Zero Motorcycles has just announced that they are the first electric motorcycle company to meet all US and Canadian safety standards as well as pass EPA certification allowing their bikes to qualify for major federal tax credits of 10% of the purchase price as well as a state sales tax credit.

Considering that the base price of both the 2009 Zero S and DS is $9,950, if you buy one you will now be able to claim a tax credit of $995 when you file. And, if you don’t live in a state that has already had the forethought to suspend the state sales tax for purchase of electric vehicles, you can now also claim whatever state sales tax amount you paid for your Zero bike on your federal tax return.

This is good news for the electric motorcycle nuts out there and it means that soon enough many other electric bike companies will likely also qualify for the same tax credits.

With jaw-droppingly fast acceleration, excellent handling characteristics, gorgeous looks and huge eco-cred, Zero Motorcycles’ groundbreaking electric bikes have made big headlines recently. A while back Gas 2.0 contributor Susanna Schick had a chance to test drive one and came away with a good impression. If you were on the fence about buying a Zero bike, now’s the time to get off.

Image Credit: Zero Motorcycles

Reprinted with permission from Gas 2.0