In North America, individuals and businesses can more easily obtain and afford electric bicycles through various incentive measures. In this article, we will introduce several electric bicycle incentive programs in Canada and the United States to help you understand these policies.
What is an electric bicycle incentive program?
The Electric Bicycle Incentive Program is a government or organizational initiative aimed at encouraging the adoption of electric (freight) bicycles. These plans typically provide financial support such as rebates, subsidies, or tax credits to offset the purchase or rental costs of electric bicycles.
Its purpose is to promote environmentally friendly transportation, reduce dependence on cars, and lower carbon emissions. Incentive measures typically vary by region, targeting individuals, businesses, or public institutions, and may include additional requirements such as the use of renewable energy or specific types of bicycles.
E-Bike Incentive Programs in Canada
British Columbia: Clean BC Go Electric Rebates
The Clean BC Go Electric Rebates Program offers rebates to individuals, businesses, and public organizations in British Columbia for purchasing or leasing electric vehicles, including motorcycles, cargo e-bikes, and utility vehicles. These rebates apply to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Some rebates, like those for electric motorcycles, are available to everyone, but (cargo) e-bikes are limited to businesses, non-profits, or public sector organizations.
The rebate program’s approved list must include the specific make and model of the (cargo) e-bike to qualify for a rebate. Make sure to check the program’s list to ensure your bike model qualifies before applying.
Nova Scotia: Electrify Nova Scotia Rebate Program
Nova Scotia residents can qualify for a $500 rebate for the purchase or lease of e-bikes or electric vehicles through selected dealers in the province. The rebates are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and the program will be terminated once the funding has been exhausted.
According to the eligibility criteria, e-bikes must be purchased from a physical store and retail for at least $1,200 but not more than $10,000. The program does not allow purchases directly from the e-bike manufacturer. If the retailer does not offer instant rebates, buyers must claim the rebate retroactively within 30 days of purchase.
Prince Edward Island: E-Bike Incentive
Prince Edward Island (PEI) residents and organizations may qualify for a $500 rebate for an e-bike purchase. Individuals may apply for one rebate per calendar year. Non-profits, businesses, public agencies, and entities registered or operating in PEI—including Island municipalities, First Nations, Indigenous organizations, and those supporting Indigenous Peoples—are eligible for up to five e-bike rebates per calendar year. Provincial, crown, and federal government agencies are excluded.
Yukon: Clean Energy Rebates
The Yukon provincial government offers a rebate for purchasing electric bicycles and electric cargo bicycles. The rebate covers 25% of the bicycle’s cost, up to a maximum of $750 for regular e-bikes and $1,500 for cargo e-bikes. Both residents and businesses in the Yukon can apply, with businesses eligible for up to 10 rebates per year. To apply, you can either get the rebate at the time of purchase from participating vendors or apply to the Energy Branch after buying the bike.
E-Bike Incentive Programs in the United States
District of Columbia: District E-Bike Incentive Program
The District E-Bike Incentive Program, created by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), provides up to $1,500 in vouchers for D.C. residents to purchase electric bikes and related accessories. The goal is to encourage sustainable transportation while making e-bikes more affordable, especially for low-income residents.
You can apply when the program opens, and they will randomly distribute vouchers. To apply, fill out an online application or attend an in-person event where you can get help and learn more about the program. After being approved, you can redeem your voucher at participating local bike shops. The next round of applications will open in early 2025.
State of Minnesota: E-Bike Rebate Program
The Electric-Assisted Bicycle Rebate (e-Bike Rebate) helps Minnesota residents save money when purchasing a new e-bike from eligible retailers. The rebate covers 50-75% of the eligible cost, up to a maximum of $1,500. Residents and retailers must apply through the Minnesota Department of Revenue to participate.
You can apply for a rebate certificate online, and the program distributes certificates on a first-come, first-served basis. Once approved, you’ll receive the certificate via email and have two months to buy a discounted e-bike from an authorized retailer. Retailers then apply the discount and request reimbursement within a month through the retailer portal. The next round of applications will open in the early summer of 2025.
State of Rhode Island: Erika Niedowski Memorial Electric Bicycle Rebate Program
Created in honor of clean energy advocate Erika Niedowski, this rebate program is open to Rhode Island households and offers two options:
Standard Rebate: You can save up to $350 or 30% (whichever is less) on an e-bike or e-cargo bike. The limit is two rebates per household.
Income-Qualified Rebate: Save up to $750 or 75% (whichever is less). The limit is also two rebates per household.
Due to limited funding, our office handles applications in the order they’re received. Customers need to submit their rebate applications within 180 days after purchasing. Businesses, non-profits, and government agencies are not eligible. To qualify, buyers must purchase the bike from a Rhode Island brick-and-mortar store or a locally operated online shop. Purchases made at large chain stores are not eligible.
This article is not exhaustive – we are just sharing them to help you. For detailed incentive programs on e-bike, please visit its official website.
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