Exploring Oregon’s New E-Bike Rebate Bill: What You Need to Know. Oregon lawmakers are working on a new bill aimed at making electric bikes (e-bikes) more accessible for lower-income residents. House Bill 2963, proposed by Representative Mark Gamba from Milwaukie, introduces a $1,200 rebate program for eligible individuals to purchase e-bikes and related equipment. This initiative could significantly boost e-bike adoption across the state.
How HB 2963 Works
This bill creates an Electric Bicycle Incentive Fund with $6 million in initial funding from the General Fund. Unlike a similar proposal in 2023, which had different rebate tiers based on income, HB 2963 simplifies eligibility. Now, the rebate is exclusively available to residents receiving state medical assistance or those who have received it in the past 12 months.
The program will integrate with the Oregon Eligibility System (ONE), which already supports government assistance programs like food stamps and medical benefits. This streamlined approach makes it easier for recipients to access rebates, bypassing the manual process required in earlier proposals.
Key Features of the Bill
Rebate Value: Each eligible individual can receive a $1,200 voucher for purchasing an e-bike.
Total Reach: With the allocated $6 million, the program could fund 5,000 e-bikes statewide.
Administering Departments: The Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority will coordinate the process.
Comparison to Previous Efforts
A similar bill in 2023, HB 2571, offered rebates to individuals earning up to 80% of the median family income. Although it passed a House committee with bipartisan support, it stalled due to funding challenges. The revamped HB 2963 shifts its focus entirely to low-income residents, which may help gain broader political support.
Portland’s Local Initiative
Portland has its own e-bike rebate program set to launch this summer, funded by the city’s Clean Energy Fund. This initiative will provide $20 million over five years, potentially supporting the purchase of 6,000 e-bikes. If HB 2963 becomes law, Portland residents who qualify for both programs could combine the benefits for an even greater rebate.
Why E-Bike Rebates Matter
E-bikes are a proven solution to reduce transportation emissions and provide affordable travel options. Research shows that even a small shift from car trips to e-bike trips could cut Portland’s transportation emissions by 12%. With more than half of all trips in Portland being less than three miles, e-bikes present a practical alternative to cars.
Additionally, e-bikes lower the cost of commuting, promote physical activity, and ease traffic congestion. By targeting low-income residents, the bill ensures that those who need affordable transportation options most can benefit.
What’s Next for HB 2963?
HB 2963 has several factors in its favor. Representative Gamba, a strong supporter of e-bikes, is now a member of the Joint Committee on Transportation, giving the bill a more direct path through the legislative process. Additionally, lawmakers are expected to approve a large transportation package this session, increasing the likelihood of funding for initiatives like this.
If passed, the bill would take effect in October 2025, marking a significant step forward for e-bike adoption in Oregon.
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