Portland Rides E-Bike rebate recipients do not qualify for Bike Buddy’s mini grant, as both programs are funded by PCEF.

BIKETOWN for All

If you qualify for the E-Bike Rebate Program, you likely also qualify for BIKETOWN for All. BIKETOWN for All offers free BIKETOWN membership, accessible, and fun 24/7 bike-share transportation for folks living on low-incomes. Those who qualify for certain forms of state or federal assistance can sign up for a free BIKETOWN membership that provides monthly ride credits and further discounted per minute rates. You can sign up online at biketownforall.com. This program is funded by the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefit Fund!

BIKETOWN is the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s e-bike and e-scooter share system operated by Lyft and sponsored by NIKE. The BIKETOWN for All membership benefits include: $0/month annual membership, free unlocks, monthly $10 credits to ride (.05 cents a minute after that).

Get Your Wheelchair Fixed!

Is your wheelchair, power chair, walker, or rollator due for a repair or tune-up? The Wheelchair Repair Shop provides accessible, community-subsidized repair services for folks who rely on mobility equipment to get around. Their technicians handle everything from tire and tube repairs to caster maintenance, manual brake adjustments, battery services, and general tune-ups.

Drop-in hours are offered several times a month, and appointments are available outside of those hours as well. Labor is offered at a suggested donation rate, with parts priced based on availability and your equipment’s specific requirements. Not sure what kind of service you need? Reach out and they can help you figure it out. Learn more at https://wheelchairrepair.org.