Lawmakers in the United States have proposed a Federal Electric Bike Incentive Credit Bill. The bill aims to provide tax credits and rebates to people who purchase e-bikes as a sustainable and eco-friendly mode of transportation. The proposed legislation offers a 30% tax credit of up to $1,500 for the purchase of e-bikes that cost less than $8,000, making e-bikes more accessible and affordable to consumers.
E-bikes are an important sustainable transportation option that reduces traffic congestion, air pollution, and carbon emissions. The high cost of e-bikes has been a barrier for many consumers, but the proposed bill could help make e-bikes more accessible by reducing their cost. As a result, the e-bike industry could see further growth. Additionally, e-bikes provide an affordable and accessible mode of transportation for people who live in areas with limited public transportation options.
Various environmental groups, including the Sierra Club and the League of American Bicyclists, have supported the proposed bill. They see e-bikes as an overlooked yet vital sustainable transportation option that can provide the same environmental benefits as electric cars at a lower cost. The proposed bill could be crucial in promoting e-bikes and improving the environment.
The proposed Federal Electric Bike Incentive Credit Bill has the potential to make e-bikes more affordable and accessible, leading to a reduction in traffic congestion, air pollution, and carbon emissions.
Look up your Representative (HERE) and let them know you support H.R.1685! We’ve included a quick sample text below.
Dear [Representative’s Name],
I am writing to express my strong support for H.R. 1685, providing Electric Bike Incentive Credits. As a resident of Central Florida, I believe this proposed legislation would provide numerous benefits to our region.
First and foremost, the bill would make e-bikes more affordable and accessible to residents of Central Florida. Many people in our region live in areas with limited public transportation options and rely on personal vehicles to get around. E-bikes offer an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles, and the proposed bill would help make them more accessible to everyone.
Furthermore, e-bikes can help reduce traffic congestion in our region. With the influx of new residents and visitors, our roads have become increasingly crowded, leading to longer commute times and increased air pollution. By encouraging the use of e-bikes, the proposed bill could help alleviate some of these issues, making our region a more livable and sustainable place.
As a constituent who cares deeply about the future of our region and the environment, I urge you to support H.R. 1685. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Alabama: There are no e-bike credit or rebate programs in Alabama. The state does, however, offer EV charging station grants and rebates. Alabama Power also provides charger rebates and a special time-of-use rate for both businesses and residents charging EVs.
Alaska: The state currently has no e-bike incentives, only EV rebates and credit programs. The main rebate program occurs through Alaska Power and Telephone (AP&T) for new and used electric cars and motorcycles — just not electric bikes (yet).
Arizona: Although there are no statewide e-bike initiatives, residents of the Tucson metropolitan area can apply for the local e-bike rebate program through Tucson Electric Power (TEP). They can receive a $100 or $600 rebate, depending on income.
Arkansas: Arkansas has only implemented incentives for EVs, not e-bikes. However, the Bentonville City Council received a quarter-million grant in January 2024 to help residents buy e-bikes. The city will set up a lottery system to distribute the funds.
California: The California Air Resources Board launched the first stages of its California E-Bike Incentive Project in 2023. So far, it’s still in the initial stages, accepting only retailer applications.
The final goal is to offer low-income residents a point-of-sale voucher up to $1,000 for a standard e-bike or $1,750 for a cargo e-bike. Qualifying applicants may also receive an additional $250. You can sign up for email updates, so you know when the incentive vouchers become available.
Besides this statewide initiative, there are multiple region-specific rebate programs. Here are a few to consider:
Colorado: In 2022, the state passed SB22-193, a bill focused on air quality improvements. Part of that bill specified increased community access to e-bikes through grant and rebate programs. As a result, Colorado enacted a statewide rebate program offering residents up to $1,400 for an e-bike ($800 for moderate-income residents).
The program went through several application rounds, finally ending in February 2024. Unfortunately, the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) does not expect additional funding, so the rebates are no longer available.
However, the Colorado e-bike tax credit starts on April 1, 2024. Residents can receive a $450 point-of-sale discount when purchasing a qualified e-bike.
The CEO is also extending its Can Do Colorado E-Bike pilot program, making it a full-fledged initiative. It expects additional funding to be available in the fall of 2024 to continue implementing e-bike fleets across the state. The goal is to make e-bikes more accessible to low-income residents while improving air quality.
In addition to the statewide initiatives, some cities have organized their own programs.
Connecticut: The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) created an e-bike initiative program in 2023, allocating $1.5 million for three years’ worth of vouchers. The first round of applications showed the community’s overwhelming interest, and Deep has since increased the funding. Residents can apply for $500-$1,500 rebates.
Delaware: The state does not yet have any e-bike rebates, credits, or initiatives. One might come soon, considering the 2023 Electric School Bus Acquisition Requirement and the ongoing EV rebate.
Florida: There are no active initiatives, but Tampa proposed an e-bike voucher program in 2023. If passed, it would provide people with $500-$2,000 to use on an e-bike purchase at one of the approved retailers.
Georgia: The Atlanta City Council approved an e-bike rebate program in January 2024. Metro residents can receive up to $1,000 for an e-bike (or $2,000 for a cargo e-bike).
Hawaii: Hawaii released a statewide e-bike and e-moped rebate program in 2023. It provides residents with a rebate of up to $500 for an e-bike, provided the applicant is a current student, participates in a low-income assistance program, or does not own a four-wheeled vehicle.
Idaho: Idaho offers no e-bike initiatives and very few EV initiatives.
Illinois: Representative Kam Buckner introduced an electric bike rebate bill in 2023, which has been amended but has not yet passed. The initiative proposes a point-of-sale rebate of up to $2,000, depending on the bike’s cost and the individual’s income level.
Indiana: The City of Bloomington launched an e-bike voucher program at the end of 2023, offering $500-$1,000 to eligible residents registered for Go Bloomington and Zero In Bloomington. The funds are limited, so make sure to check whether the program is still accepting applications.
Iowa: In 2023, Cedar Rapids announced that it was considering a voucher program for low-income families, offering $700 for a regular bike or $900 for an e-bike. Eastern Iowa REC customers can also apply for up to $150 back on their e-bike purchase.
Kansas: The state does not yet offer any e-bike credits or rebate programs, although there are some EV incentives.
Kentucky: In 2022, the Devou Good Foundation gave out $500 e-bike rebates to people in northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio. With limited funds and high demands, the program lasted only a few months. Considering its success, though, there might be hope for a future statewide e-bike program.
Louisiana: There are no e-bike incentives in Louisiana. The state does offer some EV rebates and incentives, though, including rebates for electric forklifts and golf carts — just not e-bikes.
Maine: In 2023, the governor of Maine signed into law an act that adds e-bikes to the list of electric vehicles eligible for a rebate through Efficiency Maine’s rebate program. However, information about the specific rebate requirements and amounts remains limited.
Regional rebates might become available soon as well. The City of South Portland launched Electrify Everything! in 2022, providing up to $800 in e-bike rebates. The funds ran out in 2023, but you can check for similar local programs.
Maryland: The state is moving forward with an e-bike rebate and voucher program. Even though the first version received an unfavorable report in 2023, Delegate Lewis proposed a new version a few months later that would allocate $100,000 for e-bike vouchers.
Massachusetts: In 2022, Massachusetts passed a bill that would create e-bike rebates of up to $750. The first step, however, was for the Department of Energy Resources to conduct research before rolling out the program. So far, there has been no further movement regarding the rebates, although the administration expects to roll out rebates in 2024.
Income-eligible Cape Light Compact customers can also apply for a voucher and get up to $1,200 towards an e-bike purchase. As of March 2024, customers are on a waitlist, but funding may become available again.
The Worcester E-Bike program has received funding for a second round of applications through March 31, 2024. Residents can apply for a 60-75% e-bike discount, while eligible participants may get a free e-bike.
Michigan: Michigan House Bill 4491 proposes a statewide e-bike incentive program that would offer up to $1,250 in vouchers. While introduced in 2023, the bill has yet to move forward.
At the local level, Ann Arbor released a pilot Community E-Bike Discount program in 2020. It provided a $100 discount and a $50 in-store credit for two e-bike models. Since it was only a pilot program, it has since ended. The city, however, continues to prioritize electric transportation.
Minnesota: The state is launching an E-Bike Rebate program in July 2024. Residents can apply for a rebate certificate of up to $1,500 and then use it at a participating retailer. The legislation only allocated $2 million annually for 2024 and 2025, so the certificates may go quickly. You can sign up for email updates to get the news about when applications open.
Mississippi: The state offers no e-bike initiatives, although there are several EV rebates and support programs.
Missouri: Missouri offers a $2,500 tax credit for electric vehicles, although that does not (yet) include e-bikes.
Montana: There are no e-bike initiatives and extremely limited EV incentives.
Nebraska: Nebraska has no e-bike initiatives and only a few EV incentives.
Nevada: A 2019 report sponsored by the Nevada State government highlighted the need to electrify the state and incorporate better infrastructure to support electric bikes. However, nothing has come of that, and the state still has no e-bike initiatives.
New Hampshire: In 2023, Senator David Watters proposed a statewide e-bike incentive program that would offer up to $600 in rebates for purchasing an e-bike and accessories. Unfortunately, the Commissioner immediately expressed concerns about implementation, and the bill was ultimately killed.
New Jersey: A bill was introduced in 2023 that proposed up to $2,000 in statewide e-bike rebates. However, the bill died in a subcommittee at the beginning of 2024.
New Mexico: Senate Bill 343 proposed statewide e-bike rebates of up to $1,200. However, the bill died in 2023 after just a few days in the Senate.
New York: New York currently has two bills in the legislative approval process. The first is bill S3080A, which aims to establish a Ride Clean Rebate Program like the existing Drive Clean Rebate Program. While the bill passed the Senate in 2022, no further action has occurred to make it law.
The second is 2023 bill S314 (or A275). Like S3080A, this bill proposes a Ride Clean Rebate program. It has yet to pass the Senate or Assembly Committees, though, and may have a similar fate as its predecessor.
Despite the stagnated statewide programs, initiatives in New York City have quickly moved forward. The Charge Safe, Ride Safe program has outlined numerous initiatives for safer electric mobility in the city, and the Department of Transportation has already launched an e-bike charging pilot program.
The Equitable Commute Project also offers an e-bike trade-in program for NYC for eligible delivery workers and some individuals. It offers a significantly discounted rate for a new UL-certified e-bike when you turn in another electric bike, moped, or scooter. People without a trade-in vehicle can apply for an e-bike loan through Spring Bank.
In other areas of the state, e-bike libraries allow residents free, short-term access to electric bikes — much like borrowing a library book. Shared Mobility has helped establish e-bike libraries in areas like Niagara Falls.
North Carolina: The state’s first e-bike initiative occurred in the City of Durham with the Bull E-Bike Pilot. Several residents received an e-bike and accessories to document their experience. Since the program was primarily research-driven, it only lasted a few weeks in 2022.
More recently, the Raleigh City Council authorized the Ral-E-Bike incentive program. It launches in the spring of 2024, providing point-of-sale e-bike vouchers of up to $1,500.
North Dakota: The state offers no e-bike incentives. It is, however, promoting its EV infrastructure program.
Ohio: The Devou Good Foundation offered $500 e-bike rebates to residents of Cincinnati and certain parts of Kentucky. The program quickly expended all the funds due to high demands.
Similarly, Smart Columbus’ 2023 E-Bike Incentive pilot program received an overwhelming amount of applications. The first applicants received their discount vouchers, and the rest were placed on a waitlist. In December 2023, the program received additional funding, but many applicants are still waiting. You can sign up for more updates about the program.
Oklahoma: A 2023 Oklahoma Senate bill proposed a $200 tax credit for e-bike purchases. The bill died in committee, though, just like the first version of the federal E-BIKE Act.
Oregon: Similar to the federal E-BIKE Act, Oregon’s e-bike rebate bill has undergone significant updates since the initial 2022 draft. The current version — presented in 2023 — expands the rebate options to include more people. If passed, it would allocate $6 million for e-bike rebates ranging from $400-$1,200.
At a more local level, the Ride2Own pilot program began in 2023 in Hillsboro, Milwaukie, and Parkrose Neighborhood in Portland. The goal is to give 75 residents a free e-bike, gear, repairs, training, and biking event passes.
EWEB customers in Eugene can also receive a $300 e-bike rebate, while Ashland Electric customers purchasing at a participating bike shop can get $300 for a standard e-bike or $600 for a cargo e-bike.
Other popular regional e-bike initiatives have closed, including the ones in Corvallis and Bend.
Pennsylvania: The state provides no e-bike rebates or tax credits, although there are quite a few EV initiatives. While not specified, e-bikes may qualify for rebates under Pennsylvania’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant program — but not if they belong to individuals. Only nonprofits, schools, or other organizations can apply for the $500 rebate for electric scooters, motorcycles, ATVs, and “other low-speed electric vehicles”.
Rhode Island: Rhode Island offers a statewide initiative through the Erika Niedowski Memorial Electrical Bicycle Rebate Program. Residents can apply for a standard rebate of up to $350 or an income-qualified rebate of up to $750. While the initial funds quickly ran out, the state invested another $150,000 in the program in 2023.
South Carolina: There are no e-bike initiatives in South Carolina. The state is slowly moving toward electric transportation, though, with EV charging station initiatives and alternative fuel research grants.
South Dakota: The state offers no e-bike initiatives. State officials have split opinions on e-bikes, as shown in the January 2024 discussion over Senate Bill 56 regarding the use of different e-bike classes on trails. The bill was tabled, awaiting more data.
Tennessee: In January 2023, the Nashville Metropolitan Council received a resolution to reallocate $1 million from the federal COVID funds to an e-bike subsidy program. It proposed offering up to $1,400 for a qualified e-bike purchase. The council repeatedly deferred the resolution, ultimately withdrawing it.
Texas: Austin Energy customers can receive a rebate for an e-bike (or other electric two- and three-wheeled vehicles) purchased within the last 60 days. The standard rate varies between $200 and $600, while residents in the Customer Assistance Program may receive up to $1,300. The incentive program also includes rebates for entire fleet purchases.
Utah: Utah offers no active e-bike incentives, although there were a few recent programs. In 2017, Utah’s Hogle Zoo and Utah Clean Energy launched a ZOOm Go Electric program that offered discounts on EVs and e-bikes.
In 2023, Utah Clean Air partnered with Magnum Bikes to offer 1,000 e-bike vouchers, each worth up to $1,400. Only 1,000 vouchers were available, so the program lasted only a few weeks.
Vermont: Vermont has a statewide e-bike initiative program that provides vouchers of up to $800 to purchase an e-bike. The initiative was relaunched in 2023 and will last as long as funds allow. The 2022 H.552 bill also proposed investing an additional $250,000 in e-bike initiatives, although it has not moved forward.
The Electrify Your Fleet program is a similar initiative but for businesses and organizations. Vermont also offers a Replace Your Ride program that gives individuals up to $5,000 to replace a qualifying flood-damaged vehicle with a greener form of transportation.
VBike even offered the Take It Home program for Brattleboro residents to try an e-bike. The goal was to raise awareness about what all people can do with an e-bike, but the program is on hold until further notice. The E-Bike Lending Library through Local Motion had a similar goal, but it seems that the program is no longer active.
Besides these initiatives, several Vermont utility companies also provide e-bike rebates:
Virginia: Virginia has an active statewide EV rebate program. In January 2024, government officials proposed a bill to add an e-bike rebate program that would provide qualifying residents up to $1,100 for an e-bike purchase, plus $100-$300 for required equipment.
The City of Alexandria may also start an e-bike incentive program. After Councilmember Bagley experienced firsthand the perks of an e-bike, she is advocating for widespread e-bike use and better infrastructure.
Washington: In 2023, Washington State passed a transportation appropriations bill that includes an e-bike rebate program. According to the state’s Department of Transportation, the program will include up to $1,200 in point-of-sale electric bike rebates and e-bike lending libraries.
However, the state has not yet enacted it. Various holdups include defining how the process will work, researching other programs, and connecting with e-bike retailers. Over a year-long wait has residents concerned, though, that the bill will never actually launch.
Washington, D.C.: The District Department of Transportation opens applications for e-bike rebates in the spring of 2024. Residents can apply for up to $1,000 for e-bikes, maintenance, and accessories.
goDCgo also offers $700 toward purchasing, repairing, or accessorizing an e-bike (or e-bike conversion kit). As of March 2024, all the vouchers for this round have been distributed.
West Virginia: While the state offers no e-bike incentives, there’s hope for continued change after West Virginia voted to expand e-bike usage laws in 2023.
Wisconsin: The Madison Public Library Foundation established a BCycle Community Pass program where residents can use their library card to borrow an electric bike. The program reopens on March 15, 2024.
Several Wisconsin representatives also introduced Bill 276 in 2023, outlining a proposal for a bicycle tax credit. If approved, the bill would establish up to $200 in credit for bicycles — including e-bikes — purchased for dependents.
Wyoming: There are no e-bike incentives in the state. The Wyrulec Company offers several rebates for electric equipment, like electric lawnmowers and heat pumps. However, it has yet to include e-bikes.