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.
A new initiative, the Better Cities Fund, has been introduced to Prague to help couriers transition to electric cargo bikes, in an effort to bring sustainable transport to last-mile delivery services in the Czech capital. The fund was launched by urban delivery company Wolt, with the support of EIT Urban Mobility, and partners Threshpoint Analytics and South Pole.
The fund has seen success in other cities in Northern Europe, and in Prague €400,000 will be available to help couriers switch to one of two electric cargo bike options – a compact and versatile long-tail model, or a high-capacity four-wheel bike, both of which provide 100km+ of range and come with two swappable batteries, enhancing flexibility. The programme offers flexible leasing options with no down payment required, and comprehensive insurance and maintenance.
Wolt recently organised a test drive in Prague to showcase the vehicles, allowing couriers and city officials, as well as members of the public, to experience the potential of the cargo bikes first-hand. Traian Urban, Director at EIT Urban Mobility Innovation Hub East, attended the event, and discussed the role of zero-emission transport in urban areas. “With increasing pressure on European cities to reduce transport-related emissions, expanding electric delivery fleets is a practical step toward improving air quality. By prioritising sustainable urban transport, Prague—and cities like it—can make tangible progress in reducing pollution and creating healthier environments for residents.”
Jakub Moťovský, Head of Courier Strategy & Innovation, Region Central, at Wolt, also shared his thoughts on making last-mile logistics more sustainable. “Prague has the opportunity to enhance sustainable urban logistics, especially in last-mile delivery, by adopting greener solutions and advancing low-emission transportation. Better Cities Fund supports this transition by helping couriers overcome the high costs of electric transport and showcasing innovative approaches to reducing the city’s carbon footprint.”
Find out more about the Better Cities Fund, and how to apply, here.
The market for electric cargo bikes is expanding in the US – a country traditionally known for its affinity with motor vehicles. Factors such as transportation efficiency and practicality, decent carrying capacity, and low running costs are helping to boost cargo bikes’ popularity.
The growing US popularity could be partly attributed to the influence of European cities which have made cargo bikes an integral part of many residents’ daily life, supported by bike-friendly urban planning. US cities have been investing more in bicycling and walking infrastructure, with a large uptick in spending seen in 2022 and beyond – helping to drive the uptake of cargo and other bikes.
Events such as the inaugural Coffee & Cargo Bike Show in Bend, Oregon, are designed to help residents explore the benefits of cargo bikes in an informal and accessible way. Sponsored by non-profit organisation Bend Bikes and Bend Electric Bikes, it invites cargo bike owners to share their experiences and showcase their bikes with those who are yet to experience the cargo bike lifestyle.
Elisa Cheng, President of Bend Bikes, says, “One of our goals at Bend Bikes is to get more people in Bend riding bikes. Cargo bikes are a great way to do that. These bikes are handy for hauling groceries, transporting kids and pets, or lugging outdoor gear.”
Micah Toll of Electrek highlighted key factors which are influencing the growing popularity of electric cargo bikes, especially in urban settings.
Transportation efficiency, in terms of energy, time and space. Traffic is easier to navigate, parking is easier to find, and destinations can often be reached more quickly during peak times.
A zero-emission transport solution has high appeal to those looking for greener travel options.
Electric cargo bikes’ storage capacity has improved in recent years, enabling the carrying of both passengers and other cargo simultaneously.
The return on investment is high compared to cars and other motor vehicles, thanks to minimal fuel costs, lower maintenance requirements and expense, and no mandated need for insurance or registration fees.
Sterling McCord of Bend Electric Bikes said, “Cargo bikes are the most versatile, family-friendly option out there, especially for growing families. And there is no denying the fun factor.”
LEVA-EU member ANTRIC has delivered one of its electric cargo bikes to Gesundheit Nord – Klinikverbund Bremen, marking a strategic step in the hospital association’s efforts to enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
The delivery underscores ANTRIC’s growing role in Germany’s green mobility sector. The German e-mobility manufacturer began producing electric cargo bikes in 2022, building on its earlier collaborations with Bochum University of Applied Sciences, where it had been developing e-bikes and electric vehicles since 2015.
ANTRIC’s newly delivered cargo bike will be integrated into the hospital’s internal logistics system, supporting the transportation of materials across its facilities while helping reduce emissions and reliance on conventional vehicles.
Bremen has been promoting electric mobility since its original Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan since 2014, and reinforced its intentions to promote it in its updated 2025 plan with intentions of driving electric mobility. Bremen hospital’s partnership with ANTRIC aligns with the city’s broader strategy to encourage low-emission transport solutions and transition toward a more sustainable urban environment.
During May, a diverse fleet of 12 electric cargo bikes will be touring various German cities and municipalities, allowing visitors to test out the 2- and 3-wheeled models free of charge. The Cargobike Roadshow is managed by cargobike.jetzt GmbH.
Visitors will receive a briefing on the bikes from the test track team, who have specific knowledge about the test bikes and are available to answer questions. Each roadshow date offers five hours of test-riding opportunities, with independent and manufacturer-neutral advice from the team. There is no commercial interest in selling the bikes – the aim is to acquaint visitors with the e-cargo riding experience.
The International Cargo Bike Festival will return to Utrecht in the Netherlands from 13-14 October 2025 with a new B2B focus and special early bird pricing until March 31st.
The International Cargo Bike Festival (ICBF) is set to reunite the cargo bike industry, showcasing its forward-looking vision for urban mobility. Returning with a renewed focus on industry visitors, the 2025 edition of the event aims to attract over 40 exhibitors in global cycling city Utrecht. Scheduled for a mid-week timeframe, the festival will offer an accessible venue featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions, and an outdoor test track for hands-on demonstrations.
Numerous exhibitor benefits
Exhibitors attending the ICBF can look forward to several benefits. The organisers have announced a freeze on 2025 floor space prices, which will include essential amenities such as electric connections, Wi-Fi access, and test track usage. Responding to feedback from past participants, the event will focus on fostering innovation while creating a more business-oriented environment. By shifting to a mid-week schedule, the festival aims to better accommodate dealers, distributors, fleet managers, policymakers, investors, and developers. Exhibitors interested in learning more can access the official exhibitor pack here. While the focus is industry-centric, B2C visitors will still be welcome at the event.
New Product Pitch feature for 2025 event
A notable new feature for the 2025 festival is the introduction of the New Product Pitch. As part of their exhibition package, all exhibitors will have the opportunity to present their latest cargo bike, product, or service innovation in a two-minute pitch to festival audiences, at no additional cost. These presentations will also be published on the ICBF YouTube channel, offering exhibitors extended digital exposure. To facilitate seamless presentations, ramps will be installed for easy transportation of cargo bikes on and off the stage. Exhibitors seeking more time can opt for a presentation slot of up to four additional minutes for an extra fee.
By adapting to the needs of the global cargo bike industry and embracing innovation, the International Cargo Bike Festival 2025 promises to be a dynamic and impactful event, driving the future of sustainable urban transport.
In late March 2025, the Taipei Cycle show will take place at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. As Asia’s largest cycling trade fair, this event will highlight the rising prominence of cargo bikes. To celebrate this development, NieuwsFiets.nu, in collaboration with the International Cargo Bike Festival (ICBF), is organising a business trip to Taiwan for industry professionals.
Nieuws Fiets has partnered with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the organiser of Taipei Cycle 2025.
Taipei Cycle, alongside Eurobike, is one of the premier trade fairs for the global cycling industry. It attracts leading international suppliers of components and finished products and welcomes a large number of overseas visitors annually. Although the event is held in Taiwan’s capital, it is firmly focused on global markets, providing opportunities for worldwide exports.
Driving international business growth
A key highlight of the fair is Bike Vision, a new initiative by Taipei Cycle that showcases groundbreaking innovations and supports startup growth in the cycling industry. This platform provides selected startups with opportunities to display their developments, connect directly with industry leaders, and establish partnerships that can accelerate global business growth, particularly in the Asian market.
As global awareness of environmental sustainability and carbon reduction initiatives grows, electric bikes and light electric vehicles have become preferred transportation and logistics solutions in Europe and the Americas. Recognising this potential, Taipei Cycle 2025 will dedicate the fourth floor of Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 2, to the E-Bikes & Drive Units and Cargo Bike & Micro-mobility Pavilion. This area will feature a comprehensive showcase and test zone for e-bikes, motor systems, cargo bikes, e-scooters, and light electric vehicles.
Limited seats for the exclusive business trip
To align with the focus on cargo bikes, Nieuws Fiets and ICBF are organising an exclusive business trip for representatives of the cargo bike industry. Other industry professionals are also welcome to join this fully arranged trip to Taipei Cycle 2025.
Please note: Only 20 spots are available for the Taipei Cycle Cargo Business Trip, so early booking is essential to secure your place.
The package costs €2,895 and includes flights, accommodation at a 5-star hotel, breakfast, dinner on exhibition days, local transport, and airport taxes. This trip is open exclusively to professionals in the cycling or retail industries and is not available to consumers.
Switching from motorised vehicles to cargo bikes for transporting goods in urban areas can significantly reduce emissions. However, the availability of shared cargo bikes remains limited. Researchers from Lund University in Sweden explored how to expand the supply and usage of shared cargo bikes, highlighting the critical role of municipal actors.
The study combined a literature review with interviews involving 15 stakeholders, including representatives from two shared cargo bike providers: Grätzlrad in Vienna and LastenVelo in Freiburg. Grätzlrad, initiated by the municipality of Vienna, allows users to collect bikes from local managers, while LastenVelo, a citizen-led initiative, uses fixed parking spaces. Both platforms offer free bike loans, requiring only a deposit or administrative fee for registration. Currently, these services are primarily utilised by early adopters, mostly environmentally conscious, highly educated men who already rely on bikes as their main mode of transport. As a result, shared cargo bikes remain a niche service, not yet reaching a wide variety of population groups.
Role of municipal actors
The research emphasises that increasing the use of shared cargo bikes among diverse residents requires a variety of providers and user-friendly booking platforms. Municipalities play a pivotal role in this process by integrating cargo bikes into urban mobility planning and fostering growth through collaboration with different providers. For example, cities can directly offer shared cargo bike services, as seen with Vienna’s Grätzlrad. Alternatively, they can support citizen initiatives like LastenVelo by creating favorable legal frameworks or provide subsidies to commercial providers, provided they distribute bikes across targeted neighborhoods.
Rental hubs and scaling up
Beyond municipal efforts, organisations like Forum Freie Lastenräder, an association of free cargo bike providers across Germany, Austria, and Hungary, are essential for growing the shared cargo bike network. Station-based systems with automatic rentals are particularly promising for scaling up, as they are well-suited for goods transport. While free-floating systems, commonly used for shared bikes and scooters, are less ideal for cargo bikes, having these managed systems with administrators would be valuable, especially for first time users. These can provide a personal touch for first-time users. Strategic rental locations, such as shared mobility hubs, housing developments, and public transport stops, can further enhance accessibility.
A free e-course titled “Cargo Bikes: Revolutionising Urban Delivery” is being offered by Cargobike.jetzt in collaboration with EIT Urban Mobility.
The course introduces participants to sustainable transport solutions and measures for implementing bike logistics for businesses and cities.
The course consists of four modules and includes interactive elements such as historical insights, quizzes, gaming features, and short videos from experts. It aims to deepen the understanding of cargo bikes in logistics in a dynamic and engaging way.
