U.S. lawmakers have revived a tax credit bill for electric bicycles, proposing a refund of up to $1,500.

Federal lawmakers have reintroduced a bill that would give consumers a tax credit when purchasing a new electric bicycle. The Electric Bikes for the Environment (E-BIKE) Sales Incentive Act offers a refundable tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of an electric bicycle, with a maximum limit of $1500. New electric bicycles that cost less than $8,000 will be eligible for a refund.

The new law also doubles the income limits for the maximum credit - up to $150,000 for individuals and up to $300,000 for joint filers - to match the electric vehicle tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act.

California Rep. Jimmy Panetta, who, along with California Representatives Mike Thompson and Adam Schiff and Oregon Bicycle Congressional Chair Irl Blumenauer, reintroduced the bill, called the legislation a "sensible way to encourage" the purchase of electric bicycles, especially for low-income individuals who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

In a statement, Panetta said: "By encouraging Americans to own and use electric bicycles, we are empowering them to improve the quality of life in our communities and address our nation's climate crisis.

The electric bicycle credit was ultimately excluded from the "Build Better" law and was not included in the Inflation Reduction Act.

In reviewing the successful electric bicycle reimbursement program introduced in Denver last year, which provided more than 4,700 reimbursements, Panetta's office pointed out the need to address the safety of electric bicycles, particularly low-quality bikes with unreliableThe proposed law also includes provisions to address battery issues. The bill defines electric bicycles that meet battery safety standards established by the Battery Technology Laboratory or "that may be recognized by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. "