Sponsors Reveal Extreme View of Oregon E-Bike Discount Bill – BikePortland
(Photo: Jonathan Mouse/BikePortland)
In an effort to increase their chances of getting something passed in this legislative session, the backers of the Oregon e-bike rebate bill decided to drastically change it.
When Bill 2571 was first released in November, it was hailed by e-bike advocates and bike retailers across Oregon as an exciting step forward. It was a relatively simple concept that gave e-bike buyers up to $1,200 off a standard bike or $1,700 off a cargo bike. The original bill was just two pages long and received widespread support at its first public hearing last month.
But after that hearing, the bill’s main sponsor, House Representative Dacia Greiber, along with a team of supporters and policy experts, made significant changes. The new version of the bill consists of six pages and has been almost completely rewritten. New features include a provision for people on lower incomes and a greater role for the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
Summary of changes prepared by Congressman Greiber’s office.
Describing the changes, Representative Greiber’s office stated that their two main goals were to make the e-bike discount an extension of Oregon’s existing Clean Vehicle Discount program and, where possible, model it directly after Denver’s highly successful program.
One important addition is a tiered discount structure to offer more benefits to low-income Oregonians—something the original bill lacked. Instead of a $1,200 to $1,700 rebate for all residents, the new bill would offer $400 for regular residents and $1,200 for people who earn 80% of the average income in the area. The total dollar amount requested in the invoice is the same, $6 million for the first two years, but $2 million of that amount will be reserved for the low income rebate.
This new funding model will double the number of people who can participate in the program. The original bill would fund a total of 5,000 rebates. The bill can now fund 10,000 rebates.
Another interesting change is how they expanded the definition of the bank of money that will be used for rebates: the Electric Bicycle Incentive Fund. The new wording states that the foundation can accept donations.
In addition to changes in funding, the mechanics of the program have changed for both residents and eligible retailers. The amendment encourages interested residents to complete a DEQ discount voucher application. All customer information will be stored in the DEQ database. The original bill required bike shop employees to collect demographic data at the point of sale. The bill also requires the DEQ to include an (optional) survey question in the attachment that would indicate the buyer’s intended use and mileage.
This shift to a more DEQ-focused program will mean a longer time frame for getting your money back (which isn’t much of a surprise to those who understand how government works). The original bill required retailers to provide a rebate within 30 days; the new bill gives DEQ 60 days.
Speaking of retailers, if they want to participate, they now need to apply to DEQ to become a qualified retailer. The program will only be open to brick-and-mortar stores in Oregon, and each store will be largely in-store e-bike repair. Before applying, each store must be approved by a DEQ employee after a personal visit and inventory check. Once logged in, the retailer will be given computer access to the DEQ software that processes transactions and processes vouchers.
Another thing you won’t find in the bill anymore is the requirement to own a bike for at least one year (which the sponsors realized was unenforceable).
While it is likely that some Oregonians will be disappointed by the changes, the new approach gives the bill a much stronger foundation in terms of governance structure. It should also provide good ground for the 2025 legislative session, where lawmakers are likely to pass a major transportation funding package. If the e-bike rebate program proves successful, it’s likely that backers can find another major infusion of funding in this future bill.
We’ll get a glimpse of what lawmakers think about the new bill in a working session (and possible vote) in the House Climate, Energy and Environment Committee on April 3.
Note. The amendments have not yet been posted on the Oregon Legislature information site. I’ll link to them when they do.
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