Buying an electric bike: which local subsidies to look for?
The electric bicycle is one of the new eco-responsible means of transportation. Fast and economical, the E-bike seduces more and more French people. However, the purchase of such a device represents a significant investment. While some people can afford the electric bike of their choice, others cannot and are forced to use less environmentally friendly means of transportation.
To help the French in this transition to sustainable mobility, various local subsidies exist to facilitate the purchase of an electric bicycle. What are the subsidies available at the national and local levels? What do I need to know about local subsidies for the purchase of an electric bicycle? What are the conditions of attribution of these subsidies and how to apply for them? Find out all the essential information on local subsidies for the purchase of an electric bicycle.
The advantages of electric bikes for a more sustainable mobility
Today, everyone is looking to adopt a more responsible lifestyle. The French are transforming their mode of travel to pollute less. More and more of them are trading in their cars for electric bikes.
The use of electric bicycles has many advantages, such as
- the decongestion of city centers;
- the reduction of noise pollution;
- Improved travel time;
- ease of parking.
However, the acquisition of an electrically assisted bicycle represents a significant cost. This cost may deter some willing users who cannot afford to invest in a quality electric bicycle.
Local aid available for the purchase of an electric bicycle
In order to encourage the French to adopt a less polluting mode of transport, local aid is available under certain conditions. Many large cities are involved in an eco-responsible approach by offering local subsidies for the purchase of an electric bicycle for their residents.
If you live in a city, it is very likely that you can apply for assistance from your local government to purchase an electric bicycle.
These local subsidies are paid directly by the regions and cities. Each one is free to set its own conditions of attribution. The amount of aid for the purchase of an electric bicycle can therefore vary depending on the area in which you live.
Generally, most large cities offer a subsidy covering up to 50% of the price of your electric bike. Of course, the amount of local subsidy varies depending on your income.
To take advantage of this subsidy for the purchase of an electric bicycle, contact your city hall directly, which will inform you of the steps to take.
The example of the Ile-de-France region
If you live in Paris or in the Île-de-France region, several grants are available to help you purchase an electric bicycle. The city of Paris grants 33% of the purchase price of your electric bicycle as a one-time subsidy, up to a maximum of 400 € per person.
In this region, another local aid exists and is not subject to any particular conditions of attribution. It is the purchase subsidy of the "Île-de-France Mobilités" scheme. This grant covers 50% of the price (including tax) of your new electric bicycle and its safety accessories (anti-theft device, helmet).
Conditions for receiving local aid for the purchase of an electric bicycle
In order to benefit from the subsidy for the purchase of an electric bicycle, it is necessary to respect certain conditions:
- your electric bicycle must be new;
- It must be equipped with an electric auxiliary motor;
- It must have an identifier on its frame;
- it must not be equipped with a lead battery.
You will also need to provide several proofs and documents in order to validate the payment of local aid for the purchase of your electric bicycle:
- be a resident of the territory;
- justify your purchase with an invoice;
- provide a bank statement;
- provide proof of address;
- provide your identification.
To find out about the specific terms and conditions for the allocation of local aid for thepurchase of a VAE, contact your municipality directly.
The French government's ecological bonus for the purchase of a VAE
In addition to local subsidies, the French government provides a subsidy for the purchase of an electric bicycle on a national basis. This is the ecological bonus set up to support and help people who wish to travel in a less polluting way.
This subsidy, reinforced and extended in January 2023, offers a bonus of up to 400 € (or 40% of the price) for the purchase of a new electrically assisted bicycle.
What are the conditions for receiving the government's ecological bonus?
To benefit from the ecological bonus, you must meet several conditions:
- be an adult ;
- be domiciled in France;
- have a taxable income that does not exceed 14 089 € in the year preceding the purchase of your electric bicycle;
- never have received a similar national aid.
For people with disabilities, no income limitation is required.
As for local aid, electric bicycles must also meet certain requirements if you wish to benefit from the State's ecological bonus.
State aid: ceiling and exceptional aid
However, the state subsidy for the purchase of an electric bicycle is capped at 300 € per person if your reference tax income per unit is between 6 358 € and 14 098€.
Larger grants of up to 2,000 € are available for thepurchase of an electric bicycle adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities or for the transportation of people or goods.
Since January 2023, it has been possible to receive the state's ecological bonus and a local bonus for the purchase of an electric bicycle at the same time.
Company subsidies for the purchase of an electric bicycle
You are an employee of a company and you use your electric bike to go to work. You should know that some employers encourage their teams to make the transition to responsible mobility. For this purpose, companies can provide subsidies to employees to finance part of the purchase of an electric bicycle.
This bonus can reach up to 400 € under certain conditions. Contact your company's human resources department to find out if such a subsidy is possible.
The conversion bonus for the purchase of an electric bicycle
A final subsidy is available for the purchase of an electric bicycle in France. The conversion bonus finances you up to 1500 € if you scrap your old car to buy an electrically assisted bicycle.
The conversion bonus is available in several ways.
- The vehicle you are getting rid of must date from before 2006 for gasoline engines, and before 2011 for diesel engines.
- The conversion premium can be paid regardless of your income level.
- This bonus is paid to all members of the household who buy an electric bike.
- If you have a low income or if you are disabled, the conversion premium can reach 3,000 €.
The conversion bonus is a subsidy that can be combined with your local and national subsidies. By applying for these different subsidies, the acquisition of your electric bicycle becomes much more accessible. The local and national subsidies now allow you to access a more ecological mode of transportation, regardless of your income level.
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