this post was submitted on 27 Jun 2023
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eBikes

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We offer tax credits for electric cars — but ebikes are arguably even more transformative

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[–] insomniac_lemon@kbin.social 2 points 1 year ago

I'd say offer it to the lower end, particularly ebikes that are near/cheaper than $1K but offer more value than is typical (for instance, I bought one that has gears+is only 45 pounds+has a decent range on sale for $720, though it is only 250w). And don't lock it behind tax. Hopefully that'd allow more people to afford an ebike while avoiding raised prices or race-to-the-bottom

Either that, or take the opposite approach: free bike parts/upgrades. There are lots of nice-to-haves missing from my ebike (even from spare parts and self-install at least for basic stuff) that I either don't feel like paying extra for or the hassle outweighs the need.

Such as:

  • a mirror
  • rear rack
  • integrated rear light
  • whatever would increase battery meter accuracy (display? controller? or added watt meter)
  • ignition
  • lock

The electrical ones would require service though (aside from maybe rear light if it could just plug in). Also I'd say a bell, but I did buy one at the local bike shop (though that was 11 miles of riding to get there).

Maybe something like tune-up vouchers or something, but I know with the rising popularity of ebikes shops are probably already swamped as-is.