The Minnesota e-Bike rebate program is a new initiative launching July 1, 2024. The aim of the scheme is to make purchasing new electric-assisted bicycles more accessible for Minnesotans.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Minnesota Department of Revenue (MnDOR) have pioneered this new scheme to boost sustainable transportation and get more citizens using green commuting solutions.
Applications to the program must be made online through the MnDOR website.
To be eligible, applicants must be at least 15 years old, reside in Minnesota, and not have been claimed as a dependent in the 2023 tax year. You must be an individual taxpayer, also.
You can apply for a rebate certificate via the online rebate portal starting June 5 2024 at 11 a.m. Central Time. Applications will be accepted until the portal closes after reaching a limited number.
Rebate certificates will be issued on July 1 to approved applicants, determined by how many certificates are needed to utilize the $2 million available for this year. If you receive a certificate, it must be used at an approved retailer within two months or it will expire. The certificate will cover 50-75% of a qualifying purchase, up to $1,500, depending on your income.
If funds remain after October 1, additional rebate certificates will be issued to those who applied but did not initially receive one, up to the $2 million limit.
Not all applicants will receive a rebate certificate if there are more applications than the total rebate amount. However, the application portal will reopen in 2025. The application process must be done online.
On May 1 at (8 a.m. Central Time) the Minnesota government's online portal opened to bike shops to apply to become qualified retailers for the program.
On June 5 (11 a.m. Central Time) the online portal opens for individuals to apply for a rebate.
By July 1, the government's Revenue department issues rebate certificates by email to approved individuals, who can then begin the purchase process with eligible retailers.
The e-Bike Rebate provides a discount of up to $1,500 on a qualifying e-Bike. The discount is 50-75% of a buyer's qualifying expenses, depending on their income. The rebate value cannot exceed the price of the e-bike.
A maximum rebate amount for the entire program is set at $2million for the years 2024 and 2025.
The electric-assisted bicycle rebate is determined by each applicant's individual income. If a Minnesotan earning the state average $66,630 per annum were to apply as a single individual, they would be allowed 65% of the price of an e-bike, (to a maximum of $1,500). Theoretically, if they bought an ebike with a sticker price of $2,300, they would claim $1,500 in rebate and need to cover the other $800 themselves.
You can calculate your own personal potential rebate on the Department of Revenue website, and will have to enter some basic information from your 2023 income tax return.
As a new program offering a fantastic potential discount, we're sure you'll have some questions about the scheme.
What is covered by the rebate?
The rebate is for an e-bike and qualifying accessories, up to a maximum of $1,500.
Qualifying e-Bike accessories are limited to bike helmet, lights, lock, luggage rack, basket, bag or backpack, fenders, or reflective clothing. The accessories must be purchased at the same time as the e-bike to qualify.
How do I use my rebate once I have applied?
Once you have received your rebate certificate, you can bring that to an approved retailer and they will remove the value of the certificate from your purchase.
When can I apply for a rebate certificate?
The application portal for individuals opens on June 5. For the most current information, sign up for email updates for e-Bike Rebate applicants.
What are the requirements to apply?
To be eligible, you must:
My spouse applied for a rebate. Can I apply as well?
Yes. Rebate certificates are issued individually which means married taxpayers are both individually eligible. Each of you can apply for your own certificate using your joint adjusted gross income.
How much is the rebate?
The rebate certificate covers 50-75% of your qualifying expenses, up to $1,500, depending on your income. Qualifying expenses include an e-bike and certain accessories purchased at the same time. The rebate value cannot exceed the price of the e-bike.
Where can I use my rebate certificate?
The MnDOR has not yet published its list of approved retailers, but this will be posted on their website closer to the application date.
Can I purchase an e-Bike from an online e-bike retailer?
Yes, provided the retailer is approved for this program and meets all other program requirements.
Can I apply the rebate to an e-Bike purchased before I received a rebate certificate?
No. The e-Bike Rebate certificate must be used at the time of purchase.
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