They participate in the tax rebate program but not the Denver low-income rebate.
This is for the Denver low-income rebate, which pays $1200-$1400 rather than being a tax rebate. The state has a tax rebate and Denver has a tax rebate, both of which are under $450 and only help you if you make enough to actually pay taxes.
Whether you’re a member or not, please consider reaching out to @REI in support of Denver’s low-income eBike rebate program. If they are as dedicated to diversity and accessibility as they claim, resuming the program should be a no-brainer. www.rei.com/help?article...
In a city with unreliable public transport and soaring cost of living, having an eBike can make a big difference for low income people. Deeply disappointing to see that REI’s flagship store has no interest in supporting their community.
This rebate program doesn’t take any money away from REI. In fact, it increases their sales and they still get paid full price. There is a delay in processing, which makes it inconvenient for accounting. And that minor inconvenience is enough for REI to abandon the program.
The rebate they are currently accepting is a $450 tax credit (if you qualify, which low-income usually don’t). They are NOT accepting the low-income rebate, which is for $1200 ($1400 for cargo bikes). Low-income residents could get a free eBike with this rebate, giving them reliable transportation.
So REI has chosen to stop accepting the Denver eBike rebates given to low income residents (a $1200-$1400 value). This radically reduces options for low cost, high quality bikes. REI certainly talks a lot about making the outdoors accessible & promoting diversity, but their actions say the opposite.
Good eye! It is!