Subsidy for the purchase of electric bicycles

For an ecological, comfortable and economical movement, the purchase of an electric bicycle seems to be an ideal choice, while now through the program “Move Electric” a consumer can buy the bicycle of his choice and be subsidized with a refund of up to 40% of its value. In practice, the amount subsidized by the state for the purchase of an electric bicycle is 40% of the net value of the vehicle (before taxes) up to the amount of 800 euros. For example, for an electric bicycle worth €1,500 (€1,209.67 before tax) consumers will receive a subsidy of €483.87, in the form of a refund after purchasing the vehicle.

Attention: In the relevant “Moving Electric” program, a series of specifications provided by the Law are defined which electric bicycles must meet in order to be eligible for inclusion in the subsidy. Therefore, it is not enough for someone to simply buy an electric bike and apply for the purchase subsidy, but the vehicle itself must also meet the relevant specifications. Bike the way’s electric bikes are subsidized, as they have the necessary features defined in this regard, and therefore one can purchase the models mentioned in the electric bikes category while also enjoying the maximum possible refund benefit, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs program.

I move electronically – Application

The application process on the kinoumeilektrika.gov.gr platform is simple and easy to understand, with consumers having to follow a series of steps to register their application and receive a subsidy for the purchase of an electric bicycle or scooter. In fact, in the same program, a subsidy is provided for the installation of a smart home charger in the consumers’ main residence or the retirement of their old vehicle.

The beneficiaries of the subsidy, in short, are natural persons and legal entities, while those with many children and people with disabilities are entitled to an additional subsidy. In order for the beneficiary to submit his application, he follows a few simple steps. First he registers for the service and fills in his details or alternatively one can use the codes from Taxisnet. Then he chooses the category of the vehicle for which he wants to receive a subsidy, the model and its value. If the application concerns natural persons, the applicant can then choose whether they want the subsidy for a home charger. Next, one fills in if they wish to retire an old vehicle or if they belong to the categories of those with many children or people with disabilities. Finally, those interested attach the necessary supporting documents and submit their application.

Electric bikes: What to look out for

From the first day that the “Move Electronically” program started accepting applications, several questions arose from consumers, mainly regarding the eligibility of expenses, the amount of the refund and also how many applications they can submit.

Regarding whether one can receive a subsidy for the purchase of a bicycle that comes from converting a conventional bicycle to an electric one, the answer is no. “Moving Electronically” only subsidizes electric bicycles that have been manufactured from the beginning as such, in the respective factories, and not other types of vehicles that have undergone interventions or conversions (from conventional to electric). It is therefore very important, before you buy an electric bike, to make sure that it meets the specifications and you will be able to receive the subsidy. The same applies to second-hand e-bikes, which also do not receive a subsidy.

As to whether a consumer can retire their old vehicle and purchase a subsidized electric bike, the answer is again no. The withdrawal program, through “Moving Electric” only concerns the categories of two-wheelers and three-wheelers (for example electric scooters and not electric bicycles). It is also worth noting that each consumer has the right to submit an application for each VAT number, for the purchase of an electric bicycle.