E-bike rebates provide another reason to ride

Electric bikes are getting more popular and are getting strong support as a very healthy means of transportation.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee is a strong advocate of electric bikes and the Washington state Legislature recently approved an appropriation up to $7 million in the next two years to support the purchase of e-bikes and create e-bike “lending libraries.”

The incentive program provides e-bike buyers a $300 point of sale rebate regardless of their income and people with lower incomes will be eligible for rebates of up to $1,200.

Shelter Bay recently had an electric car with bike event with10 electric cars and four electric bikes participating. Shelter Bay Board of Director Lawson Earl noted the event was mostly social with discussions touting the fact that electric bikes offer a much lower-carbon footprint than a pedal bike. He encouraged the riders to get much more exercise than they would on a regular bike “It spurs more activity and exercise and covers much more ground,” he said.

The new law allots $5 million for rebates. Purchases have to be made at brick and mortar bike shops, not online. An additional $2 million is to create e-bike lending programs managed by municipalities, businesses and non-profits.

These incentives are a top priority for the advocacy group Washington Bikes, which champions e-bikes as an affordable and equitable way to reduce climate pollution. “This state investment in e-bike accessibility means that many more Washingtonians will have the opportunity to own or borrow an e-bike, whatever their income level,” said Vicky Clarke, policy director.

Washington has joined California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont with its statewide incentive program.

E-bikes have grown drastically in popularity and in some cities, e-bikes increased nine-fold since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 because of fear of infection with public transit states the Washington Bikes website. It explains that there are three different types of electric bikes. Class 1 bikes can reach 20 mph and require the rider to pedal. Class 2 bikes can reach 20 mph and do not require the rider to pedal. Class 3 bikes can reach 28 mph and do not require the rider to pedal.

There are safety concerns because of the increased speed of e-bikes. A recent national study found that e-bike riders are more likely to suffer from internal injuries, that e-bike riding injuries are three times more likely to involve a crash with a pedestrian and e-bike riders are more likely to suffer from concussions.

E-bike accident victims have a 17% risk of internal injury compared to a 7.5% risk for the same type of injury on pedal-bikes, because of the increased speed. There are other risk factors and defective e-bikes can result in catastrophic injuries and accidents, such as battery fires and tire blowouts, so if you operate an e-bike, check for defects before every ride.

If you are an e-biker, be very thorough and enjoy the ride.