If you live in North America, check out our article about selected e-bike subsidies in the US and Canada.
Europe has excellent cycling infrastructure and supportive policies, and is well-prepared for the growing number of e-bike users. Many countries offer rebates at different government levels, so we’ve put together a list of cities and regions where e-bike subsidies are consistently available.
This article is not an exhaustive list and Tern is not sponsored by any of the incentive programs we’ve highlighted. For detailed information on each program, please visit their official websites or check with your local government.
Contents
- What is an e-bike incentive program?
- Austria
- Belgium
- Germany
- Ireland
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- United Kingdom
- E-bike subsidy online trackers
- Additional information
What is an e-bike incentive program?
An e-bike incentive program is a government or organizational initiative designed to encourage the adoption of electric (cargo) bicycles. These programs typically offer financial support, such as rebates, subsidies, or tax credits, to offset the purchase or leasing costs of e-bikes.
The goal is to promote environmentally friendly transportation, reduce reliance on cars, and lower carbon emissions. Incentives often vary by region, targeting individuals, businesses, or public institutions, and may include additional requirements such as using renewable energy or specific bike types.
Austria
National e-bike subsidies
Subsidies for e-bikes, (e-)cargo bikes, and (e-)folding bikes (Förderung für E-Fahrräder, (E-)Transporträder und (E-)Falträder)
Note: The program has ended early due to high demand. It may return in subsequent years if funding is available. Check the website above for the latest updates.
“Klimaaktiv” is Austria's climate protection initiative by the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology (BMK). It supports climate goals through quality standards, professional training, consulting, and a broad partner network.
Klimaaktiv offers subsidies for electric bikes, transport bikes, and folding bikes to encourage sustainable transportation. Private individuals can receive up to €900 for transport bikes and €500 for folding bikes, provided they meet specific criteria like load capacity and dimensions.
Businesses, municipalities, and associations are also eligible for similar subsidies, capped at 30% of costs, with a minimum purchase of five e-bikes required for some grants.
City of Salzburg
Subsidy for Bike Trailers and Cargo Bikes (Förderung für Fahrradanhänger und Lastenfahrräder)
The City of Salzburg offers subsidies for cargo bikes and bike trailers, with 30% funding for new purchases. The funding applies to private individuals who have lived in Salzburg for at least one year. The amounts are as follows:
- 30% of the new price for bike trailers, up to €250
- 30% of the new price for cargo bikes, up to €800
- 30% of the new price for electric cargo bikes, up to €1,000
- 30% of the new price for bikes for people with disabilities, up to €1,000
- 30% of the conversion cost for bikes for people with disabilities, up to €1,000
The subsidy encourages sustainable transportation and supports families, particularly for child transport. It is granted based on available funds and a first-come, first-served basis. Applications can be submitted online, along with the original invoice and proof of payment.
Other bike purchasing schemes
You could also check out the website cargobike.jetzt (in German) for a comprehensive list of national and regional bike programs in Austria and Germany.
Belgium
Tax Benefits and Bicycle Rebates:
- Fiscale voordelen en fietspremies (Dutch)
- Avantages fiscaux et primes vélo (French)
Belgium offers two categories of ongoing e-bike incentives: a federal reimbursement scheme and regional or municipal bike subsidies for individual and business purchases.
Federal reimbursement scheme
The Belgian federal government offers a company bike reimbursement scheme but eligibility wholly depends on your employer’s policies and/or your employment contract. This federal scheme has three types: Mileage allowance, flat-rate or fixed reimbursement, and a company bicycle allowance. Let’s take a further look at each of the types.
1. Mileage allowance (kilometervergoeding/indemnité vélo)
If your company or sector does not have its own bicycle allowance, a standard allowance applies from May 1, 2023. It is €0.27 per km (indexed annually), tax- and social-security-free, and applies to a maximum of 20 km per one-way trip.
If your company or sector already has a bicycle allowance, its existing rules continue to apply. For income earned in 2026, the allowance is tax-free up to €0.37 per km and a maximum of €3,690 per year. Any amount above these limits is taxable as professional income and must be declared on your tax return.
2. Flat-rate reimbursement (forfataire vergoeding/l’indemnité forfataire)
In some cases, an employer may provide a flat-rate compensation for transportation costs. This means all employees receive the same fixed amount for commuting expenses.
This type of compensation is not considered a tax-free bicycle allowance, but it can be tax-free up to €500 per year for income earned in 2026. It can also be used to cover shared-bike rentals for commuting, whether the bikes are used only for work trips or for both work and personal travel.
3. Company bicycle allowance (fietsvergoeding/le vélo de société)
In this case, your employer can provide you with a company bike, making the costs for purchase, maintenance, and repairs 100% tax-deductible. This also includes accessories like pumps, bells, lights, reflectors, repair kits, panniers, helmets, and high-visibility vests (but not cycling clothing).
For employers, costs for adapting facilities for showers, changing rooms, and bike storage are deductible. Note that since 2017, private use of a company bike is exempt from social security contributions. The bike allowance can be combined with the provision of a company bike.
In all three cases, please read the Belgian government’s official website (in Dutch or French) and check with your employer to confirm your eligibility and details.
Local bike subsidies (premies voor de aankoop van een fiets/primes à l’achat d’un vélo)
On a sub-national level, Belgium offers even more e-bike incentives, most commonly in the form of rebates. To learn more about the available schemes in your locality, please consult the Belgian government website (in Dutch or French) for a non-exhaustive list of participating regions and municipalities.
Germany
Germany has a wealth of e-bike incentive programs, but they vary significantly per state, region, or city. As the rules tend to be precise, we recommend that you conduct thorough research to see whether your area offers an e-bike program that not only suits your needs but that the bike of your choice is on the government’s list of approved bikes. You could also check out the websites cargobike.jetzt (in German) for an exhaustive list of national and regional bike programs in Germany and Austria. Below is a selection of what some programs may look like.
E-bike leasing across Germany
Germany has a well-established employer-sponsored bike leasing model, with programs such as JobRad and Eurorad allowing employees to lease bicycles and e-bikes through their workplace rather than buying one outright. Employees choose a bike from a participating retailer and typically spread the cost over a multi-year lease, while being able to use the bike for both commuting and personal trips.
For employers, this offers an easy way to include cycling as an employee benefit. Depending on the provider and lease, insurance and maintenance may be included, and employers may also contribute to the cost. Thanks to Germany’s tax benefits for company bikes, participants could save up to 40% compared with purchasing an e-bike themselves.
State of North Rhine-Westphalia
Federal Funding for the Purchase of Cargo Bikes
The federal program supports the purchase of electric cargo bicycles (E-Lastenfahrräder) and electric cargo trailers (E-Lastenanhänger) for freight transport in various sectors. Eligible applicants include private companies and public institutions.
The program offers a subsidy of 25% of the purchase costs, with a maximum of €3,500 per qualified bike or trailer.
Applications are processed through the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle, BAFA).
Ireland
The Cycle to Work Scheme in Ireland allows employees to purchase bicycles and cycling equipment tax-free as part of their work benefits. Under the scheme, employers can provide up to €3,000 for a bike and related safety equipment, which the employee can repay through salary deductions over 12 months. The limits depend on the bicycle type:
- €3,000 on cargo and e-cargo bikes
- €1,500 on pedelecs and e-bikes
- €1,250 for other bikes
This scheme encourages sustainable commuting and helps employees save on taxes. The tax-free amount applies to the cost of the bicycle and accessories like helmets, locks, and lights. The scheme is available to full-time employees who have been with their employer for at least six months.
To participate, employees need to apply through their employer, who purchases the bicycle and equipment on their behalf. The purchase can be made at any bike shop, but if you are a public servant, the shop must be listed as an approved supplier. Participation in the scheme is not mandatory for your employer.
For more information and eligibility details, visit the Irish Revenue website.
Italy
Cycling is gaining popularity in Italy, with regional funding initiatives offering vouchers to promote its growth. The primary idea behind this financial assistance is to encourage the purchase of electric bicycles through vouchers that can be used for purchases or bike-sharing services combined with public transportation, as seen in Lombardy. See this website (in Italian) for more information.
An incentive is also provided in the city of Florence, where the municipal initiative “Pedala, Firenze ti premia” (Ride, Florence Rewards You) offers €0.20 per kilometer ridden, with a maximum monthly reimbursement of €30.
Who is eligible for the bike bonuses?
You must reside in the region issuing the grant to apply for the bonus. You must also use bike-sharing services or scrap old polluting vehicles and choose eco-friendly alternatives, such as electric bicycles.
The process may vary by region, but generally, it involves:
- Registering on the regional portal dedicated to incentives using SPID (Italian Digital Identity System) or an electronic ID card.
- Filling out an online application form, providing personal details and purchase information, including the invoice or receipt for the bicycle, as well as your IBAN for reimbursement.
- Submitting a declaration of compliance certifying that the bicycle meets current regulations.
Netherlands
Company Bike Scheme (Fiets van de zaak)
The Netherland’s national government offers tax credits for employees who lease an (e-)bike from their company. Under this scheme, employees are expected to ride their bike to work daily but are also encouraged to use it outside working hours. The objective of this tax break is to encourage more physical activity and to use bikes more often for recreational activities. The company bike scheme can be financed in different ways.
1. Monthly allowance (Bijtelling)
When a company provides a bike to its employees, it must add 7% of the bike's original purchase price (including VAT) to the employee's monthly gross salary. This additional 7% is then subject to taxation.
2. Own contribution (Eigen bijdrage)
It’s also possible for the employer to ask the employee for a monthly contribution for the bike’s purchase or maintenance. This amount is then deducted from the additional 7% mentioned under point 1.
3. Employer-funded (Werkgever vergoedt soms de bijtelling)
Under the Dutch Work-Related Costs Scheme (werkkostenregeling, WKR), employers can offer tax-free reimbursements and benefits for work-related expenses, such as tools, travel, and employee perks. This includes the option to provide employees with a bicycle as part of their benefits. For more details, visit the Dutch government's WKR webpage (in Dutch).
Norway
City of Bergen
Subsidy for the purchase of electric cargo bikes for companies (Tilskudd til kjøp av elektrisk lastesykkel for bedrifter)
The Bergen Municipality offers business owners a subsidy of up to 15% for the purchase of cargo e bikes to replace car use. The program is open year-round, and the processing time is three weeks from the date of submission.
A quick overview of the regulations:
- Only companies registered in Bergen Municipality and the unit register (Brønnøysundregisteret) can apply; private individuals and public entities are excluded.
- Companies cannot receive both Urban Environment Agency support and other public funding for the same purchase.
- A maximum of NOK 15,000 or 30% of the bike's cost is granted per bike, up to 10 bikes per company.
- Applications must describe the bike's intended use and the car transport it replaces.
- Final report submission includes receipts for all costs, and an experience report after 6–8 weeks of use, with a 6-month implementation window.
City of Oslo
Electric cargo bike for businesses (Elektrisk lastesykkel for bedrifter)
This grant scheme was concluded on June 30, 2026. See the support scheme for small electric commercial vehicles.
The Oslo business owner subsidy program for new electric cargo bikes provides up to 15% of the purchase price, with a maximum of NOK 150,000 per company. Subsidies are available for up to 10 bikes per company and must be approved before purchase. Bikes must be purchased new through dealers, and second-hand purchases or purchases from private individuals are not eligible.
A summary of the guidelines:
- Only Oslo-based companies registered in the Brønnøysundregisteret are eligible; private individuals, public entities, and housing associations cannot apply.
- The company must wait for application approval before ordering or initiating the bike purchase.
- No dual funding: companies cannot receive both Climate and Energy Fund support and other public subsidies for the bike.
- Applications must include a description of the bike's intended use and what car transport it replaces.
- The final report must be submitted within one year of receiving the subsidy. The final report must include receipts for all costs and an experience report after 6–8 weeks of use.
Portugal
Applications for the 2026 program closed on July 27, 2026. Check the Fundo Ambiental website for updates on future programs.
In 2026, Portugal launched the national bicycle incentive program through the Portuguese Environmental Fund as part of its Green Mobility package, encouraging people to replace fossil-fuel vehicles with zero-emission alternatives. Through the program, residents can receive purchase rebates of up to:
- €1,500 for electric cargo bikes
- €1,000 for non-electric cargo bikes
- €750 for e-bikes
- €500 for conventional bicycles
Applications are submitted using the application form available on the Environmental Fund's website. Incentives are granted on a first-come, first-served basis until the budget is exhausted.
United Kingdom
Bike2Work Scheme
The Bike2Work Scheme is a UK government-approved employee benefit that encourages cycling to work by offering significant savings on new bikes and equipment.
Employees can save up to 47% on the cost of bicycles and accessories through a salary sacrifice arrangement, where payments are deducted from their gross salary, reducing income tax and National Insurance contributions. Employers also benefit by saving up to 15% on National Insurance contributions and promoting a healthier, more productive workforce.
The scheme is free to join for both employers and employees and provides access to a network of over 2,000 partner shops. Applications are processed online, making it a super convenient process.
Cyclescheme
Cyclescheme is a UK employee benefit that offers savings of up to 47% on bikes and accessories, paid through salary sacrifice. It partners with over 2,600 bike shops and provides flexible choices for employees, including electric bikes and accessories. The program offers exclusive discounts, including 14 days of free insurance, and can also be used for bike rentals. Visit their website for complete information, especially their help & support page.
E-bike subsidy online trackers
While we can't cover all available funding programs, there are numerous e-bike incentives across various administrative levels in Europe. For more information, we recommend the following online tools to help you explore additional funding opportunities.
European Cyclists’ Federation
The European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) has a handy "Money For Bikes" tracker that allows you to look for subsidies based on your bike type and target group (individuals, businesses, or public entities) all around Europe.
Ride Review
Electric Tax Rebates and Tax Credits in Europe
Ride Review is a comprehensive online platform dedicated to small electric vehicles, including electric bikes, scooters, and mopeds. The website offers in-depth reviews, news, and guides to assist consumers in making informed decisions about these vehicles.
Additional information
While each country has its own set of requirements, it’s possible that not just any e-bike or e-cargo bike can qualify for incentives.
Some governments or organizations may ask you for specific information, such as the bike’s maximum load capacity, wheelbase, or other dimensions. It’s also possible that they may request a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) or proof of safety certification. Some newer bikes’ documentation may already include the DoC. If you’re unsure what these documents are or how to obtain them, please contact your nearest Tern bike dealer.
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