Biking in the Prairie State could get even better.
An important bill (H.B. 3447) is currently being considered in the Illinois state Legislature that, if passed, would create an incentive program to reduce the cost to purchase an e-bike—especially for people with low and middle incomes or those living in areas with worse air quality.
This amending of the Electric Vehicle Rebate Act, proposed by Rep. Kam Buckner, would set rebate tiers based on the cost of retail e-bike purchases at the register in order to maximize the impact for low- and mid-income communities, and prioritizes residents living in areas historically affected by environmental injustices:
$750 rebate for e-bikes sold for $1,750 or less.
$500 for those greater than $1,750 but under $4,000.
$250 for $4,000-5,000.
It also prioritizes households with incomes below 300% the federal poverty limit or receiving food or energy assistance, by proposing a second tiered rebate schedule, where applicants receive at least a $1,000 rebate for the first $2,000 spent on a retail e-bike purchase, and offer a maximum $2,000 rebate for a purchase of $5,000 or more. If approved, the bill would allow Illinois to stand as a leader in expanding electric bicycle access, equity and opportunities for all.
Despite having broad popular support, this bill has been stuck in committee for over a year. So now, we’re harnessing this network's power and partnering with PeopleForBikes to demand the Illinois House signs off on it, gets it to the state Senate, and eventually across the finish line—that’s where you come in.