Minnesota’s highly anticipated e-bike rebate program, which was scheduled to launch earlier this month, has encountered significant setbacks, leaving residents feeling frustrated and confused. The program, which was approved by the state legislature and received funding in 2023, aims to provide taxpaying residents with rebates of up to $1,500 towards the purchase of a new e-bike. However, since its planned opening on June 5th, the program’s website has been plagued with technical difficulties, preventing the public from accessing and submitting their applications.
The application window was supposed to open at 11 am on June 5th, but within minutes, the site crashed, displaying error messages to visitors. Only a few individuals were able to complete their applications before the site was shut down at 1:30 pm. The Minnesota Department of Revenue, in collaboration with their IT team and third-party vendors, is working tirelessly to resolve the issues that caused the website to malfunction. However, as of now, there is no clear timeline for when applications will be reopened.
Minnesotans have expressed their frustration and disappointment with the program’s rollout. Some have criticized the first-come, first-served application process, arguing that it favors those who can access the website immediately, rather than implementing a more equitable lottery system. The program’s popularity and limited funding raise concerns that the rebates will quickly run out, prompting calls for ample notice when the application window reopens.
Although the Minnesota Department of Revenue manages the program, it was initiated and funded by the state legislature. The legislation allocated two separate pools of $2 million each for the summer application windows of 2024 and 2025. While $2 million may seem substantial, when considering the potential rebate value of $1,500 per individual, it becomes evident that not many people will benefit from the program this year. The department estimates that approximately 1,300 rebates will be awarded.
The latest update from the Minnesota Department of Revenue indicates that the reopening of applications is still undetermined. The department intends to ensure that the website can handle the anticipated demand before relaunching. They will provide a minimum of four days’ notice through press releases, social media, and direct email updates to those interested.
Once applications are available again, there will be a limited time to submit them. The department plans to accept a total of 10,000 submissions to fill the applicant pool before closing the application portal. The number of rebates awarded will depend on individual income levels and can range from 50% to 75% off the cost of a new e-bike, up to a maximum of $1,500.
While the e-bike rebate program in Minnesota holds great potential for residents, the technical obstacles that have been encountered thus far have hindered its progress. As the state works to resolve these issues, residents eagerly await a functioning website and an opportunity to take advantage of the rebates available to them.