E-cargo bikes: Funding for e-cargo bikes possible again - except for private individuals!
Sebastian Brust
· 01.02.2024
Bicycles are now available in almost every conceivable form. Even those who want to transport a lot of luggage will find the right vehicle for the job. Thanks to electric motor assistance, a modern electric cargo bike can now transport loads of 250 kilograms or more. Among them, there are truly genuine commercial vehicles that can be used economically and safely in everyday logistics operations.
Promotion of e-cargobikes for sustainable mobility
For short distances, the E-cargobike the ideal means of transport. Companies, local authorities and non-profit organisations can now once again submit applications to the National Climate Initiative's (NKI) e-cargo bike funding programme. The Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) is thus providing financial support for the purchase of e-cargo bikes or e-cargo trailers in order to promote sustainable mobility.
Applications that were already received before the start of the application pause on 4 December 2023 are still being processed and do not need to be resubmitted. A brief background: The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) had ordered a pause in applications and approvals following the ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court on 15 November 2023. The freeze put all BMWK funding programmes in the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF) on ice at a stroke.
E-cargo bike: subsidy of up to 25 % on purchase - does not apply to private households
With the lifting of the budget freeze, the funding has been released again since last week. However, the pot is filled with a total of 60 billion euros less. The subsidy covers 25 per cent of the expenditure (net) for the purchase of an e-cargo bike or a cargo trailer with an electric drive, up to a maximum of 2500 euros per bike or trailer.
Unfortunately, the following important addition on the BAFA websitewhich restricts funding to companies, municipalities and non-profit organisations: "Please note that private individuals are not eligible to apply." For the private e-cargo bike at home - like the children's family shopping trolley - other ways of providing benefits must be found. For example, company car leasing.
Like the classic baker's bike, but modern: The e-cargo bike as the ideal means of transport for short distances
The bicycle is probably the most effective means of transport ever. On land, that is. Not only is cycling a lot of fun, it's also healthy and good for the environment. What's more, we can save a lot of carbon dioxide if we use our bikes for journeys that would otherwise require the use of fossil fuels by car. Commuting to work, for example. Or when children cycle to school, to sport, to a friend's house without their parents having to fire up the internal combustion taxi.
However, when small children, large purchases, a mountain of parcels or an XXL bag of potting compost need to be transported quickly and conveniently from A to B, the classic bicycle pushes man to his limits. He made do and invented the postman's or baker's bicycle with a small front wheel and robust front and rear pannier racks. It worked great as long as it stayed level. Uphill, even with gears, you needed to be really tough, while every descent was a test of courage due to the lack of sturdy brakes.
Fortunately, bicycles are now available in almost every conceivable form and also as e-cargo bikes. The pedal-powered single or double-track vehicles can transport loads of 250 kilograms or more thanks to generous loading capacities and electric motor support. Low-maintenance transmissions and robust disc brakes make these commercial vehicles economical and safe - ideal for everyday transport logistics.
Sebastian Brust
Editor
