The Minnesota Department of Revenue is offering a USD 1,500 rebate on the purchase of a new e-bike. Unfortunately, demand for this e-bike rebate was so high that the online application crashed.
The application went live on June 5, 2024, at 11 a.m. and went down shortly after. While the program is still moving forward, the state has suspended applications until July 2, 2024, while it figures out how to handle the intense demand.
What Is the Minnesota Electric-Assisted Bicycle Rebate?
The Minnesota Electric-Assisted Bicycle Rebate provides Minnesota residents with a rebate of up to USD 1,500 when they purchase a qualifying e-bike from an approved retailer. As of June 26, 2024, the state approved over 200 retailers.
While the Minnesota e-bike rebate can’t exceed the bike’s price, residents can receive a 50-75% discount, depending on their income.
Married joint filers with an adjusted gross income of less than USD 54,001 could receive a maximum rebate of 75%. That threshold for the full 75% rebate lowers to USD 29,001 for all other filers. Residents with an income over USD 125,001 could receive an e-bike rebate of 50%.
Right now, the program has USD 2 million in annual funding for 2024 and 2025 that will go to an estimated 1,300 applicants. The Minnesota Department of Revenue will respond to all applications by June 9, 2024. Those awarded a rebate will receive it by June 10 and must use it within two months.
How Minnesota Is Handling the Demand for E-Bike Rebates
According to our 2024 eBikes.org report, the e-bike industry will grow at a compound annual rate of nearly 10% between 2022 and 2030. And the demand for e-bikes in Minnesota highlights just how popular the industry is becoming.
The state initially set up the program to handle 10,000 requests, but it’s uncertain how many people tried to apply on June 5. Only 80 people were able to successfully submit their applications before the site went down for good at 1:30 p.m.
The press release from June 25 states that it will still only accept 10,000 requests. This time around, the state is creating a virtual waiting room to manage the influx of applicants.
As of June 26, the online application still displays an error page. However, the state vows to provide the new application link via email and social media updates.
Other Ways to Save on E-Bikes
The Minnesota e-bike rebate program is a big deal for residents, but it’s not the only way to get e-bike savings.
The pending E-BIKE Act could provide a 30% e-bike tax credit (up to USD 1,500) for an e-bike purchase. Many other states also offer rebates and discount programs, not to mention the numerous short- and long-term financial benefits of owning an e-bike.
Still, this new Minnesota e-bike rebate is one of the best options on the table for local residents. The Department of Revenue has an email update form you can fill out so you’ll receive alerts when the application is back online.
You can also sign up for the eBikes.org newsletter for more news updates — including alerts about other cost-saving tips.
