How Much Does an eBike Cost? Get More Bike for Less Cash with Rebates & Incentives

eBikes continue to catch on with riders looking for power, convenience, and style—but the best models aren’t exactly cheap. Here at Michael Blast, we never cop out on the quality of our designs or components, but that doesn’t mean our high-end retro eBikes are out of reach for regular Americans. In fact, buying a Michael Blast eBike could be much easier than you think, thanks to several rebate and incentive programs offered by the government.

Below, we explore what eBikes cost and why—then show you how to get the ride you really want. Keep reading to learn all about how to buy the eBike of your dreams without breaking your bank account.

What eBikes Cost (& Why)

eBikes come in a wide range of prices, typically starting at around $1,000 and going up to $8,000 or more for high-end models. The cost of an eBike depends on several factors, including:

Componentry

Some brands use cheap generic components to keep their prices down, while others insist on making every part of their models in-house—which can drive costs up without necessarily producing better results.

At Michael Blast, we’ve found a better way. Our eBikes use off-the-shelf components sourced from trusted manufacturers like Bafang and Shimano to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.

Motor & Battery Type

Most eBikes are made with either hub drive or mid-drive motors (learn more about the differences between eBike motor types here). Mid-drive motors usually cost more while offering a more intuitive riding experience—although all of our eBikes with hub drive motors use torque sensors to offer a comparable riding experience at a much lower price.

Batteries also play a role in the price of an eBike, with extended range options or dual battery systems costing more than standard versions. Many of our eBikes come with these options for riders who want to invest a bit more to enjoy longer rides, but even our basic battery options are good for over 30 miles on a single charge.

Branding

We’re going to level with you—some eBike brands are just more expensive than others. eBikes are a lot like motorcycles in this regard; anyone who’s ever looked at the price of a new Harley knows what we’re talking about. Bottom line: the price of an eBike doesn’t always mean it’s built better. Sometimes it is (we actually like Harley-Davidson, which is why you can see traces of inspiration from their classic models in some of our designs), but sometimes it’s just about the perceived prestige of buying something expensive.

The good news is that our prices at Michael Blast are inextricably linked to the quality of our engineering and production process. We’ve priced our eBikes to be as affordable as possible after covering the high-end tech and careful design work that goes into them—so you’re getting what you pay for every time.

Extra Features & Accessories

The more extras you load onto an eBike, the more stuff there is to pay for—which is why we sell our parts and accessories separately. That way, you don’t have to buy a model stacked with bells and whistles you don’t want or need—you get a great deal on the eBike itself and the rider aides that really matter, then add to the platform as you see fit.

All of the above allows us to provide you with some of the best eBikes on the market while keeping costs reasonable. We don’t make cheap products at Michael Blast, but we do offer a lot of value—and the right rebates or incentives can help you sweeten the deal even more.

eBike Rebates & Incentives in the US

There are several rebates and incentives available throughout the US that can reduce the cost of purchasing an eBike. We’ve done our best to provide you with a list of the most important ones below.

Note: This list may change as old programs are eventually phased out and new ones are introduced. Check back periodically for updates!

Federal E-BIKE Act

The Electric Bicycle Incentive Kickstart for the Environment Act (get it?) was introduced to Congress in 2021 and failed to pass—but a new version proposed in 2023 would provide a refundable tax credit equal to 30% of a new eBike’s cost up to $1500.

As long as the bike is under $8000 and you make less than $150,000 per year, you’d be eligible (meaning you could get a deal on every Michael Blast model unless you happen to make so much money that the price of an eBike probably isn’t a big deal anyway).

The bill hasn’t been signed into law yet—but it has a lot of support. Learn more about it here.

State Rebates

Several states and regional districts also offer rebates for eBike purchases. Here are the ones we know about:

California

• Monterey Bay Area: The e-BIP program offers $1,000 rebates to low-income applicants for e-bikes priced between $1,000-$4,000.
• Contra Costa County: Adults (18+) can apply for a $150 rebate, increased to $300 for low-income households, on e-bikes, conversion kits, or e-mopeds.
• Healdsburg: Residents can receive up to $700 in e-bike rebates based on several factors including purchase type, residency, and income.
• San Diego County: The Pedal Ahead scheme is a two-year loan-to-own program for e-bikes, inclusive of safety and security accessories.
• Santa Clara: Silicon Valley Power customers get a 10% rebate, up to $300, on e-bikes, with an additional $200 for Financial Rate Assistance Program customers.
• South Coast: Trade-in required for a voucher program with up to $7500 for e-bikes and other transportation means, based on income.

Colorado

• Denver: Instant rebates of $400 for e-bikes ($500 for e-cargo bikes) available, with a special $1,200 rebate for income-qualified residents.
• Edwards: A $200 rebate for new e-bike purchases is available for Edwards Metro District residents.
• La Plata Area: La Plata Electric Association offers a 25% bill credit, up to $125, for new e-bike purchases.

Michigan

• Ann Arbor: Local e-bike vendors partnered with the city to offer a $100 discount on select e-bikes and a $50 accessory credit.

Oregon

• Ashland: A $300 rebate towards e-bike purchases is available for the first 50 Ashland Electric customers, with a $3000 purchase limit.
• Benton County: Pacific Power customers with an income at 80% or less of the median can apply for an e-bike rebate until July 12th.

Texas

• Austin: Austin Energy offers up to $300 rebates for individual e-bike purchases, and up to $400 for fleet purchases.

Vermont

• Burlington: Residents and businesses can get an instant $200 off e-bike purchases at participating stores with proof of residency.

New York

• State-Wide: The NYSERDA bill is working to create a 50% rebate, up to $1,400, on e-bike purchases for qualifying New Yorkers. Program Updates

Utility Company Incentives

Some utility companies offer incentives for eBike purchases as part of their efforts to promote clean energy and reduce traffic congestion. For example:

California

• The Sacramento Municipal Utility District offers a rebate of up to $300 for the purchase of a new eBike.

Colorado

• Holy Cross Energy customers can receive a $200 rebate for new e-bikes or conversions, with a 2-per-household limit.

Vermont

• Green Mountain Power offers a $200 discount on new e-bikes or conversions when presenting a utility bill at participating stores.
• VPPSA utility customers can receive a $100 rebate on e-bike or conversion purchases.

How to Qualify for and Apply for These Incentives

Qualifying for and applying for these incentives and others depends on the specific requirements of each program. Here are some tips and best practices to follow:

• Provide proof of purchase and fill out the necessary application forms.
• Ensure that you have all the necessary documentation before applying.
• Some programs may have limited funding, so it’s a good idea to apply as soon as possible to increase your chances of receiving a rebate.

The Long-Term Savings & Cost Benefits of Buying an eBike

At the end of the day, the long-term savings and cost benefits of eBikes more than make up for their higher cost relative to traditional bicycles. Here are just a few of the ways you can save money in the long-run:

• eBikes are highly efficient, with the cost of charging the battery being a fraction of the cost of gas for a car or motorcycle with an internal combustion engine.
• eBikes require less maintenance than cars and motorcycles.
• You’ll save money on parking and other transportation-related expenses.

Add these advantages to the money you could save with available incentives and rebates, and the cost of owning an eBike becomes even more affordable. If you’ve been considering the switch to an eBike, there’s never been a better time than now to do it. Explore our collection here to find an incredible eBike that probably costs less than you think.