Factsheet for measure
DE-2021-10/3896
– measures in Germany
Funding for Electric Cargo Bike Purchases
Förderung der Anschaffung von E-Lastenfahrrädern
Background information
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) supports the purchase of electric cargo bikes and cargo trailers with electric drive assistance for commercial use as part of the National Climate Initiative (NKI). As cargo bikes make a significant contribution to achieving climate protection goals in commercial transport across industry, trade, commerce, and the service sector, the federal ministry set up a funding guideline to foster companies' usage of such cargo bikes. Especially in urban areas, cargo bikes can contribute to reducing fine dust, nitrogen oxides and noise emissions significantly; thereby improving the quality of life in these areas
Content of measure
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) issued a funding guideline granting support for using electric cargo bikes for bicycle-based freight transport (E-Cargo Bike Directive). The funding is made available to private companies, public-law corporations, and other institutions, but not to territorial authorities.
Applications can be submitted to the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). Applicant can apply for financial support when purchasing cargo bikes and cargo trailers with electric drive assistance for freight transport in the industrial and commercial sectors as well as in trade and the services sectors. In detail, this means that such purchases are only supported, if companies or other applicants use the e-bikes and trailers for transporting goods. The provided funding covers 25% of the acquisition costs, but no more than €3,500 per bike or trailer.
Use of measure
In May 2025, the 10,000th electric cargo bike was funded with the support of the programme. In total, around €14.5 million were paid out to companies across 80 different industries.
Target groups
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Workers
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Businesses
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Citizens
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Does not apply to workers
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Applies to all businesses
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Does not apply to citizens
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Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
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National funds
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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Unknown
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Unknown
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Form
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Not applicable
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Not applicable
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
-
Unknown
-
Main level of involvement: N/A
Involvement
No information on social partner's involvement in designing, implementing or monitoring the measure.
Views and reactions
Several business associations representing bike manufacturers advocated and welcomed improved funding conditions for e-bikes in freight transport (RLVD, 2022).
Sources
