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SB 1521

ELECTRIC VEHICLE REBATE-BIKES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Sara Feigenholtz and 3 co-sponsors

Illinois would create an electric bicycle rebate program offering $400 standard or $1,200 low-income rebates for in-state e-bike purchases, with 12-month ownership and 10-year limi

Re-assigned to Appropriations
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Bill Summary · SB 1521

Summary — SB 1521 (Electric Vehicle Rebate Act amendment: Electric bicycle rebate)

Note: multiple different state bill texts were included in the source material. This summary focuses on the Illinois version of SB 1521 (introduced by Sen. Graciela Guzmán), which would add an electric bicycle rebate to the Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Act.

Purpose

To create a state rebate program that subsidizes the purchase of qualifying electric bicycles (e‑bikes) in Illinois, with larger rebates for low‑income purchasers, to increase access to electric micromobility and encourage purchases made in‑state.

Key provisions

  • Adds a new Section 50 to the Electric Vehicle Rebate Act establishing an electric bicycle rebate program.
  • Definition: “Electric bicycle” means a low‑speed electric bicycle (not an electric moped) whose electrical system has been tested for compliance with UL 2849 and EN 15194 (and references the Illinois Vehicle Code bicycle definition).
  • Rebate amounts (beginning July 1, 2026, while funds remain available):
    • $400 per qualifying purchase (standard purchaser).
    • $1,200 per qualifying purchase for a “low‑income purchaser.” Rebate cannot exceed the purchase price of the e‑bike.
  • Eligibility requirements:
    • Purchaser must reside in Illinois at time of purchase and at time rebate is issued.
    • E‑bike must have been purchased in Illinois on or after July 1, 2024.
    • Purchaser must own the e‑bike at time rebate is issued and may not have bought it from an out‑of‑state seller.
    • Applications for purchases or leases made on or after July 1, 2026 must be submitted within 90 days of the purchase/lease date.
    • Applicants must provide proof of Illinois residency, ownership and in‑state purchase (e.g., purchase agreement showing an Illinois seller).
  • Program rules and administration:
    • The administering Agency (under the Electric Vehicle Rebate Act) must publish application materials, adopt rules defining “low‑income purchaser,” and prioritize low‑income applicants.
    • Rebates may be issued for new or used e‑bikes.
  • Post‑award requirements and recapture:
    • Rebate recipients must retain ownership of the e‑bike for at least 12 consecutive months after purchase and remain Illinois residents during that period.
    • If a recipient fails to meet ownership/residency or other conditions, they must notify the Agency within 60 days and may be required to repay all or part of the rebate.
  • Limits:
    • A person may receive a rebate only once in a 10‑year period.
    • Only one rebate may be awarded per person per e‑bike.

Who is affected

  • Illinois residents who purchase qualifying electric bicycles from in‑state sellers (both new and used).
  • Illinois e‑bike retailers (in‑state sellers) — purchases must be made in Illinois to qualify.
  • The administering state Agency (responsible for application processing, rulemaking, verification and recapture).
  • Low‑income households (explicitly prioritized and eligible for larger rebates).

Timeline and funding

  • Purchases eligible if made on or after July 1, 2024.
  • Program becomes available July 1, 2026, and continues only while appropriated funds remain available.
  • Applicants for purchases/leases on or after July 1, 2026 must apply within 90 days.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Increases affordability of e‑bikes, especially for low‑income riders, and may boost demand for in‑state sellers.
  • Administrative costs and verification burden on the administering Agency; potential need for anti‑fraud measures given recapture provisions.
  • Program cost depends on uptake and available appropriations; $1,200 rebates for low‑income purchasers substantially increase per‑unit subsidy exposure.
  • The 10‑year per‑person limitation and 12‑month ownership requirement limit repeat claims and speculative purchasing.

Sponsors and related legislation

  • Illinois sponsor: Sen. Graciela Guzmán (introduced 2/4/2025). Co‑sponsors noted in provided materials include Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, Robert Peters, Rachel Ventura.
  • Companion bill: HB 667 (listed as related).

If you want, I can:
- Draft a short one‑page explainer for the public or stakeholder groups.
- Produce a fiscal/implementation checklist for the administering Agency.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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