Denver’s electric bike rebates are making car alternatives cheaper. Other cities should listen up
The federal government’s plan to provide a tax credit for electric bike purchases doesn’t appear to be coming off of life support any time soon, but that hasn’t 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.
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’s program applies its rebate instantly at the store.
It’s 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, 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.
Oh yeah, and the program actually exists. That’s just one more advantage that Denver’s rebate has over the stalled federal program.
