Hint: If you’re thinking of buying an ebike in 2025, buy it in November.
“A second Trump administration will spell disaster for the boom-and-bust bike industry as importers and domestic manufacturers have to deal with more import tariffs, making it more difficult for the industry to help create viable alternatives to cars, advocates say.” – Streetsblog USA’s “‘President Tariff’ is Back — and the Struggling Bike Industry is Nervous.”
The article discusses concerns from bike industry advocates about the potential impacts of a second Trump administration on the bike industry’s viability. Key points include:
- Tariffs on Imports: Approximately 97% of bike parts are imported, mostly from China. Trump previously proposed steep tariffs on e-bikes and bike parts, which could significantly increase costs for manufacturers and consumers, reducing bike affordability.
- Economic and Climate Impact: Higher bike prices could discourage bike usage, undermining efforts to reduce car dependence, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and achieve climate goals. For instance, replacing short car trips with bike rides could save the U.S. $575 million in fuel costs and cut 2 million metric tons of CO2 annually.
- Domestic Manufacturing: Advocates are pushing for increased domestic production to offset import reliance. Rep. Earl Blumenauer introduced the Domestic Bicycle Production Act, proposing tariff suspensions for parts and tax credits for U.S. manufacturers. However, its passage faces challenges with Republican-controlled Congress.
- Alternative Measures: Groups like People for Bikes advocate for reinstating the Generalized Systems Preferences program, which would exempt tariffs on goods from developing nations, but this program has been inactive since 2020.
- Other Alternatives? Buy the ebike you’ve been thinking about now – during current Black Friday deals, which are good through November. Shop our ebikes. Shop and preorder kids bikes. Come in for a test ride anytime that we’re open or make an appointment outside of normal business hours.
Overall, the article highlights the challenges of navigating rising costs, domestic production efforts, and political hurdles while ensuring bikes remain an affordable and sustainable transportation option.
The good news? Ebike Black or “Green Friday” deals have already started. Aventon is offering $100-300 off ebikes plus free extra batteries (worth $500) on select models, with 30% offr accessories. The Ride Cafe is an Aventon dealer and when you buy an ebike from us, you also become a member, providing you with savings throughout the year. These savings includes 10-20% off parts and service, which will help soften the blow of the anticipated price increases expected on bikes and parts during Trump’s presidency.