Since 2021, Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) has been subsidising the purchase of electric cargo bikes and matching trailers for commercial use. The number of bikes and trailers purchased under the scheme has now reached over 10,000.
The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) which provides the financial support announced in a recent press release, “with the 10,000th subsidized e-cargo bike in May 2025, a significant milestone was reached. A total of around 14.5 million euros was paid out to companies from 80 sectors.”
The funding is distributed as part of the National Climate Initiative (NKI), which is a key part of Germany’s aim to be widely climate neutral by 2045. Funding can be applied for by companies and public institutions, such as universities, until 30 June 2027. Up to 25% of the purchase price is subsidised, up to a maximum of €3,500 euros per bike.
Colchester City Council in the UK has launched a new initiative offering residents and businesses the opportunity to trial electric bikes and cargo bikes before making a purchase. The ‘try before you buy’ scheme, introduced in late March 2025, allows participants to borrow an e-bike or e-cargo bike for up to one month at a low weekly cost, aiming to promote active travel and reduce reliance on cars.
With rising fuel prices and increasing interest in environmentally friendly transport alternatives, the scheme is designed to help individuals explore the practicality and benefits of electric cycling in their everyday lives. Participants can test a range of electric bikes, including standard models, longtail cargo bikes, two-wheeler box bikes, and tricycles—accommodating a variety of transport needs from commuting and shopping to carrying children or goods.
The initiative has already received positive feedback. One local resident, Jose, trialled a longtail e-cargo bike equipped with an extended rear rack for carrying his daughter; he said. “There’s something undeniably refreshing about starting the day with a bike ride. This daily routine has become one of my favourite parts of the day; it is more than just a commute: as we pedal along, we bond over shared moments and the simple joys of being outdoors. I am grateful for the Colchester City Council short-term hire scheme for the opportunity to rent before investing. Having the possibility to rent the bike for a few weeks is a great way to ‘try before you buy’: this equipment is pricey and without this scheme I would not have considered getting a cargo bike myself.”
The scheme is offered at a rate of £12 per week, and bikes must be securely stored at the user’s home or workplace. To ensure safe and confident use, the council also provides a free induction session for participants.
Councillor Luxford Vaughan, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Planning, and Sustainability, described the scheme as an important step towards encouraging active travel and cleaner air in the city. “This scheme is a fantastic opportunity for residents to explore sustainable transport options before committing to the upfront cost of purchasing an e-bike. We hope that by giving people the chance to try electric bikes, we can encourage more active travel choices, improve the air we all breathe, and make Colchester a healthier and happier place to live.”
This initiative forms part of Colchester City Council’s wider strategy to reduce urban pollution, increase accessibility to low-emission transport, and support a shift towards greener, more active ways of getting around.
The German cargo trailer brand and LEVA-EU member, Carla Cargo, has been named as winner of the Cargobike of the Year Award in the bike trailer category. Announced at IAA Mobility in Munich, the ceremony was hosted by VDA Managing Director Jürgen Mindel, powered by RLVD and LOGISTRA.
The selection process included two test days at Eurobike, Frankfurt, along with a finale and ceremony at IAA Mobility. With over twenty entrants in the bike trailer discipline, Carla Cargo with Con-Pearl body was awarded as the best. This particular configuration enables the transport of high-volume freight by bike without costly investments, and provides a professional box system with the Con-Pearl body.
During the conference, VDA Managing Director Jürgen Mindel highlighted how cargo bikes play a key role on the path to climate-neutral urban logistics, which they also want to emphasize at the IAA.
The Cargobike of the Year award was initiated by the trade magazine LOGISTRA from HUSS-VERLAG 2019, and in cooperation with the Bicycle Logistics Association of Germany (RLVD), and with partner the VDA.
Image credit: Carla Cargo Facebook
About Carla Cargo
CARLA is the emission-free alternative to a car and sets new standards for e-mobility. CARLA delights with a great riding pleasure and allows you to transport heavy loads quickly, environmentally friendly and without sitting in traffic.
CARLA can be combined with the most regular bicycle or e-bike. Thanks to an integrated mechanical overrun brake, it is possible to carry heavy loads extremely safely. Additionally, an electric support can make your Carla even more agile and faster.
LEVA-EU member Carla Cargo is has announced a new partnership with Stile Products, the North American distributor and subsidiary of urban mobility specialist Tern. Stile will distribute Carla Cargo’s heavy-duty cargo trailers to commercial customers looking for clean delivery options.
“We’re thrilled to see more and more companies adopting a more sustainable form of transportation,” stated Carla Cargo Founder Markus Bergmann. “This partnership with Stile will allow us to reach new goals in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.”
Carla Cargo trailers can haul loads of up to 150 kg when attached to an (e)bike. The combination of (e)bike + electric trailer provides businesses with an emission-free alternative to carry loads, and is ideal for inner city traffic. It is small and nimble enough to weave through congested areas, but still able to carry an impressive volume of cargo. The Carla Cargo trailer can also be disconnected from and used manually for deliveries at larger complexes, carrying up to 200 kg in the so-called hand truck mode.
Carla Cargo trailers can already be seen in New York, with bike couriers delivering groceries across the city. By ditching the van, companies can meet the growing home delivery demand in their market, fulfil orders more quickly and cost-effectively, and reduce traffic, noise, and emissions at the same time.
