US Congressman Panetta Introduces E-BIKE Act to Reduce Emissions

In early February 2021, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) and Congressional Bike Caucus Chairman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) introduced the Electric Bicycle Incentive Kickstart for the Environment (E-BIKE) Act to encourage the use of e-bikes through a consumer tax credit.

The E-BIKE Act creates a consumer tax credit that can be applied to new electric bicycles that cost less than $8,000, and the credit covers 30% of the cost up to $1,500.

Supported by many groups, such as PeopleForBikes, the initiative is aimed at helping all socio-economic groups fight the climate crisis by transitioning to greener modes of transportation to reduce carbon emissions.

“E-bikes are a game-changer as they provide equitable mobility. Electric bikes allow people to continue using bicycles for recreation and fitness while creating options for daily commuting, including grocery shopping and transporting children to daycare or parks, in addition to improving public health.

E-bikes are a legitimate and practical form of transportation that can help reduce our carbon emissions,” said Congressman Panetta. “By incentivizing the use of electric bicycles to replace car trips through a consumer tax credit, we can encourage more Americans to help fight the climate crisis.