The future of getting around town may come in the form of two wheels.
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E-bikes continue to grow in popularity as a transportation alternative, and part of that is thanks to state rebate programs. Now, some are demanding the federal government offer the same incentives.
Colorado and Minnesota are part of a handful of new states now offering money back for buying an electric bike. Colorado’s program includes a base incentive of $1,100 for lower-income residents, while Minnesota provides up to $1,500.
Other states with programs include:
- Vermont
- New York
- California
- Maine
- Washington State
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- Virginia
- Rhode Island
- Oregon
- New Mexico
- Washington, DC
Even in places without a statewide program, several cities like Durham, NC and Tampa, FL, have launched their own programs.
Organizations like People for Bikes say these programs must keep expanding to “promote sustainable transportation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transportation insecurity.”
The bicycle advocacy group and big-name outdoors companies like REI have launched campaigns for more incentives. Many are focusing on the E-BIKE Act, which stands for the Electric Bicycle Incentive Kickstart for the Environment. A 30% tax credit of up to $1,500 would be available for purchasing new e-bikes if passed.
Lawmakers reintroduced the bill in March of this year, but it has not moved out of Congress. A recent survey by ebikes.org found that 7 out of 10 people living in major cities would consider an e-bike if the bill passed.
REI’s campaign says carbon emissions would shrink by 11% if people used e-bikes for just 15% of today’s car trips.
Are you ready to start riding an e-bike?
Government we have in there now doesn’t give a damn about our country, so much fraud and corruption. So many scandals! Fire them all and hire people who will care and not bend to the way of corruption!