Are There Tax Incentives for Buying an E-Bike in the U.S.?

Short answer: yes—but they’re mostly state or city programs for now. A federal credit is still only a bill, while more than a dozen states (plus dozens of cities and utilities) already hand out point-of-sale discounts or post-purchase rebates.

1. The Federal Picture
Status What It Would Do
E-BIKE Act (H.R. 1685 / S. 881) 30 % refundable tax credit (max $1,500) on new e-bikes under $8,000. Re-introduced in 2024; still awaiting a floor vote as of July 2025.
heybike.com
Bicycle Commuter Benefit IRS exclusion for employer-paid bike expenses remains suspended through the 2025 tax year, so any reimbursement is taxable for employees.
irs.gov

Takeaway: Until Congress moves, assume no federal tax break at filing time.

2. The Big State-Wide Programs for 2025
California
Voucher up to $2,000 ($2,500 for cargo/adaptive bikes) for low-income riders; first statewide window opened Dec 2024 and continues to roll in waves through 2025.
ww2.arb.ca.gov

Colorado
Automatic $450 discount at checkout from participating retailers—available to any resident once per calendar year.
energyoffice.colorado.gov

Minnesota
Rebate covers 50 %–75 % of cost, up to $1,500. 2025 application window re-opens 2 July after last year’s portal crash; lawmakers are debating an income-cap that could drop the max to $750 next cycle.
house.mn.gov
axios.com

Washington (WE-Bike, launching Apr 2025)
$300 instant rebate for everyone; $1,200 for income-qualified riders.
upway.co

Coming-Soon & Smaller States
Massachusetts (spring 2025), Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington D.C. all have active or pilot programs; details vary.
upway.co

Tip: Many utilities (e.g., Austin Energy), air-quality districts (Utah’s Salt Lake County) and cities (Denver, Atlanta, Raleigh) layer additional $300–$1,700 rebates—worth stacking if you live there.
upway.co

3. How to Claim Your Incentive
Confirm eligibility

Residency proof (driver’s license, lease, utility bill).

Income caps (most programs use % of Area Median Income).

Bike spec: ≤ 750 W motor, UL 2849 battery certification is becoming standard (Colorado, California).

Watch the application window

Some states run lotteries (MN), others first-come-first-served (CO retailer discount is continuous).

Buy at an approved retailer

Vouchers nearly always require purchase from a pre-registered shop.

Keep every receipt

Accessories (helmet, lock, cargo kit) often qualify up to a dollar cap—save that paperwork.

4. Pro Tips to Maximize Savings
Stack deals: Pair a state voucher with retailer sales (July 4th, Labor Day) or manufacturer rebates.

Act fast: 2024 MN rebate certificates sold out in minutes; sign up for email alerts now.

Employer angle: Even though the commuter benefit exclusion is paused, ask HR—many firms tuck e-bike subsidies into Lifestyle Spending Accounts that dodge income limits.

Check resale rules: Some programs (CA) require you to keep the e-bike at least two years or repay the incentive.

5. Bottom Line
Until Congress passes the E-BIKE Act, state and local incentives are your golden ticket—and they can slash anywhere from a few hundred to two grand off a new ride. Start with your state’s energy or transportation agency website, mark the next application window on your calendar, and get your documents in order. Your wallet—and the planet—will thank you.

References
Electric Bicycle Incentive Kickstart for the Environment Act re-intro & specs
heybike.com

IRS Publication 15-B (2025) commuter benefit suspension
irs.gov

Colorado Energy Office E-Bike Tax Credit details
energyoffice.colorado.gov

California ARB E-Bike Incentive Project overview
ww2.arb.ca.gov

Minnesota House update on 2025 rebate
house.mn.gov

Axios report on proposed MN rebate cap
axios.com

Upway March 2025 tracker, incl. Washington WE-Bike & other state launches