In order to cut back on the amount of short car trips, Denver is providing people incentives to promote the purchase of electric bikes. This rebate is part of the Denver Climate Action Rebate Program, which is designed to help residents with a range of climate-friendly equipment, including heat pumps and solar panels. It's a natural complement to the subsidies many government agencies offer for electric vehicles.
When purchasing a qualified electric bicycle from a list of recognized local stores, Denver residents can apply for a “immediate refund”. Some folks may even be eligible for a voucher worth up to $1,700. All Denver residents will be able to apply for a $400 instant rebate, with e-cargo bike purchases qualifying for a $500 quick Individuals who are "income-qualified" may be entitled for a $1,200 first rebate instead of $400.
Better yet, residents may apply in advance and produce their voucher at eligible bike stores at the time of their purchase, so they needn’t fork out all the cash up front. That’s crucial, given that e-bikes may cost $1,000 for a simple version, though most are in the $1,000 to $4,000 range. Besides, it is important to notice that the rebate is for one e-bike per person, with no limit or minimum purchase price.
Of course, there are conditions to get a rebate. Residents must be at least 16 years old to qualify. Residents must be enrolled in one of seven programs or have a household income of less than 60% of the state's median income, less than 200 percent of the applicable federal poverty threshold, or less than 80% of the region median income to be eligible.
If the federal government eventually gets its act together, Americans may expect to see more e-bike subsidies. The provision to provide a federal tax credit for e-bikes was included in President Biden's Build Back Better Act (the social spending portion of his infrastructure plan that failed in the Senate). What‘s more, New York State is considering legislation that would extend an electric vehicle tax credit to electric bikes.
