The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced this week the launch of the state’s first electric bicycle (eBike) voucher program, helping to offer residents a different clean transportation option, with increased incentives for low- and moderate-income individuals and those who live in distressed or environmental justice communities.
The new eBike program was established by Public Act 22-25 (the Connecticut Clean Air Act), which expanded the Connecticut Hydrogen & Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) incentive program to include incentives for eBikes. The CHEAPR program already provides incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) costing up to $50,000 and will now include incentives for qualifying eBikes costing up to $3,000.
“As one of the first state-wide eBike incentive programs in the country, we will be providing additional electrified transportation options for those who may not be able to afford a car, let alone an electric vehicle,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “This program will increase micro-mobility options, especially for low- and moderate- income households, while also helping to lower carbon emissions in our state, especially in communities disproportionately impacted by air pollution.”
Fires from inferior eBikes are a growing concern in both Connecticut and around the country as they become a more popular mode of transportation. In response to safety concerns associated with inferior eBike batteries, Connecticut is adopting some of the first-in-the-nation minimum battery quality and safety criteria requirements for eligible eBikes.
See more information on Connecticut’s program here.
