{"id":20977,"date":"2022-04-28T04:11:34","date_gmt":"2022-04-28T08:11:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=20977"},"modified":"2022-04-28T04:11:34","modified_gmt":"2022-04-28T08:11:34","slug":"denvers-electric-bike-rebates-are-making-car-alternatives-cheaper-other-cities-should-listen-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=20977","title":{"rendered":"Denver’s electric bike rebates are making car alternatives cheaper. Other cities should listen up"},"content":{"rendered":"

The federal government\u2019s plan to provide a tax credit for electric bike purchases<\/a> doesn\u2019t appear to be coming off of life support any time soon, but that hasn\u2019t stopped Denver from creating its own e-bike rebate program. In fact, the city might have done an even better job making these effective car alternatives more accessible to a wider range of incomes and budgets.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s because Denver\u2019s new electric bike rebate program is an actual point-of-sale rebate.<\/p>\n

Unlike the proposed federal tax credit that could provide 30% off of a new electric bike purchase, yet still requires the rider to shell out the full price then wait on a return, Denver\u2019s program applies its rebate instantly at the store.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s nearly as potent as the up to $900 offered in the federal program, with a $400 rebate for most e-bikes and up to $900 for electric cargo bikes<\/a>, meaning it can make a significant dent in the price of a new electric bike for Denverites. To make it even more equitable, low-income residents that qualify can see the rebate increase up to $1,200.<\/p>\n

Oh yeah, and the program actually exists. That\u2019s just one more advantage that Denver\u2019s rebate has over the stalled federal program.<\/p>\n

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E-bikes like the Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser<\/a> can replace cars as functional two-seater commuter vehicles.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So while we wait with bated breath to see if Congress can revive the stalled e-bike tax credit for millions of Americans, perhaps its time to take a closer look at how cities and states can follow Denver\u2019s lead and make car alternatives more accessible to commuters.<\/p>\n

Denver\u2019s program is interesting for a few reasons.<\/p>\n

First, it includes nearly all electric bike designations. That means Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes qualify (speeds up to 28 mph or 45 km\/h), as long as they don\u2019t exceed power ratings of 750W.<\/p>\n

Second, it focuses on electric bikes that riders can actually use for utility purposes, i.e., picking up the kids from school, buying groceries, getting to work, etc. Full-suspension electric mountain bikes are specifically excluded from the rebate. That\u2019s probably a fair move, as these e-bikes generally cost $4K\u2013$8K and anyone who can afford one doesn\u2019t need help buying one.<\/p>\n

Yes, they\u2019re fun to ride. I love getting big air and bombing both uphill and downhill runs<\/a>. But that\u2019s not the point of these rebate programs. It\u2019s not about giving people a fun new leisure toy or even a form of exercise (don\u2019t forget that electric mountain bikes can offer as much exercise as pedal mountain bikes<\/a>). It\u2019s about providing car alternatives that can help reduce traffic, reduce emissions, and push society toward embracing more walkable cities<\/a>.<\/p>\n

That means you\u2019re left with good old-fashioned commuter, hybrid, and comfort e-bikes for the $400 rebate, or electric cargo bikes for the $900 rebate (e-cargo bikes get an additional $500 rebate on top of the base level $400 rebate for all e-bikes outside of full-suspension electric mountain bikes).<\/p>\n

And lastly, the rebate is redeemable by purchasing through a number of local electric bike shops. There are currently around a dozen electric bike shops<\/a> taking part, and they offer popular e-bike models like those from Aventon, Raleigh, Fattebikes, Trek, Electra, Pedego, REI, etc. <\/p>\n

Sure, it\u2019d be nice to just order a $799 Lectric XP LITE e-bike<\/a> online and get it for 50% off using the rebate, but that\u2019s not going to happen. Instead, the Denver program is helping local businesses that sell e-bikes. And for this type of program, that makes sense. Many riders taking part will likely be new to e-bikes and so the support of a local dealer that can provide service and answer questions will be invaluable.<\/p>\n

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Juiced\u2019s electric bikes like the CrossCurrent X <\/a>offer powerful commuter performance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

More studies are showing the benefits of swapping out cars for space-efficient and energy-efficient e-bikes <\/a>that can travel at similar car speeds in cities at a fraction of the cost. Simultaneously, more cities than just Denver are finding ways to help embrace the societal benefits of increasing accessibility to these important commuter tools.<\/p>\n

In fact, e-bike company Aventon maintains a list of various local electric bike incentives<\/a> dotting the US right now. <\/p>\n

Having recently reviewed the company\u2019s awesome new Aventon Soltera e-bike<\/a>, I can see a prime target for applying some of these rebates.<\/p>\n

Shouldn\u2019t your city be next?<\/p>\n

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