In a surprising turn that’s shaken the auto industry, former President Donald Trump has vowed to cancel federal support for electric cars if re-elected. While this has stirred strong reactions from environmental groups and automakers alike, there’s one part of the electric mobility market that could quietly benefit from the fallout: e-bikes and e-scooters.
Less Love for EVs, More Room for Micromobility?
Trump’s recent statements on eliminating electric vehicle mandates could cause major slowdowns in the growth of EV car adoption. If incentives disappear and automakers scale back their EV ambitions, what alternatives will consumers turn to?
Enter e-bikes and e-scooters. These smaller, more affordable electric rides have already been gaining traction in urban areas, and political uncertainty around electric cars may actually push even more people to consider two wheels over four.
Affordability Wins
Let’s face it: even with tax credits, electric cars are still a big investment. As federal support becomes shakier, cost-conscious commuters may look for practical, low-maintenance alternatives. E-bikes and e-scooters offer exactly that — with price tags often 90% lower than electric cars and no need for special charging infrastructure.
A potential drop in EV subsidies might make e-mobility even more appealing, especially for younger riders, students, and urban professionals looking for flexible transportation solutions.
City-Level Support is Still Strong
While federal policy may waver, local governments continue to double down on micromobility. Cities across the U.S. are adding bike lanes, launching shared e-scooter programs, and offering rebates for personal e-bikes. These trends aren’t likely to slow down—especially as cities face pressure to reduce traffic, improve air quality, and modernize their transportation systems.
In other words, even if the EV spotlight dims nationally, e-bikes and scooters will continue to shine in local policy and infrastructure.
A Shift Toward Simpler Sustainability
Trump’s proposed rollback may cause some to rethink big electric cars. But for others, it might spark a wider adoption of smaller, smarter electric vehicles. E-bikes and e-scooters are easy to store, fun to ride, and use a fraction of the energy of a full-size EV.
They might not replace every car trip—but they’re increasingly capable of replacing enough to make a real difference.
If the EV playing field changes in 2025, micromobility may emerge as a surprising winner. As e-bike range increases, scooter design evolves, and urban policies stay supportive, the future of short-distance electric transport looks as bright as ever.
image credit: newsweek
