Do Refurbished E-Bikes Qualify for Rebates or Tax Credits?

Written by: Rémy Rossi November 14, 2025 Time to read 4 min

Can you use rebates or tax credits on refurbished e-Bikes? Learn how Upway helps riders save big through state and local incentive programs.

More about the Author: Remy Rossi

Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.

Close up of Cannondale Moterra Neo electric mountain bike headtube

What’s better than a discount? Two discounts, at the same time! Riders can take advantage of the big savings provided by electric bike rebates and Upway’s unbeatable prices on refurbished e-Bikes. Each state or city e-Bike incentive is different, so you’ll have to read the fine print to find out where you make your purchase. Upway was an authorized retailer for the Minnesota E-Bike Rebate Program and sold more than 50 electric bikes through it. Here’s everything you need to know about buying a refurbished e-Bike with a rebate or tax credit.  


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We are the leading provider for buying and selling e-Bike online. At Upway, you can get your next 
e-Bike for up to 60% off retail prices, in new or like-new conditions. 


What are electric bike rebates?

Woman riding Specialized Globe Haul electric cargo bike

E-Bike incentives come in the form of vouchers, rebates, and tax credits that make purchasing an electric bike more affordable. There are e-Bike incentive programs across the US in different states and cities, though there is not a federal rebate or tax credit yet. 

Typically, these programs are limited in funding and reserved for income-qualified residents. Check with your state and local area to receive the latest information on where an incentive is currently available.

Types of electric bike incentives:

  • Voucher: Also called time-of-purchase rebates, vouchers apply a discount at checkout for instant savings. This is the most common type in the US. 

  • Rebate: Rebates refund the user at some point after the purchase.

  • Tax credit: People who buy an e-Bike can deduct the price of the bike from their taxes for a discount. States like Denver have an e-Bike tax credit, and there is a proposed federal tax credit in the works. 

Each program has its own rules and restrictions

Upway industrial refurbishment center and electric bike inventory

Electric bike incentives vary widely in the amount of financial assistance they offer and the restrictions they impose. Most e-Bike vouchers in the US are income-qualified, meaning recipients must be below a specified income level to apply for the program— this helps vouchers make their way to residents who really need them and would otherwise not be able to afford an e-Bike. Applicants also must be residents of the state, city, or county that is offering the voucher.

Demand is often high for these voucher programs, and each one has a different application process. Some are first-come, first-served, whereas programs like the California E-Bike Incentive Project are a lottery for qualified applicants. I recommend you do your homework on important details like when the application window opens, application requirements, and get in early! 

Additional rules apply, such as the type of electric bike or the list of authorized retailers where recipients can purchase their bikes. E-Bikes must be legal Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 models, while some programs are especially designed for cargo e-Bikes. The program will specify the approved retailers where the voucher may be used. 

Upway is an authorized retailer for certain programs

Upway electric bike shipping boxes

Upway is proud to have been an approved retailer for electric bike incentive programs in Minnesota and California! Customers enjoyed great savings thanks to their voucher and Upway’s already excellent prices on used e-Bikes, up to 60% off retail. 

Upway looks forward to partnering with more e-Bike voucher programs across the US. Most approved retailers for these programs are local bike shops and brand stores, but Upway is demonstrating the success of including refurbished e-Bikes in the equation. All the bikes in Upway’s UpCenter in Los Angeles qualify for the state’s voucher program, which is currently paused but is slated to resume in its third round sometime in the future. 

Browse Upway’s collection of bikes at our UpCenter in Los Angeles! These models are qualified for the California E-Bike Incentive Project. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a federal e-Bike rebate program?

There is no federal e-Bike rebate program at the moment. A few bicycle-friendly representatives in Congress have reintroduced the E-BIKE Act to encourage the use of e-Bikes through a consumer tax credit. The bill would cover 30% of the cost of a qualified e-Bike, but will have to see if the legislation passes.

What's the status of California's electric bike rebate program?

The much anticipated California E-Bike Incentive Project still hasn’t been launched due to a series of delays and program mismanagement. The program is accepting applications from retailers but hasn’t set a date when state residents and begin to apply. 

Who is eligible for e-Bike voucher programs?

E-Bike voucher programs are designed for residents who earn an income below a certain level. Depending on the program criteria, higher-need individuals can be eligible for even 

Key Takeaways


  1. Rebates, vouchers, and tax credits can make e-bikes far more affordable—but eligibility and savings vary by state or city.
  2. Refurbished e-Bikes from Upway may qualify for incentive programs, like those in Minnesota and California.
  3. Check program details early: Funds go fast, and only approved retailers and specific bike classes are eligible.




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