Bafa: Funding brake for e-cargo bikes released again

Applying for funding for e-cargo bikes has been possible again since January 19, 2024, following an agreement in the Budget Committee of the Bundestag. This was announced by the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) on the same day on its website. The Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) had been promoting the acquisition of e-cargo bikes and e-cargo trailers for bike-bound cargo transport until the imposition of the budget freeze on KTF projects. Now applications can once again be submitted under the program installed by the Federal Ministry for the Environment as part of the National Climate Protection Initiative.

However, based on the experiences of the past few months, the Berlin cargo bike retailer Isicargo advises hastening, as the program officially only runs until February 29, 2024. The continuation is still uncertain. Manufacturers like Rytle have already urged potential applicants not to wait too long either. Under the program, one can apply for up to 2,500 euros in government subsidies per cargo bike, which applies to companies, municipalities, associations, or public institutions.

Eligible for funding is the acquisition of cargo bicycles (cargo pedelecs) and cargo trailers with electric drive support. The conditions are at least two wheels, a permanently installed device for load transport, and maximum pedal assistance of 25 km/h. Additionally, the bicycles must be mass-produced and brand new, each have a payload of at least 120 kg, offer transport options that are inseparably connected to the bicycle, and be able to carry more volume than a conventional bicycle.