E-Cargo Bike Guideline

The E-Cargo Bike Guideline of the National Climate Protection Initiative (NKI) promotes the nationwide commercial acquisition of brand-new e-cargo bikes and e-cargo trailers. The aim of this non-repayable grant is to reduce particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, and noise emissions, as well as to strengthen bicycle-based freight transport in industry, commerce, trade, and the service sector. Applicants can be private companies of any legal form (including cooperatives and freelancers), municipal companies under private law, as well as public law corporations and institutions (e.g., universities). Only new vehicles that offer transport options inseparably connected to the bicycle, transport more volume than a conventional bicycle, and have a permissible total weight of at least 170 kg are eligible for funding. Project start and application submission are possible at any time from October 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027.

25% of eligible expenses are funded, up to a maximum of €3,500 per e-cargo bike or trailer. Ineligible are, for example, leasing, used or retrofitted vehicles, private use, sharing models, passenger transport vehicles, sales or information stands. For the application, a fully completed application form, a non-binding offer, a project description specifying the intended use, and proof of commercial or freelance activity must be submitted. The funding process is conducted electronically via the BAFA application portal, accessible through the NKI website. Interested companies and institutions thus receive uncomplicated support in transitioning to climate-friendly logistics solutions and actively contribute to municipal environmental protection.