Minnesota's Electric Bike Rebate Program Relaunches with Expanded Funding

In a bid to promote sustainable transportation and reduce carbon emissions, Minnesota's Department of Commerce is relaunching its popular Electric Bicycle (E-Bike) Rebate Program on July 2, 2023, with increased funding and expanded eligibility criteria.

Program Overview

The program offers rebates of up to $1,500 for qualified e-bike purchases made from participating retailers. This includes Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 electric bicycles, which can assist riders in pedaling with speeds ranging from 20 mph to 28 mph.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the rebate, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a Minnesota resident
Purchase an eligible e-bike from a participating retailer
Submit a rebate application within 60 days of purchase
Provide proof of purchase and a photo of the e-bike

Rebate Amount

Class 1 e-bikes: Up to $150
Class 2 and 3 e-bikes: Up to $750
Cargo e-bikes: Up to $1,500

Application Process

The rebate application will be available online at energy.mn.gov/e-bike-rebate starting July 2. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.

Program Expansion

This year, the program has been expanded in several ways:

Increased funding: The state legislature allocated an additional $2.5 million to the program, increasing the total funding available to $5 million.
Expanded eligibility: Cargo e-bikes are now eligible for the maximum rebate of $1,500.
New participating retailers: Several new retailers have joined the program, providing a wider selection of e-bikes for consumers.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

The E-Bike Rebate Program aims to reduce transportation emissions and promote a healthier lifestyle while supporting the local economy. E-bikes offer an accessible and convenient mode of transportation that can replace car trips for short distances. They also provide health benefits by encouraging physical activity.

Supporting Sustainability Goals

The program aligns with Minnesota's broader sustainability goals, which include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. By incentivizing e-bike purchases, the state hopes to reduce transportation emissions and improve air quality.

Conclusion

The relaunch of Minnesota's Electric Bicycle Rebate Program provides a significant opportunity for residents to adopt sustainable transportation and save money on e-bike purchases. With increased funding and expanded eligibility, the program is expected to have a positive impact on the environment, economy, and public health.