Dutch healthcare aids provider Medipoint spotlights their fleet of LEVA-EU member Fulpra’s electric cargo bikes, as a part of the ‘Week of the Circular Economy’.
Fulpra’s electric cargo bikes have been used by Medipoint mechanics and delivery drivers in the centre of Amsterdam since 2021. Medipoint – which provides disability aids and mobility equipment to support daily living – have been proactively using this sustainable transport solution, making it possible to efficiently deliver small orders and provide service throughout the Dutch capital.
Delivery driver Louis Hoffman of Medipoint is happy with the electric cargo bike. “It’s nice to keep moving in the open air. In addition, you avoid all kinds of parking problems in busy cities.” Hoffman’s colleague Jason van Beusekom agrees that the Fulpras remove many of the issues associated with delivering by van or truck in busy city streets, all of which brings other benefits too. Hoffman remarked: “It’s also nice that you have just a little more time for the customer.”
In a social media post the company wrote: “With the electric cargo bike and other sustainable steps, we are greening our fleet, encouraging electric driving and investing in charging stations. Together we work towards a greener future!”
Dockr electric cargo bikes, popular with businesses for urban transportation, have been selected for a trial by global pizza delivery brand Dominos.
LEVA EU member DOCKR was delighted to announce that its products are in the middle of a pilot with the renowned brand and praised it for setting an example for other food brands, hopefully inspiring them to consider sustainable delivery for their operations.
Dockr invites companies to try out the e-cargo bikes to help them visualize how they can benefit their operations without any commitment.
With increasing congestion and sustainability concerns in cities, the Dutch brand offers practical, flexible and fast delivery solutions that sustainably improve business deliveries.
The Dutch government has renewed its Environmental Investment Deduction (MIA) and Random Depreciation of Environmental Investment (Vamil) schemes for 2025, adjusting eligibility criteria to promote the use of electric cargo bikes, including those equipped with solar panels.
Effective from 30 December 2024, the changes introduce a weight-based requirement for eligible cargo bikes and expand support for solar-powered cargo bikes, reflecting the government’s ongoing commitment to sustainable urban transport solutions.
Key adjustments to the MIA and Vamil schemes
Previously, a minimum investment amount of €4,000 was required to qualify for subsidies. Under the updated rules, this requirement has been replaced by a minimum unladen weight of 75 kg for eligible cargo bikes. Additionally, a new category (A3120) has been introduced to cover cargo bikes with integrated solar panels.
These updated incentives are expected to make electric cargo bikes more accessible to businesses and individuals, particularly in urban logistics, where cargo bikes are increasingly used to reduce emissions and ease traffic congestion.
Understanding the MIA and Vamil incentives
The MIA allows businesses to deduct a percentage of their investment in environmentally friendly assets from their taxable profit. Depending on the type of cargo bike, companies can deduct up to 45% of the investment amount.
Meanwhile, the Vamil scheme provides businesses with flexibility in depreciating 75% of their investment at any time, allowing them to reduce their taxable profit when it is most financially advantageous. The remaining 25% is depreciated under standard rules.
Both MIA and Vamil schemes can be used together, providing significant tax benefits for businesses investing in sustainable mobility solutions.
New requirements for solar-powered cargo bikes
Cargo bikes equipped with solar panels are now eligible for higher MIA deductions under the F3120 category, provided they meet certain criteria. The solar panels must be permanently integrated into the bike and capable of producing a minimum total output of 400 Watt peak.
These higher deductions reflect the government’s focus on promoting innovative, energy-efficient transport solutions that reduce the carbon footprint of urban logistics.
Additional local incentives
In addition to national subsidies, regional and local incentive schemes are available in areas such as Overijssel, Amsterdam, and Maastricht, further encouraging the adoption of cargo bikes across the country.
Growing popularity of cargo bikes in the Netherlands
The popularity of cargo bikes is steadily increasing in the Netherlands, with nearly 400 businesses and organisations already using them, according to Fietsdiensten.nl. Companies are leveraging cargo bikes to improve last-mile delivery, reduce emissions, and avoid urban congestion charges.
These renewed subsidies are expected to further boost the adoption of sustainable transport solutions, helping businesses transition to low-emission alternatives in urban areas while benefiting from tax advantages provided by the MIA and Vamil schemes.
