Bicycles and cargo trailers with electric drive for bicycle freight traffic. Under the directive, on small series, investments in bicycles and electric trailers for heavy goods vehicles are eligible.
Purpose of financing
Expenses for purchasing heavy, electrically assisted bicycles and trailers are subsidized. The investments for the purchase concern: heavy electrically assisted bicycles and robust trailer with electric drive support or combination of a cargo bicycle and a cargo trailer, of which at least one element (bicycle or trailer) must be equipped with electric driving assistance. Heavy, electrically powered bicycles and electrically assisted trailers must have a minimum transport volume of 1 m³ and a payload of at least 150 kg. . For teams equipped with a cargo bike or non-motorized cargo trailer, the team's total transport volume must be at least 1 m³. The continuous rated power of the electronic drive medium cannot exceed 0.25 kW. It should be gradually reduced and stopped at 25 km/h (or earlier). Otherwise, it is an ineligible motorcycle which requires approval (see § 1 StVG).
Financing process
The financing process is designed for private companies regardless of their legal form; freelance; enterprises with municipal participation; public non-profit and religious institutions of higher education (except adult education centers); research institutions; hospitals and their sponsors as well as Municipalities (cities, municipalities, rural districts).
Type and amount of financing
The financing is based on Regulation (EU) No 1407/2013 concerning the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to de minimis aid (de minimis Regulation). The amount of financing is defined on the basis of eligible investment costs or the number of bicycles, trailers and teams requested. In fact, financing rates are 30 percent of the purchase costs, maximum. However 2500 euros per charge cycle, pendants or team.
Fundingt
If the measurement is to be carried out using a financing model, certain requirements must be met. In the case of an installment purchase, the financing contract must clearly reference the approved/financed units. In addition, at the time of payment, the total amounts paid must not be less than the approved financing amount. Otherwise, it will be shortened accordingly. If a hire purchase model is selected, the transfer of ownership must be recorded in the hire purchase agreement within five years of the completion of the measure (acquisition). This must also concern approved/funded units. Financing by leasing is not permitted. This is because a rented unit/rented heavy bike cannot be handed over to the tenant (applicant) except for the purpose of use, it does not become the property of the tenant. A purchase option in the rental contract is not sufficient. Five heavy bicycles must be purchased for 10,000 euros each. Financing amount 1 = (5 * 10,000 euros), * 0.3 = 15,000 euros (financing amount depending on the financing rate). Financing amount 2 = 5 * 2500 euros = 12500 euros (maximum financing amount). The financing amount after the maximum amount is less than that after the financing rate. The correct financing amount is therefore 12,500 euros.
De minimis CEILING
The “de minimis” ceiling must be respected (200,000 euros or 100,000 euros for companies in the road transport sector). This amount must not be exceeded with all “de minimis” subsidies received during the two current tax years (recognizable by the “de minimis” notice). The amount of funding may need to be reduced accordingly.
Comparison with French aid
In France, the ecological bonus is financial assistance to buy or rent a new energy-efficient vehicle: carscooter, motorcycle, motorized quadricycle. Aid can also be paid for the purchase of an electrically assisted bicycle, in addition to aid paid by a local authority. In fact, on our side the aid is not that important. France has fallen behind, which prevents new uses from developing. However, for cargo bikes to replace cars, it would be necessary to consider putting in place more support.