E-bikes and electric motorcycles could become much more affordable in the United States after tax credits moved closer to becoming law.

Electric bikes and electric motorcycles received generous tax credit proposals under the Build Back Better Act, which was passed by the US House of Representatives on Friday morning.

While tax credits for electric cars and electric vehicle batteries grabbed the headlines, electric bikes and motorcycles have not been forgotten.

Electric motorcycles already benefit from a 10% federal tax credit, but that figure has been tripled to 30% in the new bill, according to the Washington post.

The credit has been capped at a maximum of $ 7,500 and will apply to electric motorcycles that meet certain minimum requirements. To be eligible, electric motorcycles must have at least 2.5 kWh of battery power and be driven at speeds of at least 45 mph (72 km / h).

They should also be designed primarily for road use, which means electric off-road motorcycles are unlikely to qualify.

Most electric motorcycles exceed these two numbers, although mini electric motorcycles may fall below the minimum requirements.

A new wave of lightweight electric motorcycles such as the SONDORS Metacycle and the Kollter ES1, both priced at $ 5,000 to $ 6,000, would likely qualify and have their prices reduced by over $ 1,500.

Electric scooters such as the NIU NQi GT can simply slip into the list of qualified vehicles with top speeds listed at 45 mph (72 km / h).

Two- and three-wheel electric vehicles are covered by the bill, which means vehicles such as the three-wheeled Arcimoto FUV (seen in my test driving review video below) can also benefit from tax credits of up to $ 7,500.

Electric bikes have received their first ever green light from the federal government in the form of a 30% tax credit.

The tax credit is capped at a maximum of $ 900 and would only apply to e-bikes priced under $ 4,000 (which includes a wide selection of quality e-bikes, but excludes some of the options. most expensive).

While several models of electric bikes can be found for under $ 1,000, the most popular electric bikes cost several thousand dollars.

The inclusion of e-bikes in federal electric vehicle tax credits comes after significant support and lobbying from the public and groups like PeopleForBikes.

As PeopleForBikes President and CEO Jenn Dice explained:

“Latest House Vote on Build Back Better (BBB) ​​Act embraces bicycles as part of climate solution through new financial incentives for bicycles and e-bikes and grants for infrastructure improvements focused on climate and equity. We urge the Senate to pass the BBB before the end of the year so that we can get to work to reduce transportation emissions while allowing all people, no matter how they travel or where they live, to move. “

Now the bill is heading to the Senate, where it faces an uphill battle and will require the support of the 50 Democrats if it is to be passed.

Without any Republican support for the bill, even a single defection from Democrats could prevent its passage.

[Update: This article previously stated a maximum e-bike tax credit of $1,500, though that appears to have been lowered to $900 before the passage of the bill.

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