What’s Different About the New Federal E-Bike Credit Proposal
A popular proposal for a federal e-bike credit is back in front of Congress — and this time, supporters have hard proof of concept that it will be the emissions-slashing, congestion-cutting, mode-shifting tool that Americans deserve.
On Tuesday, a coalition of lawmakers led by Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) re-introduced the Electric Bicycle Incentive Kickstart for the Environment (EBIKE) Act, which would provide up to $1,500 or 30 percent of the purchase price in refundable tax credits for new pedal-assist bicycles that cost $8,000 or less. For some low-income families, that means much of the credit would be paid back to them in the form of a refund.
Banayan is careful to note that bills like the EBIKE Act rarely pass as standalone legislation, and will most likely be rolled into a future tax policy package where it is likely to face steep opposition from Republican lawmakers, none of whom are sponsoring the revised version. Still, if advocates can send a clear enough message to their lawmakers that they believe in the power of pedal-assist, supporters are optimistic about its future.
“More needs to be done to ensure that everybody across our country has access to an e-bike,” said Rep. Panetta, in a release. “With its fully refundable tax incentives for those in the lower economic levels, the EBIKE 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.”
Click here to learn more about how to contact your representatives about the EBIKE Act.
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