Summary

This legislation directs the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to establish a ride clean rebate program to aid with the purchase of electric bicycles and scooters, with a rebate of up to 50 percent of the vehicle cost at a maximum of $1,100.

Explanation

This legislation directs the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to develop a ride clean rebate program to provide financial assistance for the purchase of electric bicycles and scooters. Electric bikes and scooters provide an emissions free and efficient means of transportation, and the use of these micro-mobility vehicles should be encouraged as the State seeks to reduce pollution from the transportation sector.

Reaching the emissions reduction mandates of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) will require a significant decrease in emissions from the transportation sector. Personal vehicle use makes up a considerable proportion of transportation emissions and by providing an incentive to encourage the use of micro-mobility options, such as bikes and scooters, on-road emissions will be reduced as more people opt to take a bike ride rather than a car ride for short distance trips.

NYSERDA currently provides rebates to incentivize the purchase of electric vehicles, and by creating a parallel clean ride rebate program for bikes and scooters the State will similarly be encouraging the expansion of clean transportation. Additionally, micro-mobility options are more accessible than cars and trucks as they are less expensive overall.

Electric bikes and scooters also provide a benefit to densely populated areas as the increased use of these vehicles can reduce the need for passenger vehicles which in turn would reduce both congestion and air pollution. Expanding affordable and low-emission transportation options is exactly what is needed to accomplish the emissions reduction requirements of the CLCPA.

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