Purchase of E-cargo bikes and E-cargo trailers is subsidized

Purchase of E-cargo bikes and E-cargo trailers is subsidized Cargo bikes are becoming increasingly popular. Especially in times of high fuel prices, the acquisition could be worthwhile for many companies. Through the guideline for the promotion of E-cargo bikes, the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) supports the purchase of E-cargo bikes and E-cargo trailers for bicycle-based freight transport. The funding period currently ends on February 29, 2024.

Who can apply for funding?

Eligible for funding are:

Private companies regardless of their legal form (including cooperatives) and the nature of their activities (including freelancers), Companies with municipal participation, Municipalities (cities, municipalities, districts), Corporations / public-law institutions (e.g., universities), Legal associations and organizations. Important: The application must be submitted before commissioning (ordering) from the dealer/manufacturer. After receiving a grant notice, the order can be placed, and the purchase made!

What is funded? The purchase of cargo bikes (electric cargo bikes) and cargo trailers with electric drive assistance is eligible for funding. E-cargo bikes are propelled by muscle power, have at least two wheels, a permanently installed device for transporting cargo, and may have a maximum pedal assistance of 25 km/h.

Requirements

Funded E-cargo bikes and E-cargo trailers must meet the following requirements. They must be:

factory-new, have a payload of at least 120 kg each, provide transport options that are inseparably connected to the bike and can accommodate more volume than a conventional bicycle. Excluded from funding are:

Pedelecs with only an extended luggage rack Pedelecs without a transport area or a transport box firmly connected to the bicycle (even if the manufacturer designates them as cargo bikes) Single-track cargo bikes with a design and behavior almost like a classic bicycle. The purchase of cargo pedelecs and E-cargo trailers designed for passenger transport (e.g., rickshaws) or intended for private use (e.g., shopping, commuting) is also not eligible.

Type and amount of funding The basis for grants is generally the eligible project-related expenses. 25 percent of the expenses for the purchase are eligible for funding, but a maximum of 2,500 euros per E-cargo bike or E-cargo trailer with electric drive.

Instalment purchase is allowed, as well as hire purchase (ownership transfer must be recorded in the hire purchase contract within three years of commissioning). The financing contract or hire purchase contract must also clearly refer to the approved/funded unit(s). Financing through leasing is not permitted.

More information can be found in the guideline for the E-cargo bike. The various types recognized as cargo bikes or cargo trailers and thus eligible for funding are also presented here.

You can access the application form through this link: Application for the promotion of E-cargo bikes."