How to get the Colorado state e-bike tax credit

Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, are becoming an increasingly popular choice across Colorado. They offer a zero-emission option to our transportation landscape at a lower cost than an electric car, but with far more capacity than a traditional bicycle. E-bikes are available in many shapes and sizes, and a new statewide rebate starting in April can lower the cost of purchasing one. CoPIRG’s quick guide can help you find the best e-bike with the most savings here in Colorado.

Alexandra Simon | Used by permission
E-cargo bikes, like this tern hsd, are becoming increasingly popular alternatives to car trips for shorter commutes.
How much does an e-bike cost?

There is a large range of e-bike options available, from as low as $600 for some of the cheapest models ranging up to $8,000 for some specialty e-bikes, with the majority falling between $1,000-$4,000. Learn more here:

How far can e-bikes go?

Most e-bikes can go anywhere from 20-50 miles on one charge, but that will vary depending on size, speed, weight, and battery quality. 

How do I know which e-bike is right for me? Where can I try one out?

The best way to find the right electric bike for you is to go try a few out! Bikes vary by size, weight, speed, and job ranging from commuter bikes to mountain bikes to cargo bikes to carry passengers or groceries. The best way to get a feel for which one best fits your needs is to go to a participating dealer for the statewide credit and take a few for a spin (note: bike retailers need to opt in for this list, which may not include every shop, so the best way to determine whether a retailer is participating is to ask them directly). 

How much can I save from the state e-bike tax credit?

The new CO state e-bike tax credit will offer a $450 discount off of a qualifying e-bike purchase from a participating retailer (note: bike retailers need to opt in for this list, which may not include every shop, so the best way to determine whether a retailer is participating is to ask them directly). The tax credit is taken at the point-of-sale, meaning the price is reduced by $450 at the register with no paperwork or application needed by the consumer. 

 

How do I apply for the state e-bike tax credit?

There is no application for the state e-bike tax credit. The tax credit is taken at the point-of-sale, meaning the price is reduced by $450 at the register with no paperwork or application needed by the consumer. View the list of participating e-bike retailers for the state tax credit here. 

How long will the state e-bike tax credit be available?

The statewide tax credit will open on April 1, 2024 and run through December 31, 2032.

How is the new state tax credit different from the existing one in Denver? Can Denver residents use both tax credits?

The City of Denver offers a limited number of e-bike rebate vouchers for Denver residents every other month. The rebate voucher is a point-of-sale rebate applied to the price of an e-bike or e-cargo bike from a participating Denver bike shop, meaning the rebate amount is deducted from the price of the bike when you buy it (consumers don’t need to submit a receipt to get reimbursed after the purchase). The value of the voucher is determined by income, and ranges from $300 – $1,200 for e-bikes and $500-$1,400 for e-cargo bikes; see Denver’s Climate Action, Sustainability, Resiliency E-bike rebate website for more details and sign up for the newsletter for Denver voucher release updates.

Residents may not use both the Denver and the state rebates to purchase the same e-bike

 

Additional resources

Learn more about CoPIRG’s work to support and expand e-bike use in Colorado. We have asked the state to declare Colorado’s first annual e-bike day, have researched public funding for e-bike programs and hosted webinars with local experts.

  • CoPIRG: 2023 State of E-bikes in Colorado highlights how Colorado set the bar nationally in funding, education, and research and data collection contributing to growing e-bike ownership.
  • CoPIRG: 2022 Rise of the E-bike Webinar features speakers from the CO Energy Office, People for Bikes, Bicycle Colorado, CoPIRG, and an early recipient of an e-bike voucher pilot program reflecting on the challenges and opportunities around expanding e-bike use.

CoPIRG celebrates the 2nd official Colorado E-Bike Day on April 1, 2024:

CoPIRG Executive Director Danny Katz and Public Health Advocate Alex Simon debrief on Colorado’s 2nd official E-Bike Day!

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Alexandra Simon

Public Health Advocate, CoPIRG Foundation

Alex is an advocate on Colorado-based campaigns to promote a healthier, cleaner and safer world. She previously served as the Director of Strategic Planning for The Public Interest Network. Alex lives in Denver, where she enjoys hiking, skiing and seeing live music.

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