April is prime time for e-bike rebates, with several states and cities opening up what amounts to a lottery for the popular vouchers.
Massachusetts is the latest state to offer such incentives, joining a small list of states with programs that award individuals who buy e-bikes. As spring weather leads to a resurgence in biking, California, Colorado, and Minnesota have taken different approaches to the release of their e-bike rebates amid high demand. Several large cities have also recently updated their rebate programs.
Now, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) has hopped on the proverbial bandwagon by launching the Massachusetts Statewide Electric Bike Incentive Program. It will go live in May and is already accepting applications.
Why E-Bike Incentives?
The bike industry was already facing economic headwinds and higher duties. Then, President Trump started his second term with steep tariff increases that have made bicycles even more expensive. With major brands like Specialized and Trek already raising prices, many consumers will need help to afford these battery-powered bicycles.
“E-bikes are a practical and affordable solution to tackle some of our biggest issues we face with the environment and transportation,” Rebecca Tepper, Massachusetts’ energy and environmental affairs secretary, said in a release.
“Since transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas pollution in the state, this initiative is important to our overall plan for a cleaner energy future that benefits every resident of Massachusetts.”
In general, the reasoning behind e-bike incentives works like this: It’s easier to convince people to ride bikes that offer pedal assistance. So e-bike rebates are more effective in lowering the hurdles for getting people on any kind of bike, according to industry advocates. This may also play a small role in reducing overall traffic congestion and harmful air pollution.
Massachusetts’ new e-bike voucher program seeks to help moderate- to low-income residents, as well as those with physical challenges who would benefit from an adaptive e-bike. The state will award vouchers of $800 (or $1,200 vouchers for adaptive bikes) via random selection. Applicants may also receive equipment vouchers up to $150.
In contrast, Colorado became the first state to offer a flat $450 e-bike tax credit to residents and did away with its application process. Connecticut also offers a flat $500 voucher for adult residents. And for those who meet certain geographic and income qualifications, the state offers up to $1,500 in rebates.
More California Rebates Available
Meanwhile, California will soon release another wave of vouchers for new e-bikes. These rebate and voucher programs draw a lot of interest and often run out quickly.
California’s e-bike incentive program offers low-income residents the chance to save up to $2,000 off a new e-bike. The state will release 1,000 vouchers during its next application period window at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29.
Last December, California released its initial wave of 1,500 vouchers. Those vouchers were claimed in less than an hour, with nearly 100,000 people waiting in the online queue.
Ongoing Incentives
States with e-bike incentives or rebates for individuals are:
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut (TBD in 2025)
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Rhode Island
- Washington
Colorado became the first state to offer a flat $450 e-bike tax credit to residents and remove its application process.
Connecticut offers a flat $500 voucher for adult residents, with lottery-like rounds of awards. And those who meet certain geographic and income qualifications can receive another $750 for up to $1,250 in rebates. It is unclear if (or when) this program will continue in 2025.
Minnesota residents can get a rebate of up to $1,500 on a new e-bike through the state’s revenue department. Residents can apply for a certificate online. The vouchers are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Once approved, they are valid for 2 months from approved retailers. The state is expected to offer 2025 rebates this summer.
Rhode Island offers residents two tiers of rebates. The Standard Rebate awards up to $350 or 30% (whichever is less) on an e-bike or e-cargo bike. The Income-Qualified Rebate awards up to $750 or 75% (whichever is less). There is a limit of two rebates per household. These are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and must be claimed at approved retailers within 180 days of the purchase date.
Colorado became the first state to offer a flat e-bike tax credit for residents and did away with its application process.
City Incentives
Meanwhile, large cities like Denver, Atlanta, and Portland (both Ore. and Maine) offer similar rebates. These may run outside of any state programs or in conjunction with them for stackable savings.
- Denver, Colo.: Colorado’s capital also offers $450 vouchers toward e-bikes and adaptive e-bikes for lower-income residents. The vouchers are released every other month and can be combined with the state’s e-bike tax credit to cover up to $900 or 80% of an e-bike’s price.
- South Portland, Maine: Here, you’ll find e-bike rebates through the city’s Electrify Everything Program. Residents earning up to 100% of the local median income can receive a $300 rebate on e-bikes or a $500 rebate on cargo e-bikes.
- Eugene, Ore.: This city offers a $300 e-bike rebate. Portland is set to launch its program this summer with two tiers of incentives for low- and medium-income residents. Those details are still being ironed out, but the rebates are part of the city’s ongoing plan for e-bike incentives.
Smaller cities also offer incentives or rebates, so it’s worth a quick internet search to find out if your local metro offers any before you buy an e-bike.
Read the full article here
