Minnesota E-Bike Rebates Favor High Earners

Recent data from the Minnesota Department of Revenue indicates that over 40% of recipients of the state's e-bike tax rebate program have annual incomes exceeding $100,000, raising concerns about the program's effectiveness in supporting low-income individuals. While the initiative aims to provide discounts of 50% to 75% on e-bike purchases, only 37% of recipients fall into the low-income category, falling short of the intended 40%. The rebate program, launched in June 2024, experienced a rocky start with a website crash, leading to a significant waitlist after only 1,170 rebates were awarded from over 14,000 applications. Advocates and the bill's author, Senator Omar Fateh, are calling for reforms to ensure equitable access for low-income residents, especially given the challenges faced during the application process. In contrast, California is launching a new subsidy program to provide e-bike vouchers primarily for low-income residents, emphasizing accessibility and air quality improvement. Both states highlight the need for more inclusive transportation solutions as discussions around e-bike rebates continue.