With the ramping up of the warmer season, the Californian government has decided to offer motorcycle riders rebates in return for choosing green machines – but how much are we talking when it comes to reimbursement on electric motorcycles?
A report from Fresnobee has detailed the most recent updates available – and given recently revealed units in the electric market (and the price of my liver against the local gas prices), I’d be tempted to take the proverbial plunge if I were in the area.
Here’s what you’re getting in rebates if you buy an electric motorcycle in California:
- A 10% federal tax credit up to $2,500
- A clean fuel reward up to $1,500
- A clean vehicle rebate up to $750
- A rebate of up to $1,000 for those living in the San Joaquin Valley
All told, riders in the Golden State can expect up to $5,750 in reimbursements for buying a sparky beastie, with even officer A.J. Ferguson and the state’s Clovis Police Department undergoing a recent switch to Zero Motorcycles (from BMW bikes).
In case you were wondering what the grass looks like on the other side, here’s a peek into the life of an EV owner.
“Zero motorcycles are nifty vehicles for patrolling near bike lanes and other off-road destinations because of their light weight,” comments Ferguson in the report.
“On hot days, it’s a definite advantage to not experience the heat put out by the BMWs. The downside is the limited range. Ferguson said it amounts to about 80 miles before a recharge is needed.”
“If the Zero is used for traffic enforcement, rapid acceleration puts an extra drain on the battery. If the motorcycle is charged at a 110 home wall plug, a recharge will take several hours.”
A heads up – if you live in California, you’re also apparently looking at a lack of proper service for two-wheeled EV machines, with your best bet being an automotive electrical shop. We hear Electric Laboratories is the current recommended name, so let us know what you find on that front.
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