$7 million voucher initiative to expand access to more than 5,800 electric bicycles statewide
Fort Smith, AR –The City of Fort Smith, in partnership with Central Arkansas’ Metroplan and the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission (NWARPC), announced the Arkansas Tri-Region E-Bike Incentive Program, a new voucher initiative that will help more than 5,800 residents across the Fort Smith region, Little Rock- North Little Rock-Conway, and Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers purchase electric bicycles.
Funded through an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, with administrative support from APTIM, the program will offer vouchers ranging from $700 to $1,200.
“This program represents an important investment in transportation access and regional collaboration,” said Tim Conklin, AICP, executive director of NWARPC. “By working together across Arkansas, we’re helping more residents access affordable transportation options while strengthening connections between communities and expanding mobility choices for everyday trips.”
How the Program Works
The program will provide vouchers to applicants in Fort Smith regions, Central Arkansas, and Northwest Arkansas through a randomized selection process. Selected applicants can redeem their vouchers at participating bike shops at the time of purchase.
Residents of Benton, Crawford, Faulkner, Franklin, Grant, Lonoke, Madison, Perry, Pulaski, Saline, Sebastian, and Washington counties in Arkansas, and Le Flore and Sequoyah counties in Oklahoma are eligible to participate.
Eligible residents who do not meet income qualification requirements may receive a $700 voucher, while income-qualified residents may receive a $1,200 voucher. To help ensure equitable access, 60% of voucher funding is reserved for income-qualified applicants.
The application portal opens July 6, 2026, at 9 AM CDT and will remain open for the duration of the program. During the initial registration, applicants will not need to provide documents to prove eligibility. The first selection will take place on July 21, 2026. Applicants who are selected will be contacted by email with a link to complete the full application, which will include submitting documented proof of residency, income qualifications, and other details.
Additional randomized selections will be announced at a later date, with the program continuing into next year. To learn more and see if you qualify, visit fortsmithar.gov/ebike.
Through a partnership between the City of Fort Smith, Metroplan, and NWARPC, the Arkansas Tri-Region E-Bike Incentive Program will help residents access affordable transportation options while advancing regional mobility goals across the Fort Smith region, Central Arkansas, and Northwest Arkansas.
The City of Fort Smith is committed to providing high-quality, resident-focused services for the advancement of a thriving community. Our vision is to be a dynamic, business, family, and military-friendly destination that welcomes people from all over the world
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