Sources: Electrek, Al Circle

After a concerted period of advocacy by bike-industry interest group PeopleForBikes, it was recently confirmed by the US White House that e-bikes, bikes and frames will not be subject to new tariffs on steel and aluminium, while some pre-existing tariffs on these materials are being removed altogether.

It had been proposed last year to apply tariffs of up to 50% on the steel and aluminium content of standard and electric bikes, which would have had serious financial and practical implications for companies in the industry, with complex calculations on the exact metal composition of imported bikes and frames required, alongside the additional expense which would likely have been passed on to end users in an already expensive consumer-product market segment.

PeopleForBikes mobilised numerous players in the e-bike and bike industry, to deliver a coordinated pushback against the proposed application of these tariffs. Over 1,300 public comments were submitted against their implementation, while PeopleForBikes also consulted with Congress members and senior figures at the Department of Commerce to emphasise the potential economic damage to the industry.

The action went a step further, with the broader “inclusion request” process also being scrapped; this could have added e-bikes and bikes to the tariff list in the future, giving added reassurance to the sector. It should be noted that tariff duties continue to apply to component items such as steel chains, bearings and other assorted hardware and hand tools.

PeopleForBikes CEO and President, Jenn Dice, said, “This is a clear example of what happens when our industry shows up together. We’re incredibly grateful to the manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and riders who stepped up and made their voices heard. We also want to recognize the hundreds of companies and leaders who took action, writing letters, submitting comments, and sharing their stories. This win belongs to the entire industry.”

Electrek journalist Micah Toll highlights that “This is also a reminder that e-bikes are no longer a niche category. The fact that the industry could mobilize that level of response and get the attention of policymakers shows just how important micromobility has become in the broader transportation landscape. For now, at least, that’s one less headwind for an industry that’s still trying to make car-free transportation more accessible.”