We’re making biking better in Vermont through funding local bike projects, supporting pro-bike policies and legislation at the local and state levels and highlighting great hometown routes on Ride Spot. In spring 2018, our Community Grant Program helped fund the creation of a bike park in Johnson, complementing nearby trails and encouraging more youth to ride. 

Across the country, more and more states are turning to electric bicycles — and specifically, e-bike incentive programs — to promote sustainable transportation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transportation insecurity. Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, Vermont, and Washington are the newest states to encourage e-bike adoption via rebates and tax credit initiatives. These efforts aim to make e-bikes more accessible and affordable, contributing to climate and equity goals. 

Check out a brief overview of each new statewide e-bike incentive program below.

Colorado's Tax Credit for E-Bike Purchases

Colorado's House Bill 1272 focuses on decarbonization and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. The bill extends and expands tax credits for electric vehicles, including a new tax credit of $500 for all Coloradans towards the purchase of an electric bike. Similar to Denver’s city program, state legislators set up the state program to ensure local bike shops benefit from these tax credits. 

The new statewide tax credit is one piece of a larger climate package — fiscal estimates suggest the program will cost the state around $100 million before it expires in 2033. If the state's economy grows by less than 4% in a given year, however, the e-bike tax credit could be cut in half. Still, Colorado's commitment to incentivizing e-bike adoption represents a significant stride toward achieving its clean energy goals.

While the details are still to be determined, Maine Governor Janet Mills recently approved a bill that expands the state’s electric vehicle rebate program to include electric bicycles. The program’s administrator, the Efficiency Maine Trust, will dedicate up to $500,000 to fund the addition of e-bikes, with the funds drawing directly from existing electric vehicle funding. Maine already funds electric vehicle rebates, this bill merely adds another option with respect to the mobility devices eligible for a rebate.

Minnesota's Statewide E-Bike Rebate Program

Minnesota recently approved a historic $7.8 billion transportation package that includes $4 million over the next two years for a statewide electric bicycle rebate program. The point-of-sale rebate covers $1,500 or 50-75% of the total cost of a new e-bike and safety accessories, based on the individual's income. Notably, 40% of the rebates are reserved for individuals with incomes under $41,000.

Vermont's Diverse E-Bike Incentive Programs

Vermont introduced two new programs to incentivize e-bikes, both of which were recently signed into law. The first is a Replace Your Ride E-Bike Program, which helps low-income Vermonters replace aging, inefficient and high-emitting internal combustion engine vehicles. The incentive amount has increased to up to $5,000 for income-eligible Vermonters. The Replace Your Ride incentive can be combined with other incentives and used to purchase a new or used EV, an e-bike, or a mobility voucher for public transit or other clean transportation options.

The second program, the Electrify Your Fleet program, will launch soon and provide incentives of $2,500 to eligible Vermont municipalities, business entities and nonprofit mobility service organizations for approved electric mobility options. This includes electric bicycles and electric cargo bicycles with a base MSRP of $6,000.00 or less; and adaptive electric cycles with any base MSRP.

Lastly, Vermont's original e-bike incentive program first launched in 2022 and contributed to 279 e-bike purchases before funding was depleted. The program relaunched this summer and offers $400 for standard eBikes and $800 for electric cargo bikes or adaptive electric cycles to eligible Vermonters. Over 140 applications have been approved to date, which amounts to over $70,000. Just over $50,000 in incentive funding remains available.

Washington's Electric Bike Incentive Program

Washington state allocated $5 million for electric bike rebates of up to $1,200, with an additional $2 million for e-bike lending programs. The initiative provides a $300 point-of-sale rebate for all e-bike buyers, while individuals with lower incomes can receive rebates of up to $1,200. To qualify for the higher rebate, households must have an income at or below 80% of their county's median income. Furthermore, the program includes provisions for bike-related equipment to qualify for rebates.

With these five states joining the ranks of e-bike incentive pioneers, there are now ten states in total with statewide programs in place: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. 

As electric bicycle incentive programs gain popularity in states and cities nationwide, PeopleForBikes tracks, advocates for, consults on, and learns from each new proposal. If you’re interested in learning about the best practices for launching an e-bike incentive program, check out our new Electric Bicycle Incentive Toolkit for advocates, retailers, and policymakers across the United States. 

Five States Announce New E-Bike Incentive Programs

Mountain biking has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity over the last decade thanks in large part to improved bike technology, increased trail infrastructure, and growing interest as a high-school sport. With the emergence of electric pedal-assist mountain bikes, the potential for an even larger segment of the population to enjoy the health benefits of recreation through mountain biking is now within reach. 

While some land managers and trail networks have begun to set policies concerning Class 1 pedal-assist electric mountain bike (eMTB) usage, the direction of future eMTB policies remains largely undetermined. With this in mind, the University of Vermont’s Center for Rural Studies (CRS) set out to study the issue in collaboration with PeopleForBikes and nonprofit trail organization Fellowship of the Wheel. During the 2022 trail season, CRS conducted a pilot study on the use of Class 1 eMTBs on natural surface singletrack trails outside of Hinesburg, Vermont. The goal of the study was to gather more information and better understand perspectives around the inclusion of eMTBs on mountain bike trails.

Fellowship of the Wheel, who hosted the pilot study on their trail system, builds and maintains 100 miles of multi-use trails in Chittenden County, Vermont. For Adam Morse, the organization’s executive director, the discussion of eMTB use on private and public trails is not a new topic. 

“There has been an emerging need to navigate official policies with private and municipal land managers in recent years,” says Morse, adding that land managers and trail organizations have been asking for more data on both environmental and social impacts when introducing eMTBs on their trails. “Our depth of knowledge regarding access was based purely on the thoughts and opinions of a select few, rather than real comprehensive data. This study gives us real data from a broad audience right in our own backyard.” 

For the Hinesburg Town Forest, the research also offers a way forward. “The study has equipped us with multiple perspectives regarding accessibility, safety, etiquette, and physical impacts,” says Morse. “The information collected from this study will be shared with other land managers in our region to best prepare them for all considerations when introducing policies around eMTB access.”

As part of the pilot project study, the use of Class 1 pedal-assist eMTBs were allowed on the multi-use Hinesburg Town Forest trails managed by Fellowship of the Wheel (typically, only traditional mountain bikes are allowed). During this time, CRS created and executed several surveys as part of the project, including the collection of three distinct survey tools. This included an online pre-implementation survey (May), a trail intercept survey (July-September), and four post-implementation focus group surveys (October). These surveys, along with eMTB demo days, were scheduled to gather data regarding user perceptions on diversity and inclusion implications, perceived impacts to physical trail conditions, and potential social impacts related to the introduction of Class 1 eMTBs on non-motorized, multi-use mountain biking trails.

The CRS study provided important insights into eMTB usage in Vermont. Overall, perceptions of eMTB usage were more positive than negative and indicated a general willingness and even motivation to enable further integration of eMTBs into the sport. 

Emergent themes centered around aspects of trail safety, accessibility, physical trail impacts, rider etiquette, and the number of users. Key findings include:

TRAIL ETIQUETTE: Respondents to the intercept survey described the trail etiquette of eMTB riders as generally positive, though less positively than traditional mountain bike riders.

OVERCROWDING: Respondents to the statewide survey also expressed concerns over increased crowding due to eMTB usage. However, focus group discussions noted increased usership generally, outside specifically eMTB use, and noted positive aspects of growth of the sport.

SAFETY: Some respondents to the statewide survey shared concerns about the safety of eMTBs, but participants of the intercept survey were neutral over whether or not eMTB introduction added safety concerns. Focus group discussions reinforced the neutral perspective, which emphasized that it comes down to the decisions of the individual rider, regardless of the bike they are on.

TRAIL IMPACTS: Both statewide and intercept survey results highlighted rider concerns on the physical impact eMTBs have on trails. In the focus groups, participants largely disputed the perception of negative trail impacts from eMTBs but noted that justification for their views was only anecdotal or hypothetical. Participants agreed that more data is needed to back up statements about the physical trail impacts of eMTBs.

ACCESSIBILITY: Intercept survey participants neither agreed nor disagreed that eMTBs make the sport of mountain biking more or less accessible, indicating respondents may perceive “accessible” by both physical and financial means. Focus group participants were largely against limiting eMTB riders to only those with a proven disability or designating them to specific trails only.

Based on the pilot project study, CRS researchers concluded that education and communication can be an effective first-line strategy for increasing understanding of what Class 1 pedal-assist eMTBs are and dispelling misperceptions. Education can be disseminated with help from local mountain bike organizations, bike shops, land managers, and direct interactions at trail systems. Also, increased signage, particularly on more difficult terrain, will be important to educate newer riders in making wise decisions on terrain that may be more readily accessible via eMTBs.

CRS also noted that more data and research is needed in three areas: 

Understanding the percentage of increased ridership expected to be attributed to new eMTB riders vs. new traditional riders, and how this compares to general increases in trail users.

The impact of eMTB riding on physical trails.

Understanding who rides eMTBs; this includes demographic information, as well as whether most users rent or own eMTBs and if eMTB riders are new to the sport entirely or transitioned from traditional bikes.

”Land managers nationwide can use this study as a blueprint to help make the best decision on eMTB trail access for their communities,” says Saul Leiken, global category leader with Specialized Bicycle Components. Leiken also supports that the study can help direct future industry action and involvement. “The study rightfully points out what must be investigated next, including trail impacts and ridership demographics, to support increased eMTB trail access. The bicycle industry can and should help study these questions, as we know our bicycles and riders best.”

A full summary report of the Vermont eMTB Pilot Project Study can be found here. Please reach out to PeopleForBikes’ eMTB Policy and Program Manager Rachel Fussell at rachel@peopleforbikes.org with any questions or for more information on this study.

New Research Shows Promising Future for eMTB Access

Adventure is out there, you just have to bike to it! Adventure biking is all about taking exciting and out-of-the-box routes to see some of the most beautiful destinations our country has to offer.

In this year’s City Ratings, PeopleForBikes’ annual program to evaluate, identify and compare the best cities and towns for bicycling, many places in the top 100 out of more than 1,000 rated cities offer some truly incredible adventures by bike. Whether you are biking on the road, gravel, downhill, or long-distance, all of these cities have something great to offer!

Affectionately known as the “Moab of the North,” Kalispell, Montana, less than a two-hour drive from the Canadian border, is home to 24,000 people. Kalispell is in the heart of the Swan, Mission, Whitefish, and Salish mountain ranges and boasts beautiful views of the surrounding valleys, rivers, lakes, and nearby Glacier National Park. Here, there is biking for everyone, from paved rail-trails for the kids, mountain bike parks for the thrill-seekers, and the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

The must-do trail for anyone visiting Kalispell is a 22-mile section of the Great Northern Rail Trail which was advocated for and completed by Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana, a grassroots organization founded in Kalispell. The start and end point is Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. In town, Wheaton's Cycling Shop has been the beloved local bike shop for nearly 17 years and they offer great suggestions for other in-town ride destinations including Lone Pine State Park, Crane Mountain Trails, and the Broken Leg Trail (Trail 544). Kalispell is an exciting and beautiful adventure biking destination with unique trails and views everywhere you look, making it the perfect addition to any Western road trip.

The most remote location on our list, Soldotna, Alaska, is known for its cold and dark winters, with an average temperature of 10 degrees Fahrenheit and less than six hours of daylight in January. However, come summertime, this sleepy Alaskan town becomes a lively destination for locals and tourists alike. Soldotna is home to nearly 4,700 people year-round but its population doubles to nearly 10,000 people in the summer.

The sometimes wild climate and challenging terrain do not stop cyclists: Nearly 80% of Alaskan households own a bicycle and more than 60% of Alaskans bike or walk for recreation. Soldotna is a popular destination for folks passing through for the Kenai 250, an approximately 265-mile race featuring tons of single track and nearly 30,000 feet of elevation gain. This race is for experienced backcountry endurance riders and traverses some of the most beautiful landscapes Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula has to offer. Soldotna may not be the most conventional adventure biking destination, but its unique location offers plenty of gravel, mountain biking, and bikepacking opportunities.

Monterey, California, is a picturesque town in Central California that follows the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary as it weaves along the coast. This classic California town is home to 28,575 people and has a prominent cycling scene. Monterey’s flat topography, mild climate, 190 miles of bikeways, and encouragement of sustainable travel make cycling a great option to explore the city and surrounding area.

This former military base is also the site of the Sea Otter Classic, regarded as the world’s largest cycling festival, attracting nearly 10,000 athletes and more than 74,000 fans every April. The race at Sea Otter is an 18-mile loop that includes an exciting mix of forest roads and singletrack. The Sea Otter Classic isn’t the only thing that attracts thousands of people to Monterey each year — the crown jewel of adventure biking in the region is bikepacking down the Pacific Coast Highway through the Big Sur Mountains. This rugged and mountainous section of road is known for its dramatic landscape where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise abruptly from the Pacific Ocean. Even for an experienced bicyclist, the ride through Big Sur may be the best ride you’ve ever taken. For those seeking a more relaxing experience, the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is an 18-mile trail protected from vehicles that crosses through some of the best attractions in Monterey. This coastal cycling town provides something for every rider!

Flagstaff, Arizona, is home to about 73,319 people and provides stunning peak views, clean mountain air, and abundant wildlife. Established in 1894, this high desert town is nestled right below the San Francisco Peaks, the tallest mountains in Arizona. There are seven national parks and monuments right in the backyard of Flagstaff, earning it its nickname “The City of Seven Wonders,” but locals might argue that there is an eighth wonder: biking. Driving into Flagstaff, you’ll see cyclists zipping by on some of the city’s 117 miles of bike lanes. Just about every local owns a bike, 5.2% of work commutes are made by bike and most other trips can be made on two wheels in just a few minutes.

Passing through town, you might see bikes adorned with lots of bags, as there are some great bikepacking trails in Flagstaff including the nearly 800-mile-long Arizona Trail (AZT), which passes through the majority of Arizona, and the 250-mile-long Coconino Bikepacking Loop that connects Flagstaff to Cottonwood. Just outside of town, Fort Tuthill Bike Park is a great network of mountain biking trails to build your skills to use on other local trails like the ones in Buffalo Park or Campbell Mesa Loop. If you ever get bored of Flagstaff (you won’t!), Sedona, another world-class biking destination, is just 27 miles north. Close to some of the most remarkable places in the U.S., Flagstaff is the perfect road trip destination for adventure biking.

Burlington, Vermont, lies on a gorgeous hillside overlooking Lake Champlain with a view of New York’s Adirondack Mountains in the distance. Rising from the shores of the lake is the Island Line Trail, a 14-mile-long shared path that offers great views of the lake and downtown Burlington all in one. In the coming years, there are plans to add tens of miles of new bike paths added throughout Burlington as a part of a “quick-build” program by Burlington Public Works.

If you desire more of an off-road experience, you can head over to Catamount Outdoor Family Center to take advantage of their 20 miles of trails that include gravel, wooded sections, open fields, steep climbs, technical terrain, and two pump tracks. Once you’ve tuned up your skills, take advantage of Lincoln Peak at Sugarbush Resort, a lift-serviced area with tons of trails that promise high-speed fun and lots of features. If downhilling isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Many bikepacking adventures pass through the region as well. The Green Mountain Loop runs through Green Mountain National Forest and covers 377 miles of beautiful rolling hills, mountains, and forest, eventually ending up back in downtown Burlington. Backroads, an award-winning travel company, also offers great bikepacking adventures from Burlington to Montreal, Quebec, covering more than 250 miles along the way. In Burlington, there are opportunities aplenty for a two-wheeled adventure!

Mountain biking trails exist all across the U.S., and the number of bicycle-optimized trails continues to increase as more new trails open and old ones are refurbished or updated. To celebrate another great year of mountain biking, PeopleForBikes (with the help of our supporters on social media) compiled some great new mountain bike trails that opened in 2022.

After purchasing the 450-acre Chestnut Mountain property in 2020, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy transferred the property to the Town of Canton in an ambitious endeavor to pair permanent protection of habitat and water resources with the creation of a conservation-friendly, community-centric outdoor recreation space. Chestnut Mountain will be an important stop along North Carolina’s Hellbender Trail, a 150-mile regional greenway system that is being championed by The Land of Sky Regional Council and local governments.

As of 2022, there are 11 trails for all ability levels on Chestnut Mountain, totaling four miles of singletrack with almost 700 feet of descent. 

Chestnut Mountain is also home to Berm Park, a public mountain bike skills park with trails for all skill levels.

Yakety Yak and Swamp Angel trails
Leadville, Colorado

After several years of planning and negotiations, the Leadville area’s first public trails on private land are officially ready to ride. After working with the Newmont Mining Corporation and Lake County, the Cloud City Wheelers, a local trail building and advocacy group, constructed two directional trails just outside of Leadville, Colorado. A directional uphill (Yakety Yak) and directional downhill trail (Swamp Angel) will bring users from the Landfill Road up to the Swamp Angel site on the Mineral Belt Trail. These trails provide new public access to land otherwise off limits to the public, and they are also the closest singletrack trails to the town of Leadville.

Swamp Angel: Lake County's first directional downhill trail. Lots of rollers, doubles, berms, and options make up this blue-rated trail with some black options. The trail is 1.8 miles long with 381 feet of descent.

Yakety Yak: An uphill trail that travels up to the Swamp Angel area on the Mineral Belt Trail, allowing for some great loop options as you can head east to the Mining District or west to the Timberline Trails. The trail is 1.7 miles long with 381 feet of elevation gain.

Serenity & Adrenaline trail
Stowe, Vermont

Stowe’s first downhill-only, double-black expert trail, Serenity & Adrenaline, opened in July of 2022. Part 1 of the trail was built between 2021 and 2022 by Stowe Trails Partnership volunteers, including an all-women trail crew. Serenity & Adrenaline is located in the Adams Camp trail network and is made possible through partner and landowner Trapp Family Lodge. This expert-level trail has Vermont’s longest wooden bridge feature, big rock slabs, skinnies, gap jumps, and challenges to keep even the most advanced riders entertained. The trail builders drew inspiration from trails in Vancouver’s “North Shore,” Squamish, BC, and Quebec. 

Serenity & Adrenaline: Stowe’s first fully sanctioned and mapped double-black trail located in the Adams Camp trail network on Trapp Family Lodge land. The current trail is 0.4 miles long with 131 feet of descent.

East Bluff Bike Park
Copper Harbor, Michigan

East Bluff Bike Park occupies East Bluff, a prominent topographic feature with more than 525 feet of vertical rise just east of Copper Harbor, Michigan. Rock Solid Trail Contracting currently owns 525 acres of East Bluff and constructed 8 miles of bicycle-optimized trails for all levels of riders on the property. Seven trails are open as of 2022 and the bike park also connects to the existing Keweenaw Point Trail Trailhead via a segment of newly completed singletrack. Looking ahead, Rock Solid intends to continue building a system of gravity and cross-country trails which will contain more than 30 miles of singletrack once completed. East Bluff Bike Park will also act as a link between the existing Copper Harbor Trails Club System and the Keweenaw Point Trail System.

Flo'Rion is an intermediate gravity trail. The trail is 1 mile long with 525 feet of descent.

Citrus Tech is a new advanced downhill trail. The trail is 1 mile long with 497 feet of descent.

Exciting New Mountain Biking Trails Opened in 2022

More and more states are realizing the benefits of electric bicycles as they seek to lower vehicle miles traveled and make progress towards climate goals. This was clearly illustrated within state legislative sessions during 2022, with an unprecedented number of new laws passed that improve the rights of electric bicycle riders, expand access to places to ride and create programs that make an electric bicycle easier to purchase.

Five new state electric bicycle purchase incentive programs

This year, five states either passed or renewed funding for electric bicycle purchase incentive programs. These states include Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Vermont. This amount of statewide electric bicycle incentive programs has never been seen before and the rate of adoption is not expected to decline in 2023. An overview of each program can be found below: 

Massachusetts: Up to $500 for general customers and $750 for low-income customers.

Hawaii: Up to $500 or 20% of retail price, available to students, those without cars and low-income residents on other government support programs. 

Connecticut: Up to $300 for general customers and $700 for low-income customers. 

Colorado: Invests $10 million in local rebate programs across the state and $2 million in electric bicycle share programs. The specific rebate amount is yet to be determined.

Vermont: Doubled investment in the already-allocated electric bicycle incentive program with an additional $50,000 budgeted this year. The program launched to the public in July 2022. Rebate amounts are dependent on Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) requirements.

To see a detailed list of all electric bicycle incentive programs throughout the country, check out this handy tracker from the Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University.

39 states now with three-class model electric bicycle legislation

Three new states (Kansas, Massachusetts (for Class 1 and 2, not 3), and Delaware (anticipated to be signed by the governor any week now) signed PeopleForBikes’ three-class model legislation into law this year. Each state has subtle differences in its laws, but fundamentally, these bills define electric bicycles using the three-class system; Regulate electric bicycles like bicycles (meaning the same rules of the road apply to both electric bicycles and human-powered bicycles) and exempt electric bicycles from the registration, licensing or insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles.

39 states define electric bicycles using the three-class system: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Nine states do not use the three-class system but define electric bicycles similar to traditional bicycles: Hawaii, Kentucky, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania and South Carolina.

Two states still define electric bicycles as motorized vehicles (and may therefore require license, insurance and registration to ride: Alaska and Rhode Island.

2022 State Legislative Wins for Electric Bicycles

New study looks to understand the impacts of allowing Class 1 pedal-assist eMTBs on trails in the Green Mountain State.

PeopleForBikes, in partnership with the Vermont Mountain Bike Association and Fellowship of the Wheel, the Hinesburg Town Forest Committee and the University of Vermont Center for Rural Studies, is excited to announce a new electric mountain bike (eMTB) pilot project on singletrack, non-motorized mountain bike trails in Vermont.

In early 2022, PeopleForBikes sent out requests for proposals to all Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VBMA) chapters in the hopes of securing a partner and trail network that would allow us to study the social and environmental impacts of Class 1 pedal-assist eMTBs in New England. From this proposal process, we officially selected Fellowship of the Wheel (FOTW) as our eMTB Pilot Project trail partner. FOTW identified the Hinesburg Town Forest, near Vermont’s most populous city, Burlington, as the multi-use trail network where the pilot project will be conducted. 

Project partners will conduct a pilot study during the summer of 2022 to better understand the impacts of allowing Class 1 pedal-assist eMTBs on trail networks in Vermont. For the months of July and August, all multi-use trails that currently allow traditional mountain bikes in the Hinesburg Town Forest will include access for Class 1 pedal-assist eMTBs. 

While the mountain bike trails in Hinesburg Town Forest are already open to Class 1 eMTBs, the University of Vermont Center for Rural Studies will create and execute several surveys as part of the project, including the collection of three distinct survey tools. This includes a pre-implementation survey (May), a trail intercept survey (July-Aug.) and a post-implementation focus group (Sept.-Oct.). These surveys, along with eMTB demo days, will be scheduled to gather data regarding perceived impact on physical trail conditions, diversity and inclusion implications and potential social impacts related to the introduction of Class 1 eMTBs on non-motorized, multi-use mountain biking trails.

In addition, a newly created regional stakeholder group will meet at regular intervals throughout the duration of the project. Stakeholders include partners and representatives from across Vermont.

Please reach out to Rachel Fussell, PeopleForBikes’ eMTB policy and program manager, at rachel@peopleforbikes.org with any questions or for more information on ways to get involved. 

Electric Mountain Bike Pilot Project Coming to Vermont

Two-thirds of U.S. states now define and regulate electric bicycles in three-class system 

PeopleForBikes is pleased to announce that 36 states have now signed our model electric bicycle legislation into law, eight of which occurred just this year. We’re seeing increased momentum in states passing this model legislation that clarifies the use and regulation of electric bicycles, making the law easier for retailers, riders and decision makers to understand. Thank you to all of our partners who have supported this initiative so far.

The eight states that signed this model legislation into law in 2021 include Alabama, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Dakota and Vermont. Each state has subtle differences in its laws, but fundamentally, these bills do the following:

Define electric bicycles using the three-class system.

Regulate electric bicycles like bicycles, meaning the same rules of the road apply to both electric bicycles and human-powered bicycles.

Exempt electric bicycles from the registration, licensing or insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles.

There are still 14 states that have not adopted model legislation. Four of these states lack a specific vehicle classification for electric bicycles and the remaining 10 states recognize electric bicycles in some form, but do not utilize the three-class system. 

Our goal is to clearly define electric bicycles and provide sensible rules for their use. We strive to pass our model legislation in all 50 states to ensure that:

Outdated vehicle regulations are updated to reflect technological advances.

Low-speed electric bicycles are regulated similarly to traditional bicycles.

Consumers and retailers are not confused about their state’s electric bicycle laws.

The public is encouraged to take advantage of the benefits that electric bicycles offer.

PeopleForBikes believes that electric bicycles are the future of bike riding due to the immense benefits they can provide in improving communities' health and decreasing carbon emissions by replacing trips that would be otherwise taken by car. Electric bicycles are replacing single vehicle trips, helping people ride their bikes further with more convenience and making them happier and healthier in the process.

You can find details on your state’s specific electric bicycle law here. Any additional questions? Contact PeopleForBikes Regulatory and Policy Analyst Ashley Seaward at ashley@peopleforbikes.org for more information.

Model Electric Bicycle Laws Now in 36 States

New legislation recognizes the power of bikes to help reach climate action goals

The 2021 state legislative sessions have proven to be focused on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions more than ever. Many new state bills are focused specifically on the use of bicycle infrastructure and electric bicycle incentives to help achieve states’ GHG reduction goals within their transportation sectors. 

GHG emissions from the transportation sector are the largest source of climate change causing emissions in the United States. Incentivizing the use of bicycles through improved infrastructure and purchase incentive programs are simple and effective tools that states can use to reach climate action goals. Listed below are highlights from five states that passed progressive climate legislation — empowered by bikes — through their legislatures this year.

California: Assembly Bill 1147 imposes certain requirements to help regional transportation agencies bring their plans into compliance with state vehicle miles traveled reduction goals. This exciting bill also creates a program to build bicycle highways and a block grant program for 15-minute cities that could implement a bikeway network grant program (as proposed by the California Bicycle Coalition).

Colorado: Senate Bill 21-260 (also known as “Sustainability Of The Transportation System”) will provide funding for electric bicycle incentives as well as a dedicated funding stream for grants to local governments to create more walkable, bikeable downtown areas and prioritize multimodal projects. Bicycle Colorado worked closely on this bill alongside local environmental advocates. 

Hawaii: Senate Bill 1402 requires the Department of Transportation to create a contiguous network of pathways and highways for bicycles and electric bicycles to combat climate change and reach the state's GHG reduction goals.

Vermont: House Bill 433 intends to reduce transportation-related GHG emissions, reduce fossil fuel use and save Vermont households money. Included in this new law is funding for an electric bicycle purchase incentive program.

Washington: House Bill 1091 advances the state on a clear path to cleaner transportation by providing funding to projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonize the transportation sector. Examples of such projects include grants for bike and pedestrian programs and complete streets.

PeopleForBikes works diligently to track bills at all levels of government that improve bike riding and support bike businesses nationwide. Check out our policy finder to stay up to date on what we’re currently tracking and sign up for our newsletter to receive an email alert when a pro-bike policy is proposed in your area. 

Five New State Laws Seeking to Combat Climate Change Through Bikes

A quick update on pro-bike policies from across the U.S.

Every year, PeopleForBikes monitors more than 200 state legislative bills to track the national bicycling landscape and quickly rally our supporters to back proposed improvements that could benefit bike riding in areas like infrastructure, funding, incentives and safety regulations.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic required many legislatures to adjust their sessions to accommodate virtual settings, many pro-bike bills across the U.S. still progressed through the legislative process. A few recent examples of these bills can be found below.

Model electric bicycle legislation: These bills define electric bicycles using the three-class system, establish rules of the road similar to human-powered bicycles and exempt electric bicycles from the registration, licensing or insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles. Model electric bicycle legislation was passed in Alabama (HB 99), Iowa (HF 493), Minnesota (HF 10), Missouri (SB 176), Mississippi (HB 1195), Nevada (SB 369), North Dakota (HB 1148) and Vermont (SB 66) this year.

Safe passing: These bills typically require the driver of a vehicle to provide at least three feet of space when passing a bicycle traveling the same direction on a roadway. Safe passing laws were passed in North Dakota (HB 1290) and Georgia (HB 353) this year.

Idaho stop: These bills typically allow bike riders to treat a stop sign as a yield sign and a red light as a stop sign in certain situations. Idaho stop laws were passed in North Dakota (HB 1252), Oklahoma (HB 1770) and Utah (HB 142) this year.

Vulnerable users: These bills typically help protect vulnerable road users, such as bike riders and pedestrians, by establishing fines that discourage and punish careless driving. A vulnerable users law was passed in Maryland (HB 118) this year.

Sustainable Transportation: This legislation supports decreasing the transportation sector’s greenhouse gas emissions by investing in bicycle infrastructure and electric alternatives to combustion vehicles. Sustainable transportation laws were passed in Colorado (SB 260) and Washington (HB 1091) this year.

PeopleForBikes works diligently to track bills at all levels of government that improve bike riding and support bike businesses nationwide. Check out our policy finder to stay up to date on what we’re currently tracking and sign up for our newsletter to receive an alert when a pro-bike policy is proposed in your area. Any additional questions? Contact PeopleForBikes Regulatory and Policy Analyst Ashley Seaward at ashley@peopleforbikes.org for more information.

PeopleForBikes’ 2021 Mid-Year Legislative Recap

We’ve combed through every state bicycling bill currently being considered — here are the top five themes that emerged and why they’re important.

PeopleForBikes’ state and local policy team keeps a running document of state legislative bills that could have implications, good or bad, for bike riding and bike businesses. Over the past six years, they’ve noted a significant bump in the representation of bikes in state legislatures and recently, certain bills have stood out as fitting into a national theme or being completely novel.

“The 2021 legislative sessions are proving to be a prime example of how bike legislation can not only improve bike riding but also play a serious role in helping states achieve their environmental, social and economic goals,” said Ashley Seaward, PeopleForBikes’ regulatory and policy analyst.

Updated as of February 2021, the five policies highlighted below represent shifts in the way America is making recreation and active transportation decisions, even if none of them are ultimately passed into law. To simply have the ideas in these bills put into an official form at the legislative level means we’re on the right track toward garnering broad public support for bicycles and improving our communities nationwide.

Outdoor recreation bills have been introduced in Utah (House Bill 254), Nebraska (Legislative Bill 605) and Washington (House Bill 5292), but we’re particularly fond of Illinois’ House Bill 194. The bill, introduced by Rep. Sonya M. Harper, creates the Outdoor RX Program Act, which would provide funds for outdoor environmental, ecological, agricultural and other natural resource and outdoor-based therapy programs. 

Included in the bill is some great preamble language: “Time outdoors can be a valuable adjunct therapy in addition to more traditional health care, while also reducing reliance on prescription medication.” Furthermore, the bill lists the therapeutic benefits of time spent outdoors as a scientific fact, a known way to “help reduce stress, improve concentration and promote overall well-being, both physical and mental.” 

Why should you care? This bill would put into Illinois state law that outdoor recreation is on par with other forms of therapy and medicine, opening the opportunity for other states (and, ideally, insurance companies) to follow suit. By providing a more holistic approach to caring for people, a healthcare provider might eventually be able to prescribe riding a bike instead of medication, lessening our dependence on prescription medication while still improving our overall health.

In case you missed it, our federal policy team has been hard at work alongside Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) to introduce the Electric Bicycle Incentive Kickstart for the Environment (E-BIKE) Act (H.R. 1019). At the state level, there are currently 23 proposed bills related to electric bicycles. 

California’s Assembly Bill 117 stands out for its acknowledgment that electric bicycles are a critical form of transportation and integral when it comes to reducing carbon emissions. This bill would bring about a massive investment in electric bicycles through the Electric Bicycle Rebate Pilot Project, which would be funded with $10 million from the state’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund as part of the Air Quality Improvement Program. 

Two other electric bicycle incentive bills of note: Oklahoma’s Senate Bill 435, which would legalize a $200 electric bicycle purchase incentive, and Washington’s House Bill 1330, which would do away with the existing sales tax on electric bicycles and allow for a $200 incentive to be used on related bicycling equipment. 

Why should you care? A 2019 study found that across the United States, we can expect an 11% decrease in carbon emissions with a 15% increase in electric bicycle mode share. The above states are the first to put out realistic models for incentivizing this shift and getting more people buying, and commuting by, electric bicycles.

Dubbed “GHG” for greenhouse gas emissions by our policy team, these bills offer ways for states to combat the rising threat of climate change. Although most bills propose multiple avenues for reducing emissions, all have positive implications for bike infrastructure. Vermont’s House Bill 120 specifically names bicycle infrastructure networks as a way to reduce emissions.

New Jersey’s Assembly Bill 5196 would provide loans and other financial assistance for climate change mitigation and resilience projects, including “zero-emission vehicle infrastructure” (i.e. bike networks). What’s more, the bill stipulates that climate change mitigation projects might include “zero-emission public transportation projects,” such as bike share programs.

Why should you care? Bills like these have only started to emerge in the last few years, hinting at a larger shift in the national conversation surrounding climate change. By providing large-scale funding for public investment projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, these kinds of bills mean big money for potential bike projects. They also offer a prime opportunity for environmental and transportation advocates to collaborate on a unified goal of reducing emissions through bikes.

No bill is likely to get more people riding than one that offers financial benefits for bicyclists. There are currently two policy proposals that do just that in New York and Hawaii. Hawaii’s, Senate Bill 524, is really an overall commuting bill with positive implications for workers that choose to bike. Similar to the federal Bicycle Commuter Act, which was recently reintroduced to Congress, it would essentially give Hawaiians commuter benefits no matter what mode of transportation they choose.

The preamble language is particularly bold and we’re here for it: “The legislature finds that the State's policy of providing highly subsidized parking for state employees limits the employees' choices, does not reduce traffic congestion or greenhouse gas emissions, and contradicts state policies to encourage alternative modes of transportation.” New York’s Assembly Bill 2234 would similarly allow bicyclists to qualify for commuter benefits.

Why should you care? People should be rewarded for choosing to get to work by bike and, in lieu of national action that’s proved fickle in the past, states are starting to take action. More people commuting by bike means more support for bike infrastructure, cleaner air and healthier employees.

5. Action on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)


What does a DEI bill have to do with biking? Like almost everything in American life, transportation is intersectional and there’s a long history of disenfranchisement when it comes to Black, Indigenous and people of color, as well as low-income populations and folks with disabilities. Oregon’s House Bill 2985 would ensure that members of the Oregon Department of Transportation advisory committee reflect the racial, ethnic and ability composition of the state.

Why should you care? Transportation decisions need to be made with input from people from all communities, backgrounds and ethnicities. Historically, Black and brown communities have been underrepresented or excluded completely from public planning decisions at every level. We need to make sure there are legal obligations to include all people affected by transportation projects and decisions.

Interested in keeping up with the policies PeopleForBikes supports? Check out our Policy Finder.

5 Bills Every Bike Advocate Should Care About

At PeopleForBikes, we’re focusing our energy on maintaining the bike boom. As electric bicycles grow in popularity across the United States, they are becoming the preferred mode of transportation for many Americans in cities large and small. And for good reason: they shorten distances, squish hills and get you to your destination with ease and efficiency. 

In supporting this growing trend, some electric utility companies now offer rebates to their account holders for electric bicycle purchases. 

Burlington Electric Department and Other Utilities in Vermont

Four utility companies in the state of Vermont offer their customers rebates for electric bicycle purchases:

According to VBike, Green Mountain Power (Vermont’s largest utility company) has processed nearly 600 e-bike rebates this year — triple from last year. Even with snow cover nearly two-thirds of the year, it’s clear Vermonters see the advantages of getting around by electric bicycle. We asked Burlington Electric Department (servicing Burlington, VT) how its rebate program works, and how it came to be, so that we can help spread their message to other utility companies across the U.S. and increase access to electric bicycles.

In 2015, Vermont updated its renewable energy standards to direct utility companies in the state to “acquire fossil fuel savings from energy transformation projects.” Offering rebates for electric bicycles — along with tractors, heat pumps and more — falls within this broad charge. 

50% of emissions in the state of Vermont come from transportation. 

Burlington Electric Department was the first in the state to implement an electric bicycle rebate program and did so in partnership with nonprofits VBike and Local Motion. 

Burlington residents are eligible for a $200 rebate at the point-of-purchase at participating bike dealers in the city. 

BED calculated the price of the rebate by determining the cost of the fossil fuel that is expected to be replaced by the electric bicycle over the product’s lifetime.

Halfway across the country, the city of Austin, Texas’ energy utility company offers an electric bicycle rebate to its customers.

In 2015, the city of Austin passed a resolution to reach the goal netzero emissions by 2050 and make “Austin Energy (AE) the leading utility for greenhouse gas reductions.” 

AE took the initiative and started its E-Ride rebate program to make electric, netzero emissions transportation more accessible to Austinites.

In partnership with local dealers, AE customers are eligible for:
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AE customers have to submit a rebate form online to the company after purchasing the electric bicycle to receive their rebate.

 Have you used a utility-based rebate program (or something else) to help finance your electric bicycle purchase? We want to hear from you: email noa@peopleforbikes.org to share your experience. 

Great bike rides can start anywhere, but sometimes it’s worth the extra travel to race to a backdrop of breathtaking coastal landscapes, glorious mountain peaks or rugged desert terrain. We’ve highlighted 13 bike events that we think are worth the trip in 2019 — including some old favorites.

Bentonville, Arkansas (Oct. 11–13, 2019)

Connect with a selection of the finest Northwest Arkansas singletrack, double track and paved segments at the Oz Trails Off-Road event. With 25-,35- and 50-mile routes plus daily festivities, riders of all levels can enjoy the beauty of the Ozark mountains and mingle with other mountain bike enthusiasts along the way. If you’re still not convinced, finishers receive a custom-designed mason jar filled with with locally produced pimento cheese.

If you’re up for tackling Colorado’s extreme, high-altitude terrain we highly suggest signing up for this one-of-a-kind MTB race. Starting at 10,152 feet and climbing to 12,424 feet, Leadville’s picturesque Rocky Mountain views will almost make you forget about the altitude effects. This out-and-back route takes place mostly on forest trails with the occasional stretch of mountain road.

Created in the spirit of the Belgian one-day cycling classics, the 2019 edition of this challenging race takes riders 136 miles up mountains, across dirt sections and over water crossings. The 12,000 feet of climbing is not for the faint of heart, but your strenuous effort is sure to earn you some delicious waffles and post-race libations. If this is your first gravel grinder, we recommend checking out the shorter 76-mile Belgian Wafer Ride.

Ketchum, Idaho (Aug. 29 – Sept. 1, 2019)

Started in 2013 by renowned bike racer Rebecca Rusch, RPI is a long-haul gravel ride and outdoor festival held over Labor Day weekend. Named “one of the top five gravel events in the world” by Global Cycling Network, each day gives riders a chance to take on a grueling yet spectacular course through the central part of Idaho. To top it all off, RPI benefits four bike-focused nonprofits, including PeopleForBikes.

What better way to enjoy Vermont’s scenic autumn landscape than by mountain bike? Across 50 hilly miles, riders travel through spectacular fall foliage and gain a total of 8,900 vertical feet. Female participants may opt to race as a two-person bike relay, an alternative designed to encourage higher participation by women.

Ever dreamed of riding your bike alongside the stunning coastline of California or through the red rock cathedrals of Death Valley National Park? Climate Ride organizes charitable events across the world to raise awareness and support sustainability, active transportation and environmental causes. Choose from over 100 beneficiary organizations—including PeopleForBikes—whether you sign up for an organized event or take on an independent challenge any time throughout the year.

Launched in 2006 with just 34 registrants, the Dirty Kanza now welcomes over 2,000 gravel-grinding enthusiasts, thanks to the growing popularity of the sport. With routes ranging from 25 to 350 miles, this event offers entry-level riders a small taste of the gravel riding experience, while seasoned professionals can tackle a demanding endurance feat through the Flint Hills.

RAGBRAI, more formally known as the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, is the oldest, largest and longest recreational bicycle touring event in the world. This rolling celebration of the Hawkeye State brings participants from all over the US, as well as international racers. The course changes every year, but averages 468 miles. Expect to begin somewhere along Iowa’s western border on the Missouri River and pedal through the finish on the state’s eastern border on the Mississippi River.

This uniquely formatted race gives riders of all types the opportunity explore the stunning back country of Utah’s Tushar Mountains and Fishlake National Forest—all while accumulating over 10,000 feet of elevation gain. Featuring a 60/40 split of gravel-to-tarmac sectors, a cyclocross, gravel or mountain bike will get the job done. Though registration has closed for 2019, look out for transfer opportunities in April.

Named one of the best trips by Outside Magazine, the Farm to Fork Fondo series aims to highlight and support the relationship between bike riders, farmers and beautiful landscapes. Participants work up an appetite riding challenging courses through scenic farmland with timed segments, magnificent views and aid stations featuring locally-sourced treats. The 2019 series will visit New York, North Carolina, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Massachusetts and Kentucky.

Logan, Utah to Jackson Hole, Wyoming (Sept. 7, 2019)

Started in 1983 by two Utah cyclists, LoToJa was inspired by the difficulty of a one-day European classic bike race like Paris-Roubaix. The 200+ mile course takes riders over three mountain passes through Utah, Idaho and Wyoming and finishes as the base of the rugged Teton mountain range.

This 40-mile, car-free tour begins in Lower Manhattan, travels through the heart of Central Park, over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and finishes in Staten Island. Look forward to musicians, performers and lots of cheering crowds scattered along the route, as well as a special finish line festival to celebrate your effort. Proceeds from the event help fund Bike New York’s free bicycle education programs.

Kalkaska to Traverse City, Michigan (Nov. 2, 2019)

If winter weather doesn’t keep you off your bike, grab your gloves and head to the Great Lakes State this November. This point-to-point mountain bike race consists primarily of dirt roads, two-tracks, abandoned railroad beds and the world-famous Vasa Nordic ski trail. Since 1990, Riders of all ages and experience levels have traveled to this race to enjoy the stunning terrain of the Pere Marquette State Forest.

Are we missing one of your favorite bike events? Be sure to share your must-do rides with us in the comments below or on social media.

A Dozen (Plus One) Bucket List Rides for 2019

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A Gallop in The Wild West

Distance: 20 miles

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Just a taste of the Deep Creek Mountains

Distance: 6.4 miles