Arkansas Tri-Region Launches E-Bike Incentive Program: Press Release

Little Rock, Ark. (June 15, 2026) — Central Arkansas’ Metroplan, in partnership with the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission (NWARPC) and the City of Fort Smith announces the Arkansas Tri-Region E-Bike Incentive Program, a new voucher initiative that will assist more than 5,800 residents across the Central Arkansas Region, Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, and Fort Smith regions in purchasing 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.

“The Arkansas Tri-Region E-Bike Incentive program reflects a strategic investment in reliable, affordable transportation options that expand access for residents across our community. By reducing financial barriers and supporting new mobility choices, we are transforming how people move, strengthening connections to jobs, services, and daily opportunities.” – Casey Covington, Metroplan Executive Director

How the Program Works

The program will provide vouchers to applicants in Central Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas, and the Fort Smith region 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.

The application portal opens July 6, 2026, at 9 a.m. 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 metroplan.org

Through a partnership between Metroplan, NWARPC and the City of Fort Smith, the Arkansas Tri-Region E-Bike Incentive Program will assist residents in accessing affordable transportation options while advancing regional mobility goals across Northwest Arkansas, Central Arkansas and the Fort Smith region.

About Central Arkansas

Metroplan supports regional transportation planning and community development across Central Arkansas. Metroplan, the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, advances long-range planning and infrastructure investments that enhance multimodal connectivity, accessibility, and sustainability.

Media Contact:

Sydney Dozier – sdozier@metroplan.org; 501372.3300 Ext. 117

Casey Covington – 501.372.3300

For program specifics:

Tim Conklin – tconklin@nwarpc.org; Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission