Everything You Need to Know About E-Bike Rebates in New York
Explore e-bike rebates (aka, incentives or, and vouchers) in New York. Learn about local programs, proposed state legislation, and how Shared Mobility Inc. (SMI) can help.
Making E-Bikes More Affordable in New York
E-bikes are changing how people move in New York. They offer a clean, low-cost, and efficient alternative to cars and public transit. But for many, the upfront cost is still a barrier.
That's where incentives, rebates, and vouchers come in. They reduce or offset the price you pay at purchase or afterward. Shared Mobility works with local partners, governments, and community groups to design and support these programs.
On this page, you'll find the current rebate and voucher options in New York, updates on proposed statewide legislation, and ways Shared Mobility can help you access support. Our goal is to make e-bike rebates, e-bike incentives, and e-bike vouchers accessible to all New Yorkers.
Understanding E-Bike Rebates, Incentives, and Vouchers
E-bike rebate programs are generally the same as e-bike incentive and e-bike voucher programs. These are all just different names for the same types of programs run by states and local governments that provide a point-of-sale discount for people to purchase an e-bike at a participating bike shop in their community.
All of these reduce your effective cost. They help get e-bikes into more hands, especially for people with lower incomes or in underresourced areas.
Shared Mobility works with community-based partners to tailor these programs. We aim for simplicity, fairness, and transparency so you can access support without hassle.
The Current Status of New York's Statewide E-Bike Rebate Bill
As of 2025, New York does not have a statewide e-bike rebate or voucher program in effect.
However, a bill has been proposed: New York Senate Bill S1047 (2025). This bill would create a Ride Clean Rebate Program (expanding upon the current Drive Clean Rebate program for EVs) covering electric-assist bicycles and e-scooters. It would offer a 50% rebate, capped at $1,100 per purchase, for qualifying e-bikes that meet battery and certification standards.
The bill has passed the New York Senate and was referred to the Assembly's energy committee. It defines eligibility criteria and aims to expand e-bike access statewide.
In comparison, states like California, Colorado, and Minnesota already operate statewide e-bike incentive or rebate programs. At Shared Mobility, we support efforts to expand similar access across New York.
Local E-Bike Rebate and Incentive Programs in New York
While state-level support is still pending, some local and regional e-bike programs are active in New York. These offer real opportunities now.
Westchester County - Project MOVER
In select Westchester Rivertowns, Project MOVER is piloting an e-bike voucher program in 2025. The program aims to provide $1,000 vouchers as a point-of-sale discount to eligible applicants.
To participate:
-
Fill out a short interest form.
-
If eligible, submit a full application.
-
Approved applications may be randomly selected to receive vouchers.
-
Purchase your e-bike at a participating retailer and apply the voucher at checkout.
Project MOVER is focused on equity and reaching underserved communities. It supports sustainable commuting and makes e-bikes more accessible to people who need them most.
Western New York - Buffalo & Niagara Falls
In Western New York, Shared Mobility runs the WNY E-Bike Rebate Pilot, funded by Ford Philanthropy.
The specifics:
-
Qualified residents can get a $650 point-of-sale rebate toward a certified e-bike and accessories.
-
Applications begin with a short interest form.
-
From approved applications, participants are randomly selected (lottery) for the rebate.
-
Selected applicants must attend an e-bike safety workshop before receiving the rebate code.
-
Once approved, you can use a rebate code at a participating bike shop within 30 days.
This is New York State's first e-bike rebate pilot program. Shared Mobility led the program design, using its experience with e-bike libraries and community mobility work. It is aimed at improving equitable access in Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
Other Local or Upcoming Programs
Other municipalities may launch rebate or incentive pilots in the future. Shared Mobility is actively exploring partnerships across New York to expand these programs. Check back for new opportunities.
Benefits of E-Bikes for New Yorkers
E-bikes offer many benefits, especially in dense and busy areas like New York City:
Easier commuting
You can bypass traffic and get where you're going faster in urban and suburban areas.
Lower costs
E-bikes cost far less to operate than cars: no gas, lower maintenance, and cheaper parking or storage.
Reduced emissions and congestion
More e-bike use helps cut pollution and reduce cars on the road.
Increased mobility
For older adults or people without cars, e-bikes offer independence and access to more places.
Health gains
You still pedal, stay active, and get fresh air.
Because Shared Mobility works with communities and equity in mind, we strive to bring these benefits to people who might otherwise not be able to afford an e-bike.
How E-Bike Rebate Programs Work
Step 1
Check eligibility
Programs often require you to live in a qualifying area, meet income limits, or satisfy residency requirements.
Step 2
Submit an application or interest form
Fill out basic information about yourself, your address, and sometimes your income.
Step 3
Complete required training or workshops (if needed)
Some programs require battery safety or e-bike safety classes before the rebate is issued.
Step 4
Receive voucher, rebate code, or approval
If approved (sometimes via lottery), you get a code or voucher.
Step 5
Purchase your e-bike from an approved retailer
Use your voucher or rebate at checkout, or get reimbursed afterward, depending on the model.
Step 6
Redeem within time limits
Many programs set a deadline to make the purchase.
There are two common payment models:
-
Point-of-sale discounts: The retailer applies the voucher or rebate immediately, lowering your purchase cost.
-
Reimbursement models: You pay full price, then submit proof and get refunded later.
Shared Mobility designs programs to minimize complexity and lower barriers so people can access support easily.
E-Bike Battery Safety in New York
Because e-bike batteries use lithium-ion technology, safety is critical. Some best practices include to be mindful of include:
Use UL certified batteries and chargers.
Avoid overnight charging or leaving batteries unattended.
Charge in well-ventilated areas, not near flammable surfaces
Do not block exits or pathways with charging devices
Recycle old batteries properly through official drop-off locations.
Be cautious of battery damage, unusual smells, heating, or swelling.
Shared Mobility promotes safety through programs and workshops. Battery safety education is included in rebate pilots and community engagement.
How Shared Mobility Supports E-Bike Access in New York
Shared Mobility, based in Buffalo, is a nonprofit focused on equitable, affordable transportation. We build shared mobility systems, pilot programs, and community partnerships nationwide. Here in New York, we:
-
Design and manage e-bike rebate pilots.
-
Partner in regional programs like Project MOVER.
-
Operate e-bike libraries that provide shared access to e-bikes.
-
Work with municipalities, community organizations, and funders to expand access.
Our goal is simple: to make clean, affordable mobility accessible for more people across New York.
Find Out if You Qualify for an E-Bike Rebate
Want to see if you're eligible right now?
-
Check if your city or county has an active e-bike rebate or voucher program.
-
Complete the interest or application form for that program.
-
Shared Mobility will assess your eligibility and guide you on the next steps.
Check your eligibility for current and upcoming e-bike rebates and voucher programs in New York. Contact Shared Mobility to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently asked questions
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
- 05
Join Shared Mobility in Bringing E-Bikes to New Yorkers
E-bike incentives, rebates, and vouchers make clean, accessible transportation a reality for many New Yorkers. At Shared Mobility, we help you find and use these programs successfully.
Join us in building a cleaner, fairer future for New York mobility. Learn more about current and upcoming e-bike incentive and voucher programs. Contact us to see how you can get started with an affordable e-bike.