What are the subsidy options for electric cargo bikes in 2025?

"Many entrepreneurs leave money on the table because they don't know what subsidies are out there," says Joeri van STOER Bikes. "With the right knowledge, you can sometimes get as much as 40-50% of your investment back."

In 2025, several grant opportunities are available for the purchase of electric delivery tricycles in the Netherlands, both at the national and municipal levels. Entrepreneurs can take advantage of various schemes such as the MIA/Vamil for tax benefits, municipal procurement subsidies that vary by region, and national programs aimed at making company transportation more sustainable.

Joeri stresses, "The most important thing is to inform yourself well before you purchase. I still see too many people who discover afterwards that they could have gotten a subsidy."

1. What are the subsidy options for electric cargo bikes in 2025?
2. What national subsidy schemes apply to electric cargo bikes?
3. How do municipal subsidies vary by region?
4. What are the tax advantages for business owners when purchasing an electric cargo bike?
5. How do you apply for a grant for an electric cargo bike?
6. What conditions must an electric cargo bike meet for a subsidy?

"The subsidy world is a jungle, but with the right guide you can find your way through it," Joeri laughs. By 2025, entrepreneurs can count on a diverse range of subsidy schemes for electric cargo bikes.

At the national level, the MIA/Vamil scheme remains an important mainstay. This tax scheme allows entrepreneurs to deduct up to 36% of investment costs from profits. According to Joeri: "This is often the biggest advantage entrepreneurs can get."

Many municipalities have developed their own subsidy programs. Urban areas such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht often offer purchase subsidies ranging from €1,000 to €2,000 per electric cargo bike. "In Amsterdam, I see entrepreneurs getting almost half their investment back if they combine smartly," Joeri says.

Provincial governments and sector-specific regulations also play a role, especially targeting hospitality, delivery and craft businesses.

Want to learn more about the practical benefits of electric fatbikes for business use? Then read our blog about 9 ways a fatbike improves your commute.

"The national schemes tend to be the most stable," Joeri explains. "Municipal pots can empty quickly, but the MIA/Vamil runs throughout the year." At the national level, you mainly benefit from tax schemes in 2025.

Through the MIA, you can deduct up to 36% of the investment amount from your taxable profit. The Vamil scheme allows you to write off 75% of your investment at a time of your choosing. "That liquidity advantage is worth gold to entrepreneurs," said Joeri.

There is also the BOSA for sports associations and the SDE++ for innovative entrepreneurs. The KIA (Small Scale Investment Allowance) can be combined with other schemes for an even greater tax benefit.

Joeri's tip: "Have an accountant calculate what the combination will yield for you. Often it's better and sometimes it's worse - but better to know in advance."

"Amsterdam is the front-runner, but smaller municipalities can also have surprises," says Joeri. Municipal subsidies show significant regional differences in 2025.

Large cities usually offer the most generous schemes. Amsterdam provides up to €2,000 in subsidies per electric cargo bike, while Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht use amounts between €1,000 and €1,800.

Medium-sized municipalities such as Eindhoven, Groningen and Nijmegen have amounts between €500 and €1,200. "The advantage of smaller municipalities is that the pots empty less quickly," notes Joeri.

According to Joeri, smaller municipalities are increasingly working together, "They are joining forces, which for entrepreneurs means more money is available and the scheme is more stable."

Some municipalities opt for discount schemes through dealers. "That saves administration, but do check if you can combine other subsidies," advises Joeri.

"The tax benefits are often greater than entrepreneurs think," Joeri emphasizes. As a business owner in 2025, you enjoy several tax benefits when you buy an electric cargo bike.

The MIA remains one of the most important schemes. For most electric cargo bikes, there is 36% additional deduction from your pre-tax profit. The Vamil scheme offers flexibility in your tax planning by writing off 75% of your investment at your convenience.

Joeri explains: "Small business owners can also benefit from the KIA. For investments between €2,400 and €59,939, you get a maximum 28% investment deduction. That stacks up nicely."

For self-employed people, the electric cargo bike can be claimed as a business asset, allowing you to reclaim VAT. "With leasing, the monthly costs are fully deductible as business expenses," adds Joeri.

"The most important advice I can give: apply before you buy," Joeri stresses. Applying for a grant is done through a streamlined process, although the procedure varies by scheme.

Start by checking available schemes through your municipality or RFO. For municipal subsidies, usually: check conditions, collect documents (Chamber of Commerce registration, offer), fill out online form and wait for approval before purchase.

Joeri's experience: "For tax schemes like MIA/Vamil, it's the other way around - buy first, then apply to RVO within three months."

Pay attention to timing: "Many municipal pots operate on an 'up = up' basis. I always recommend submitting your application as early as January," said Joeri.

Keep careful records of all documentation. "Not only useful for the grant maker, but also for your own records and possible tax audits."

"Not every fatbike is eligible for subsidies," warns Joeri. Electric cargo bikes must meet specific technical requirements to qualify for subsidies in 2025.

For most regulations, the cargo bike must be new. Technical requirements usually include: minimum battery capacity of 400Wh, range of at least 40 kilometers, and load capacity of at least 80 kg.

Joeri emphasizes, "It is important that the motor only provides support while pedaling - in other words, no throttle. There must also be CE marking and NEN-EN certification."

For MIA/Vamil, the cargo bike must be on RVO's Environmental List. "For municipal subsidies, additional requirements may apply, such as purchase from a local dealer," Joeri explains.

His tip: "Before purchasing, always check whether your intended model is subsidy-eligible. We can indicate whether our models meet all the requirements."