Why E-bikes?
If you haven't got one already, you've probably been seeing e-bikes everywhere. They're cheaper and easier to store than a car, and much less sweaty than their analogue cousins, making them perfect for business and leisure.
While they're much cheaper than a car, they are more expensive than your average bike - that's where a Purchase Support Scheme might come in handy.
Why Are These Purchase Support Schemes Available?
A number of governments in Europe are starting to see the benefits of encouraging their citizens to make the switch from cars to e-bikes:
- E-bikes ease urban congestion.
- They improve the health of their rider
- They decrease the need for fuel imports
- They produce much lower carbon emissions than cars
- And they make the option of cycling much more accessible for people with lower mobility
How You Can Make Use of These Schemes…
Each scheme is different from the next; they usually require you to:
- Live in or for your principal residence to be in the area in question
- Some require you to be in a particular age group
- Some are dependent on your level of income
- Most usually have specific models and brands of e-bikes that they will cover under the scheme
Not all schemes have definitive deadlines; some have end dates, while others have a finite fund of money that determines the duration of the scheme. It's worth doing some further research before you apply or buy an e-bike with expectations of support!
Here are a few of the E-bike Purchase Support Schemes you may be able to take advantage of in your next TENWAYS e-bike purchase:
Germany
These are the details for the e-bike purchase support scheme in Aschheim, Germany.
- Target Group:
Individuals and Businesses
- Type of Bicycle:
Pedelec-25
- Amount Per Bicycle:
1.Covers 20% of the eligible costs
2.Maximum of €500
- Requirements:
This funding programme applies exclusively to new bicycles. It does not cover used or leased bicycles. Only one bicycle will be funded per applicant for the duration of the funding program.
- Procedure:
You can submit your funding application before the purchase. If your application is submitted after the e-bike has been purchased, there is a limitation on how long you can wait after the purchase to apply for funding (more information about this scheme).
France
There are two schemes in France: one is operated by the company Île-de-France Mobilités, and the other is found in the Communauté Pays Basque.
Île-de-France Mobilités
- Target Group:
Individuals, Adults, Emancipated Minors, and people whose principal residence is in Île-de-France
- Amount Per Bicycle:
1.Covers 50% of the eligible costs. (tax included)
2.Maximum of €400
- Procedure:
These applications can be submitted within 24 months of the date of purchase of the bicycle and its accessories (more information about this scheme).
Communauté d'Agglomération du Pays Basque, France
-
Target Group:
Individuals
- Type of Bicycle:
Pedelec-25
- Amount Per Bicycle:
1. €400 for individuals with a reference tax income per share less than or equal to €7,100 or in a situation of disability
2. €300 for individuals with a reference tax income per share less than or equal to €15,400 (more information about this scheme).
Spain
One of these handy e-bike purchase support schemes can be found in the autonomous community of Galicia, Spain.
- Target Group:
Individuals
- Type of Bicycle:
Pedelec-25
- Amount Per Bicycle:
1. Up to €500 for the general public
2. Up to €600 for large families
3. 70% of the cost is covered (capped at €700) for special mobility categories, such as people with disabilities.
- Requirements:
Applications can be made until November 15, 2024 or until the €1.7 million fund is used up.
- Procedure:
You should apply through participating retailers. These are retailers that are part of the official Xunta program promoting sustainable mobility (more information about this scheme).
Italy
One of these e-bike purchase support schemes can be found in Valle d'Aosta, Italy.
- Target Group:
All groups
- Type of Bicycle:
Pedelec-25
- Amount Per Bicycle:
1.Covers 50% of the eligible costs. (excluding VAT, IPT, and road tax)
2.Maximum of €13,600
- Requirements:
This scheme is for the sole purchase of category L vehicles (new factory vehicles) with CO2 emission limits not exceeding 20 g/km (more information about this scheme).
Belgium
Last but not least, here are the details of an e-bike purchase support scheme based in Grâce‑Hollogne, Belgium (more information about this scheme).
- Target Group:
Individuals
- Type of Bicycle:
Pedelec-25
- Amount Per Bicycle:
1.Covers 10-30% of the eligible costs, depending on the applicant's income
2.Minimum of €100, Maximum of €300
Didn't see your town or city listed? There are loads more e-bike support schemes like these all around Europe.
For more information, we recommend using the provided links for each scheme or searching your local community, government, and area for similar schemes that you may be eligible for.
Another handy tool is provided by the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF). Their website features a useful "Money For Bikes" tracker that allows you to search for subsidies based on your bike type and target group (individuals, businesses, or public entities) throughout Europe.
Additional Information
While each country has its own set of requirements, it's possible that not just any e-bike can qualify for a rebate or subsidy.
Some governments may request specific information, such as the bike's maximum load capacity, wheelbase, or other dimensions.
It's also possible that your local authority may request a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) or proof of safety certification, both of which can be provided by TENWAYS if needed.
If you're unsure what these documents are or how to obtain them after purchasing your e-bike, feel free to contact our customer support team.
