Hoffman Passes Measure to Offer $1,500 Rebate for Electric Motorcycles

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – Electric motorcycle buyers would be eligible for a $1,500 rebate under a proposal passed and sent to the governor this month by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea.

“We already offer a rebate incentive for electric car and truck buyers, it didn’t make sense that motorcycles were not included,” Hoffman said. “For many motorcyclists, their bike is their primary form of transportation. If we want to encourage more people to take advantage of the future of electrified transportation, we need to make sure we’re including all forms.”

An initiative of motorcycle advocacy group ABATE of Illinois, Hoffman’s Senate Bill 2940 makes highway-legal electric motorcycles eligible for a $1,500 electric vehicle rebate statewide. It follows up on state action last year through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) which created a rebate for other motor vehicles, but not motorcycles. Senate Bill 2940 expressly excludes mopeds and electric off-highway vehicles.

“As we see a shift toward electric-powered transportation, Illinois needs to be a leader in supporting this new market,” Hoffman said. “I hope this incentive assists potential riders in making their purchase decision, and that they choose to buy local when doing so.”

Senate Bill 2940 passed without opposition and is being sent to the governor for approval. State Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, introduced and led passage of the measure in the Senate.