Tag Archive: subsidy

  1. Manchester trials new e-bike subsidy

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    Source: Cycling Electric

    The UK city region has announced a new scheme which will enable eligible citizens to save between £300 to £1,000 when purchasing an electric bike, e-cargo bike, or an adapted e-cycle bike, and associated accessories.

    The TfGM (Transport for Greater Manchester) vouchers are available through specialist retailers on a first-come, first-served basis, courtesy of the UK Government’s body Active Travel England.

    Vouchers for making e-biking more accessible

    The subsidy scheme is targeted at residents in the Greater Manchester area who are over the age of 16 for individuals with:

    • Lower incomes
    • Living in high-deprivation areas
    • Limited access to affordable transport
    • Less likelihood to be part of typical cycling demographic groups

    About the voucher eligibility, the Beeactive Transport for Greater Manchester website says, “The e-bike voucher scheme actively aims to increase access to e-bikes for those who stand to benefit the most. Higher value vouchers may be offered to applicants with greater need, helping to reduce cost barriers and support more people to begin or sustain cycling.”

    Transport for Greater Manchester adds “You may be able to use your TfGM e‑bike subsidy voucher with a Cycle to Work scheme. This depends on whether the retailer supports both the voucher and Cycle to Work scheme and accepts them together.”

    At the same time, residents can test e-bikes for free for the short-term before committing to a purchase by applying for a “Borrow an e-bike” scheme.

    Voucher exclusions

    The terms and conditions of the scheme mean that e-bike conversion kits aren’t eligible for purchasing, nor any vehicle that is throttle-controlled (and therefore unlikely to be an e-bike outside of certain exceptions). For lock purchases using the funds, they must be a diamond-rated security item.

    E-bike media, Cycling Electric, are also playing a role in encouraging e-bike awareness in the UK by holding free testing events in Bath, Leeds and London this year.

  2. Barcelona introduces €600 subsidy for electric mopeds when replacing ICE models

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    Source: The Pack

    City authorities in Barcelona, Spain, introduced a new incentive on 1 March, 2026, whereby residents and businesses can apply for a subsidy of €600 when replacing an internal combustion engine (ICE) moped with a new electric model.

    The initiative applies specifically to mopeds in the L1e-B category (45 km/h), which is a hugely popular segment in Southern Europe, dominating urban two-wheeled mobility.

    The scheme has a total budget of €15 million over a scope of four years. Barcelona Mobility & Transport states that the €600 subsidy represents 16%-40% of the purchase price of a new electric moped, and has designed the scheme to be both straightforward and accessible:

    Individuals and companies wanting to apply for the €600 subsidy will only need two documents:

    • Proof of purchase of the electric moped
    • Proof of scrapping of the combustion vehicle
       

    Barcelona Municipal Services (BSM) depots offer a free scrapping service for citizens and the delivery of a valid certificate to apply for the grant.

    Applications will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis until the annual fund is exhausted.

    The subsidy is being implemented as a part of Barcelona’s broader climate strategy, the Pla Clima, which outlines the city’s roadmap toward climate neutrality by 2030.

  3. Bangkok launches electric motorcycle taxi pilot to tackle pollution

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    Source: Eco-Business Picture credit: Connor Gan, Unsplash

    The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a pilot scheme which aims to enable the city’s motorcycle taxi riders switch from ICE to electric models, in partnership with the German sustainable development agency GIZ. The move should reduce riders’ costs while substantially cutting fine dust emissions.

    Currently, over 89,000 motorcycle taxis operate across the Thai capital city from around 5,300 locations, producing 80,000-100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, as well as significant levels of super-fine PM2.5 particle pollution.

    In the pilot project, over 200 motorcycle taxi riders and BMA street sweepers will be able to test electric models at subsided rates, and have access to charging and battery-swapping stations. In addition, 30 riders will be selected to take part in a one-month free trial in which operational data will be gathered to inform a possible expansion.

    The initiative is being introduced amid wider calls for new policies to maintain momentum in EV adoption beyond current subsidy schemes, with structural and non-monetary changes seen as essential in effecting change. Measures such as expanded public charging infrastructure, strengthened battery safety standards and stricter emissions rules are being urged by industry leaders. “These non-monetary measures will help reduce the government’s fiscal burden in the long term, cut PM2.5 pollution and support Thailand’s transition towards a green industry,” said Krisda Utamote, former president of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand, as cited by Bangkok Post.

  4. Young innovative Flemish companies can apply for subsidy to scale up

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    Source: VLAIO

    VLAIO, the Flemish government’s Agency for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, is offering a substantial subsidy to young enterprises in the region to assist them in scaling up their business or operations.

    Applications for the Schaalklaar (Scale-ready) subsidy is open to small companies of between 1 and 5 years old, which have the ambition and potential to scale up. If approved, they can receive a grant of up to 70% of their project budget, with a maximum of €350,000 available. There must be a robust project plan in place which requires an investment of at least €500,000.

    Further eligibility criteria have been outlined by VLAIO:

    • Companies must have at least two active partners and a multidisciplinary team of at least six full-time employees (including partners).
    • The founders and co-founders own at least the majority (50.1%) of the company.
    • The company must fall within the parameters of the European definition of a small company: fewer than 50 employees, and a maximum annual turnover or balance sheet of  €10 million.
    • The company’s operational location must be in the Flemish region.
    • The company must have achieved initial turnover, or have a Letter of Intent (LOI) from one or more customers.
    • Eligible companies are those that have not yet distributed profits and have not emerged from a merger or acquisition.

    Application process

    Pre-registration of the relevant project is mandatory, and can be submitted between the dates of April 7-30, 2026. If the project is approved, a full project can be submitted between June 1 and August 20 – more details on this process can be found here.

    Assessment criteria

    Applications will be assessed according to six criteria, then ranked based on the score achieved:

    • quality of the team;
    • innovation;
    • potential;
    • plan of approach;
    • social impact;
    • incentive effect of the subsidy.

    Evaluation

    After the submission period closes, all eligible project applications will be assessed by a jury of independent experts. Applicant companies will present their project applications to this jury, during sessions scheduled on September 14, 15, 17, 21, 22, and 28, 2026.

    Together with VLAIO advisors, the project applications will be assessed according to the established selection criteria. The projects will be ranked based on the evaluation. The 15 best-scoring projects will receive funding. 

    Those wanting more details can register for the informational webinar, organized by NOA in collaboration with The Growth Collective and VLAIO, on March 23.

  5. Subsidy transfers begin for electric motorbikes and rickshaws in Pakistan

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    Source: PakWheels , AajEnglishTV

    The Government of Pakistan has officially begun disbursing subsidies under the Pakistan Accelerated Vehicle Electrification (PAVE) Scheme, aimed at promoting clean, affordable, and sustainable transportation across the country.

    The subsidies are available to applicants approved under both the Self Finance Scheme and the Bank Finance (Lease) Scheme, with the first roll out of payments for successful motorbike applicants from 26th January.

    What is the PAVE Scheme?

    The Pakistan Accelerated Vehicle Electrification (PAVE) Scheme is a flagship initiative aimed at reducing fossil fuel dependence, lowering carbon emissions, and encouraging local manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs).

    According to the Pakistani Government’s press release, a total subsidy of Rs. 100.36 billion (approximately €311 million) will be provided over five years until 2030. The program covers electric motorbikes, rickshaws, loaders, cars, buses, and trucks.

    Phase-I implementation details

    Phase-I of the Prime Minister’s Electric Vehicle Adoption Scheme, under the New Energy Vehicles Policy (NEVP) 2025–2030, is being implemented by the Engineering Development Board (EDB) under the Ministry of Industries and Production (MoIP).

    Phase-I which includes financial and capital subsidy support for 41,000 electric vehicles is currently underway, consisting of:

    • 40,000 electric motorbikes
    • 1,000 electric rickshaws and loaders

    Phase-II will later support an additional 78,170 electric vehicles, with a total subsidy allocation of Rs. 8.95 billion during FY 2025–26.

    How the e-motorbike subsidy works

    There will be two types of subsidy schemes:

    Self Finance Scheme: Applicants pay the full price upfront, and a subsidy of up to Rs. 80,000 (approximately €245) is reimbursed directly into the applicant’s bank account by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) after verification.

    Bank Lease Scheme: Electric two- and three-wheelers are available on easy instalments at subsidised rates, making electric mobility more accessible.

    Digital verification and transparency

    The scheme is being implemented through a coordinated digital system involving EDB, MoIP, SBP, Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), NADRA, participating banks, and approved OEMs. Officials said this integrated approach ensures transparency, verification, and timely subsidy transfers.

    Authorities have emphasised that only electric vehicles registered with federal and provincial authorities are eligible for subsidy claims. Vehicles without proper registration will not qualify for financial support.

  6. Austria funds e-mobility for private individuals

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    Source: Klima- und Energiefonds

    Austria’s Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) is releasing additional funding to support private individuals in transitioning to electric mobility, with up to €1,800 available for the purchase of new electric mopeds and motorcycles, and the cost of installing charging infrastructure also offset.

    The funding comes under the “E-Mobility for Private Individuals” program, which is is part of BMIMI’S “eMove Austria” initiative, which aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of Austria’s transport system.

    The submission period for the funding is open while funds are available and will close on 31 March 2026. Full details of the scheme are outlined here, and the headline details are that:

    • New L1e class vehicles (electric mopeds) are eligible for funding of €600
    • New L3e A1 class vehicles (electric motorcycles with less than 11kW of power) are eligible for funding of €1,200
    • New L3e A2 & A3 class vehicles (electric motorcycles with more than 11kW of power) are eligible for funding of €1,800
    • Wallbox charging for a single- or two-family house is eligible for funding of €400
    • Single-system wallbox charging in an apartment building is eligible for funding of €800
    • A community charging system in an apartment building is eligible for funding of €1,500

    Submissions for two-wheeler funding can be placed here, and for charging infrastructure here.

  7. Austria incentivises sustainable mobility with subsidies and bike repair scheme

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    Source: RadMarkt

    Austria’s bicycle industry is anticipating positive results from upcoming political developments, with a new subsidy for e-bikes and traditional bikes being discussed, and the reintroduction of the popular Reparaturbonus (repair bonus) for electrical items including e-bikes and, more recently, non-electric bikes.

    Subsidies for e-bikes and bikes

    The federal budget for 2025/26 was approved in June, followed by discussions on the structure of the Klimaaktiv Mobil funding program. An initial coordination meeting between Austria’s Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure and representatives of the bicycle retail trade were scheduled for July 30, with a goal of establishing cooperation within the e-bike and bike funding program’s framework. The aim is to create incentives for sustainable mobility in the coming year.

    Return of the repair bonus

    The repair bonus scheme was temporarily suspended in May 2025 when funds were exhausted. The Federal Ministry for Climate Protection has now advised that the program will resume towards the end of this year. Alongside other electrical items, e-bikes are eligible for reimbursement through the program, and since September 2023, traditional bicycles have also been included. VSSÖ, the Association of Austrian Sporting Goods Manufacturers and Retailers, advocates for equal treatment of all repair shops under the scheme, ensuring that those which are not exclusively operating in the bicycle sector are eligible – thereby broadening the reach of the program.

    Austria’s Bicycle Regulations

    Potential amendments to Austria’s Bicycle Regulations are also under discussion. With a goal of improved, practical regulations, key points include alignment with European product standards and vehicle types, alongside the use of trailers for the transportation of children and cargo.

  8. Germany’s e-cargo bike funding reaches significant milestone

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    Source: Velobiz

    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.

  9. Subsidies on bike purchases eliminated in France

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    Source: Bike Europe

    The recent budget crisis in France, which has stirred significant political turmoil, is now impacting the bicycle and e-bike industry.

    Without prior notice, the French government has announced the abrupt termination of all state subsidies for bicycle and e-bike purchases. The decision has sparked widespread concern within the industry, with the Alliance for Cycling warning of severe repercussions.

    In late November, the government revealed that the ‘ecological bonus‘ program, which supported bicycle purchases for both individuals and businesses, will end next year. Starting from December 2, 2024, bicycles invoiced or rented for the first time after February 14, 2025, will no longer qualify for state aid.

    Backlash from the cycling community

    Patrick Guinard, president of France Vélo, criticized the government’s sudden decision, stating, “These decisions were taken without the slightest consultation, in total contradiction to studies showing the benefits of cycling—for the planet, the economy, health, and social cohesion.” He emphasized that this move undermines recent progress made during a pro-cycling five-year term.

    E-bike market at risk

    The bicycle subsidy, introduced in 2017, led to a doubling of sales, according to Union Sport & Cycle. Despite subsequent restrictions, subsidies still accounted for 10% of e-bike purchases. Earlier this year, the program was extended to 2027 and expanded to include secondhand bicycles. Research highlighted its positive effects on public health, regional economies, and the decarbonization of transportation.

    Additionally, the ‘conversion bonus‘, which allowed consumers to trade in their cars for e-bikes, was a notable achievement of the 2021 Climate and Resilience Regulation. In 2023 alone, the government paid out €40 million in subsidies, with grants ranging from €150 to €2,000, depending on the type of bicycle and the recipient’s financial situation. In low-emission zones, additional premiums of up to €1,000 were available.

    Challenges for the cycling industry

    Industry groups such as Réseau Vélo et Marche, FUB, Union Sport & Cycle, and APIC have emphasized the importance of the subsidy program in rebuilding France’s bicycle production sector. In a joint statement, they noted a 24% decline in bicycle production and a 13% drop in sales compared to 2022. They warned that while electric cars continue to receive government support, neglecting e-bikes risks derailing progress in the cycling industry.

    Cargo bikes, in particular, have seen significant growth due to subsidies, with sales quadrupling between 2022 and 2023. “The subsidy program has been a crucial driver for developing a sustainable and ambitious cycling industry in France,” the statement concluded.

    The abrupt halt to these subsidies marks a significant challenge for France’s efforts to promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation. Industry leaders are urging the government to reconsider its decision to preserve the momentum built over recent years.