Sources: OPB, Asia Business Daily, The Nation

A range of e-mobility subsidy and rebate schemes in places as diverse as the USA, South Korea and the Punjab are aiming to enable access to personal electric mobility, boosting transport decarbonisation efforts in the process.

Portland, USA

In the city of Portland, Oregon, the E-bike Rebate Program has been launched to help low-income communites gain access to e-mobility, with a $20 million investment (€17 million) from the Portland Clean Energy Fund hoping to distribute 6,000 rebates between now and June 2029, for the purchase of standard, cargo or adaptive e-bikes. Seetha Ream-Rao, PCEF’s transportation decarbonization program manager, highlighted the benefits of access to e-bikes: “You’re able to have your own form of transportation, so you’re not reliant on a bus or someone else to pick you up, or the carpool. You have the freedom to set your own schedule and get to where you need to go.”

Ream-Rao said that, if the rebate program is successful, it could help to remove up to 17,000 tons of carbon dioxide – the equivalent of the carbon emissions of almost 4,000 vehicles driven in one year. “The goal here is getting folks these bikes so that they can make the transition out of vehicles and get to where they need to be faster.”

The program launched with rebates offered on standard e-bikes and cargo bikes, with up to $1,600 (€1,365) available for e-bikes and up to $2,350 (€2,005) on cargo bikes. The program for adaptive bikes launched slightly later, with up to $8,500 (€7,253) available. The program is also offering up to $300 (€256) for accessories such as helmets, locks and lights. All applicants must complete a safety course before submitting their application.

Seoul, South Korea

In the Yangcheon district of Seoul, up to 300,000 won (€174) is being offered to individuals seeking to purchase an e-bike in the Electric Bicycle Purchase Subsidy Program, which is the only one of its kind operated among Seoul’s 25 districts. Now in its fifth year, the program has become recognised as the district’s signature green transportation policy, with 372 recipients to date. In the 2026 program, a total of 100 e-bikes will be subsidised at up to 50% of the purchase price. 20 e-bikes will be prioritised for members of vulnerable groups such as low-income and single-parent families, people with disabilities, and other target groups.

A Yangcheon district official stated, “We hope this subsidy will help ease the financial burden of our residents during times of high inflation. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to improve your health and save on transportation costs by incorporating cycling into your daily life.”

Punjab, Pakistan

The Government of Punjab has published plans for an e-moped scheme for teachers, with a subsidy and interest-free purchase instalments designed to help ease access to green mobility, while reducing transportation costs and daily travel challenges.

The estimated price range of electric mopeds ranges between Rs200,000 (€612) and Rs250,000 (€765). The provincial government will subsidise 30-40% of the purchase price, and the remaining balance will be payable in instalments of between Rs3,600 (€11.03) and Rs4,200 (€12.87) over a period of 2-3 years.