Introduction
Urban mobility has undoubtedly been elevated by e-bikes: sustainable, affordable, and adaptable to every style of rider.
But for those in Europe's cycle-friendly cities who haven't yet purchased an e-bike, navigating local support schemes to save money can quickly become complex.
Here's your money-saving guide to European e-bike purchase support schemes!
What is a purchase scheme?
An e-bike purchase scheme offers financial assistance (e.g., tax rebates, tax credits, or subsidies) to offset the costs of purchasing or leasing e-bikes.
In short, they're government or local schemes that can save you money on an e-bike, whilst also boosting sustainable transportation efforts by reducing car use and carbon emissions.
Rules, funding amounts, and eligibility for both businesses and individuals can vary by area. We've rounded up several programmes across European countries with generous subsidy amounts for purchasing e-bikes!
(Please note: some programmes may be suspended or modified for various reasons. Always check the official sources linked below to confirm current eligibility and availability.)
Germany's e-bike support schemes
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National scheme
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Regional subsidies
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Local subsidies
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Name
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BAFA promotion of e-cargo bikes
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Saxony-Anhalt (DE) - ERDF/JTF programme
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Regensburg (DE) - Städtische Förderungen zum Klimaschutz
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Who is the scheme for?
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Businesses, public entities, freelancers, and NGOs
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Businesses, public entities, associations, and NGOs
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Individuals, businesses, freelancers, NGOs
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Type of bicycle
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E-cargo bikes and bicycle trailers
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E-cargo bikes and cargo bikes
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E-cargo bikes, cargo bikes, and bicycle trailers
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How much?
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25% of expenditure, max €3,500 for factory-new cargo bikes
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60% of eligible costs, at least €1,500
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25% of the cost, max €1,000 for e-cargo bikes
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Required for application
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How does the procedure work?
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Funding is granted upon application, which must be submitted via the online portal
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The application window runs from 15th September to 30th September. Download application forms and submit via post
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The funding application must be submitted and approved before purchase for official approval
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France's e-bike support schemes
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Regional scheme
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Regional subsidies
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Local subsidies
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Name
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Île-de-France bike purchase aid
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Corse (FR) - Aide à l'achat des Vélos à Assistance Électrique
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Paris (FR) - Financial assistance for greener modes of transport
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Who is the scheme for?
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Individuals
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Individuals, businesses, public entities, associations
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Individuals
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Type of bicycle
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Conventional bikes, pedelec-25, and e-cargo bikes
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E-cargo bikes, pedelec-25
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E-cargo bikes, cargo bikes, pedelec-25, conventional bikes, bicycle trailers
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How much?
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Support is generally up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at €100 for bicycles for residents aged 15-25, €400 for e-bikes and folding e-bikes, €600 for e-cargo bikes, and €200 for electrification kits
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Private individuals can receive up to 50% of costs capped at €500. Other public and organisational support varies by applicant type and project
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Support levels vary by vehicle type and household income, with caps ranging from €50 for accessories to up to €1,500 for adapted bicycles
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Required for application
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How does the procedure work?
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Applications are submitted online, and you must apply for any local/municipal grant before requesting the regional subsidy
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Applications are handled at the point of sale (by visiting an approved local retailer) and filling out your documents on the spot
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You pay for the eligible equipment upfront and then submit an application online to be paid back directly to your bank account
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Spain's e-bike support schemes
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Regional scheme
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Name
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Galicia (ES) - Programa Ebici
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Madrid Region (ES) - Plan Mueve
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Who is the scheme for?
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Individuals
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Individuals, businesses, freelancers
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Type of bicycle
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Pedelec-25
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Pedelec-25
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How much?
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Up to €500 for the general public, up to €600 for large families, and 70% of the cost covered (capped at €700) for special mobility categories
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Residents, self-employed people and small businesses can receive subsidies for electric bikes with pedal assistance, typically covering up to 50% of the purchase price with a maximum of €600 for two-wheel e-bikes, up to €1,500 for three-wheel pedal-assisted cycles
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Required for application
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How does the procedure work?
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Application is at the point of sale, with approved local bike shops processing the subsidy on your behalf
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Applications are submitted online, post-purchase (within 3 months of purchase). You buy the vehicle upfront and apply online to receive the money back
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Belgium's e-bike support schemes
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Regional scheme
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Local scheme
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Name
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Brussels (BE) - Cargo-bike bonus
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Commune of Schaerbeek (BE) - Prime à l'achat d'un vélo à assistance électrique
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Who is the scheme for?
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Businesses, freelancers
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Individuals
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Type of bicycle
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E-cargo bikes, cargo bikes, bicycle trailers
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E-cargo bikes, pedelec-25
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How much?
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40-70% max €4,000 for cargo bikes, €2,000 max for bike trailers
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33% of costs, max €400 for e-bikes and €600 for e-cargo bikes. For individuals with income not exceeding €45,000
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Required for application
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How does the procedure work?
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Bikes must be purchased from reputable dealers, then an online submission is completed with uploaded proof for processing and payout
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This is a post-purchase reimbursement scheme. The bike must be purchased, and digital documentation submitted via online portal for approval and payout
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E-bike subsidy online resources
There are many e-bike funding programmes in Europe, and without running the risk of writing hundreds of pages worth of information, we can't include them all!
However, we recommend the European Cyclists' Federation "Money For Bikes" tracker to find subsidies by bike type and target group across Europe.
Further information on e-bike purchase support schemes
E-bike purchase support schemes can become complex quickly, given that each country has its own set of requirements, which means that not every e-bike can qualify for a rebate or subsidy.
Some governments will require specific information, such as the bike's maximum load capacity, wheelbase, or other dimensions, or even a Declaration of Conformity or safety certification. Both 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, get in touch with the TENWAYS customer support team for help.
