In North America, a variety of incentives are available to individuals and businesses to make e-bikes more accessible and affordable. To encourage you to leave the car at home and hop on an e-bike, we’ve compiled a list of ongoing and long-term subsidy programs. In this article, we’ll explore several electric bike subsidies across Canada and the US to help you take the first step toward your new ride!
This article is not an exhaustive list and Tern is not sponsored by any of the incentive programs we’ve highlighted—we’re just sharing them to help you out! 🙂 For detailed information on each program, please visit their official websites.
Contents
- What is an e-bike incentive program?
- E-Bike Incentive Programs in Canada
- E-Bike Incentive Programs in the United States
- Check Other Online E-Bike Subsidies Overviews
What is an e-bike incentive program?
An e-bike incentive program is a government or organizational initiative designed to encourage the adoption of electric (cargo) bicycles. These programs typically offer financial support, such as rebates, subsidies, or tax credits, to offset the purchase or leasing costs of e-bikes.
The goal is to promote environmentally friendly transportation, reduce reliance on cars, and lower carbon emissions. Incentives often vary by region, targeting individuals, businesses, or public institutions, and may include additional requirements such as using renewable energy or specific bike types.
E-Bike Incentive Programs in Canada
British Columbia
The CleanBC 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.
To qualify for a rebate for a (cargo) e-bike, the specific make and model must be listed on the rebate program’s approved list—good news, Tern bikes are included! 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. Purchases directly from the e-bike manufacturer are not allowed. If the retailer does not offer instant rebates, buyers must claim the rebate retroactively within 30 days of purchase.
Prince Edward Island
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
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 for the program during open application periods, and vouchers will be distributed randomly. 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
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 through the online application portal, and certificates are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Once approved, the certificate is emailed, and you have two months to buy a discounted e-bike from an approved 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.
Since funding is limited, applications are first come, first served. Rebates must be applied for within 180 days of the purchase date. Businesses, non-profits, and government agencies are not eligible. To qualify, purchases must be made at a physical shop in Rhode Island or through online stores operated by shops based in the state. Purchases made at large chain stores are not eligible.
State of Vermont
Vermont’s Electrify Your Fleet program offers rebates to help businesses, municipalities, and non-profits replace fossil-fueled vehicles with cleaner electric alternatives, including e-bikes and electric cargo bikes. Eligible fleet owners can receive up to $2,500 per vehicle (or 25% of the purchase price) to add electric bikes with MSRPs under $10,000 to their fleet. Non-profits providing transportation services may qualify for enhanced incentives of $5,000 for some vehicles.
This program is open to Vermont-based organizations on a first-come, first-served basis, with funds specifically allocated for underserved communities. To qualify, you’re required to demonstrate that your purchase reduces greenhouse gas emissions and aligns with program goals. Your application must be approved before purchase, and you are expected to keep your e-bike for at least 24 months.
Check Other Online E-Bike Subsidies Overviews
E-Bike Incentive Programs of North America
If you want to know if your hometown or region also offers e-bike subsidies, we recommend you check Portland State University’s online tracker, which provides an overview of e-bike incentive programs across the US and Canada.
The tracker is organized based on several criteria, including incentive type, discount mechanism, and income thresholds, making it easier to find a program that suits your needs. The “Administrator” column refers to the authority or company sponsoring the incentive, while the “Status” column shows if the program is still active. Plus, the table includes direct links to each program, so you can easily find additional details and contact information.
E-Bike Rebates and Vouchers in the US
Upway.co provides an overview of e-bike rebates and vouchers available across the US. It explains how these programs work, which types of e-bikes are eligible, and lists states with active and proposed rebate programs. The page also details the financial incentives offered to encourage the adoption of e-bikes, aiming to make eco-friendly transportation more accessible to a broader population.
Happy shopping! 🚲✨