Federal E-Bike Rebate Bill Reintroduced

“U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Congressional Bike Caucus Chairman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Mike Thompson (CA-04), and Adam Schiff (CA-30) reintroduced the Electric Bicycle Incentive Kickstart for the Environment (E-BIKE) Act to encourage the use of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, through a consumer tax credit,” announces a press release from Rep. Panetta’s office. 

The tax credit would cover 30 percent of the cost of an e-bike up to $1,500 and be fully refundable. According to Rep. Panetta, “With its fully refundable tax incentives for those in the lower economic levels, the E-BIKE Act is a commonsense way to encourage the ownership of e-bikes. By incentivizing Americans to own and use e-bikes, we are allowing them the chance to help improve the quality of life in our communities and tackle the climate crisis in our country.”

In lieu of a federal credit, Denver, Colorado launched its own wildly popular e-bike rebate program in 2022. “The program was estimated to have cut 2,040 metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2022 and saved nearly $1 million in avoided fuel and electricity costs, according to the Rocky Mountain Institute.”