Bicycle subsidy 2026: overview of municipalities and applications

An electric cargo bike quickly costs €5,000 to €7,000. That's a hefty investment for your family or business. Fortunately, more and more municipalities in the Netherlands are offering subsidies for the purchase of a cargo bike. In 2026 there are again plenty of opportunities to get hundreds or even thousands of euros back. In this article you will discover which municipalities offer bakfiets subsidies, what the conditions are and how to apply. This way you can save a lot on your new electric cargo bike.

1. Why do municipalities subsidize a cargo bike?
2. Overview of municipalities with cargo bike subsidies in 2026 
3. National regulations for cargo bike subsidy
4. Applying for a grant: here's how to do it
5. How much can you save with subsidies? 
6. Tips to increase your chances of getting a grant
7. Common mistakes in grant applications
8. Why the STOER CargoX is a good choice for grant funding
9. What if your municipality does not offer a subsidy? 
10. Frequently asked questions about cargo bike subsidy 2026 

Municipalities want residents to use bicycles more often instead of cars. A cargo bike is then a logical choice for families taking children to school or shopping. By providing subsidies, municipalities make the switch more financially attractive. This fits within the broader goal of reducing CO2 emissions and improving air quality.

Most subsidy schemes fall under the sustainable mobility program. Municipalities receive money from the state to encourage residents to travel more sustainably. Part of that budget goes to bicycle stimulation, including subsidies for electric cargo bikes. The municipality itself determines the amount of the subsidy and the conditions. This explains why the amounts vary greatly between municipalities.

Want to learn more about electric cargo bikes? Then check out the STOER CargoX which is specially designed for families and businesses.

Not every municipality offers subsidies for cargo bikes. The schemes change from year to year and the budget is often limited. Below is a list of municipalities that provide or are expected to provide subsidies in 2026. Always check your own municipality's website for the most up-to-date information.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam has had a subsidy scheme for electric cargo bikes for years. The municipality mainly targets families who want to trade in their cars. By 2026, the subsidy is expected to be around €500 to €1,000 per cargo bike. The scheme usually opens in the spring and the budget runs out quickly. Keep an eye on the municipality of Amsterdam's website for the exact start date.

Conditions in Amsterdam include that you are registered in the municipality and that the cargo bike is new. Also, the cargo bike must have electric pedal assistance. You apply for the subsidy through the municipality's website, uploading a copy of the invoice.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam encourages sustainable transportation through the "Rotterdam Electric" program. The subsidy for electric cargo bikes here is up to €1,500 for individuals. For entrepreneurs, separate schemes apply with sometimes higher amounts. The City of Rotterdam often links the subsidy to the condition that you hand in a car or demonstrably start driving less.

The application is done digitally through the Rotterdam subsidy office. You need a DigiD and must upload various documents, such as a quotation or invoice for the cargo bike. After approval, you will receive the amount in your account within a few weeks.

Utrecht

Utrecht is one of the leaders in bicycle subsidies. The municipality offers subsidies for electric cargo bikes as part of its mobility program. In 2026, the municipality expects to open another scheme with subsidies of up to €1,000. Utrecht is specifically targeting neighborhoods where car use is high and air quality is under pressure.

A special condition in Utrecht is that you sometimes have to participate in a mobility scan. Here an advisor looks at your travel behavior and which alternatives fit. After the scan you can apply for a subsidy for a cargo bike if that suits your situation.

The Hague

The Hague has varying schemes for bicycle subsidies. In some years there is specific subsidy for cargo bikes, in other years it falls under a broader scheme for electric bikes. For 2026, The Hague is expected to make subsidies available again, although the exact amounts are not yet known. Keep an eye on the municipal website from January 2026.

Groningen

Groningen likes to call itself the cycling city of the Netherlands. The municipality supports that title with subsidies for electric bicycles and cargo bikes. The subsidy amount is usually between €300 and €750 in Groningen. The scheme is open to all residents, but there are additional benefits for people with low incomes.

Eindhoven

Eindhoven is committed to smart mobility and offers subsidies for electric vehicles, including cargo bikes. The Brainport region has ambitious sustainability goals and the cargo bike fits right in. Subsidies in Eindhoven often run through the regional mobility fund, so residents of surrounding municipalities sometimes qualify as well.

Want to know more about where to try out a cargo bike? Take a look at the overview of STOER Bikes dealers in your area.

In addition to municipal subsidies, there are also national schemes. These are especially interesting for entrepreneurs and companies. The best known are the MIA (Environmental Investment Allowance) and VAMIL (Arbitrary Depreciation of Environmental Investments). With these schemes you can invest fiscally advantageous in an electric cargo bike for business use.

MIA and VAMIL for entrepreneurs

The MIA scheme offers an additional deduction on top of normal depreciation. For electric cargo bikes on the Environment List, you can deduct up to 45% of the investment amount extra from your profit. For a €6,495 cargo bike, that means an additional deduction of almost €3,000. Depending on your tax rate, this saves between €750 and €1,500.

VAMIL allows you to write off the investment at random. Normally you write off a cargo bike over 5 years, but with VAMIL you can do this in one year. This provides a liquidity advantage, especially in the first year after purchase. You can combine MIA and VAMIL for maximum tax benefit.

To qualify, the cargo bike must be on RFO's Environmental List. Electric cargo bikes with a load capacity of at least 100 kilograms usually qualify. The STOER CargoX with a load capacity of 150 kilograms meets this requirement.

E-bike incentive scheme

In previous years, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management implemented the Incentive Scheme E-Bakfiets. This scheme specifically targeted SMEs who wanted to purchase an electric cargo bike for business transportation. The subsidy was up to €2,000 per cargo bike. It is not yet known whether this scheme will return for 2026. Keep an eye on the RVO website for updates.

The grant application process varies from one municipality to another. Nevertheless, there are general steps that apply almost everywhere. Below is a step-by-step plan to help you apply.

Step 1: check if your municipality offers subsidies

Go to your municipality's website and search "subsidy cargo bike" or "subsidy electric bike." Not every municipality has a scheme and budgets are often limited. Some municipalities work with a waiting list or lottery system if there are more applications than budget.

Step 2: check the terms and conditions

Read the terms and conditions carefully before buying a cargo bike. Many municipalities have requirements for the type of cargo bike, the date of purchase and your living situation. Common conditions are:

• You are registered in the municipality
• The cargo bike is new and has electric pedal assistance
• The purchase invoice is not older than 3 to 6 months
• You have not received a grant for a bicycle before
• The cargo bike meets European safety standards (CE mark)

The STOER CargoX is CE certified and complies with all European regulations. This makes subsidy applications easier.

Step 3: request a quote

Some municipalities want you to apply for the grant before the purchase. In that case, you will need a quote. Request this from the dealer and make sure it includes all the specifications of the cargo bike. Other municipalities accept an application after purchase, using the invoice as proof.

Step 4: submit the application

Most municipalities operate a digital subsidy counter. You usually need DigiD to log in. Upload the requested documents, such as the offer or invoice, a copy of your ID and possibly proof of registration. After submitting, you will receive a confirmation email.

Step 5: wait for approval

The processing time varies per municipality, but count on 4 to 8 weeks. Upon approval you will receive a decision with the awarded amount. Then the subsidy will be transferred to your bank account. Keep all documents for possible control afterwards.

Want to take a test ride before buying a cargo bike? Schedule a free test drive at a STOER Bikes dealer.

The total savings depend on your home municipality and whether you are an individual or a business owner. Below is a calculation example for both situations.

Calculation example individual

Suppose you live in Rotterdam and buy a €6,495 STOER CargoX. You receive €1,500 subsidy from the municipality. Your effective purchase price then becomes €4,995. That's a savings of 23% on the purchase price. Compare that to a car: for €4,995 you can at most buy an old used car with high maintenance costs.

Calculation example entrepreneur

As a corporate tax entrepreneur with profits above €200,000, you pay 25.8% in tax. With a CargoX of €6,495 and MIA deduction of 45%, you get an additional deduction of €2,923. That yields a tax benefit of €754. Add to that any municipal subsidy and your total benefit can reach €2,000 or more.

Grant budgets are limited and schemes are sometimes exhausted within days. Use these tips to increase your chances of success.

Be quick

Most grant programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis. First come, first served. Keep an eye on the municipal website and set a reminder for the opening date. Some municipalities announce the scheme through social media or a newsletter. Sign up to be the first to know.

Prepare your documents

Collect all required documents before the scheme opens. Think of a copy of your ID, a recent bank statement, proof of registration in the municipality and any pay stubs if income is a criterion. The sooner you can submit, the better your chances.

Choose a cargo bike that meets all requirements

Some subsidies apply only to cargo bikes with certain specifications. Check in advance that the cargo bike you want to buy meets all the requirements. The STOER CargoX is CE-certified, has electric pedal assistance and a load capacity of 150 kilograms. This means it meets almost all subsidy requirements.

Combine grants

In some cases, you can combine municipal subsidies with national schemes. For example, as an entrepreneur you can receive a municipal subsidy and make use of MIA/VAMIL. Always check the conditions, because some schemes exclude stacking.

Many grant applications are rejected due to avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common pitfalls.

Late applications

Some municipalities require that you apply for the subsidy within a certain period of time after purchase. If you wait too long, you'll miss the boat. Apply for the subsidy as soon as you receive the cargo bike and pay the invoice.

Incomplete documents

An application without all required attachments will be rejected or delayed. Read the municipality's checklist carefully and upload all requested documents at once. This will prevent unnecessary delays.

Wrong cargo bike

Not every cargo bike is eligible. Check in advance that the cargo bike is electric, has the correct payload and is CE certified. A cargo bike without electric assistance often falls outside the scheme.

The STOER CargoX meets all the conditions that municipalities usually require. The cargo bike is CE certified according to European regulations. With a load capacity of 150 kilograms, it fits within the criteria for business subsidies. The electric Bafang motor with 92 Nm of torque provides powerful support, even when fully loaded.

"We find that more and more customers are asking about subsidies for their cargo bikes," says Thomas, co-founder of STOER Bikes. "We are happy to help them with information about the possibilities in their municipality. The CargoX is designed to meet all standards, which makes the subsidy application go smoothly."

The CargoX won the German Design Award 2025 for excellent product design. This confirms the quality and innovation of this Dutch cargo bike. With the Gates CDX belt drive, the cargo bike is virtually maintenance-free, further lowering the total cost of ownership.

View all specifications on the CargoX product page or schedule a test ride to experience the cargo bike for yourself.

Not every municipality has a subsidy scheme for cargo bikes. Fortunately, there are alternatives to make the purchase affordable.

Financing in installments

Many dealers offer the option of paying for a cargo bike in installments. That way you spread the cost over several months or years. Check the terms and pay attention to the interest rate you pay.

Private lease

Private leasing for bicycles is becoming increasingly popular. You pay a fixed monthly fee and do not have to worry about maintenance or insurance. At the end of the term, you either return the cargo bike or buy it for the residual value.

Used cargo bike

A used cargo bike is cheaper than new. Do pay attention to the condition of the battery, as it largely determines the value. Always ask about the age of the battery and the number of charge cycles.

Employer contribution

Some employers reimburse (part of) the purchase of a bicycle through the mobility budget. Ask your HR department about the possibilities. A cargo bike for commuting can be fiscally attractive for both you and your employer.

Want to know more about insuring your cargo bike? Check the STORY insurance page For an appropriate policy.

How much subsidy can I get for a cargo bike in 2026?

The amount of subsidy varies by municipality. Amounts range from €300 to €1,500 for individuals. Entrepreneurs can obtain tax benefits of up to €1,500 on top of any municipal subsidy through MIA/VAMIL.

When do the subsidy schemes open in 2026?

Most municipalities open their grant programs in the spring, often between February and April. Some municipalities work with several rounds per year. Check your municipality's website for the exact dates.

Is a used cargo bike eligible for subsidy?

Most municipal regulations apply only to new cargo bikes. A used cargo bike usually does not qualify. Always check your municipality's terms and conditions.

Can I get a subsidy as a self-employed person?

Yes, as a self-employed person you can often take advantage of both municipal subsidies and national schemes such as MIA and VAMIL. However, the cargo bike must be used for business purposes. Consult with your accountant about the best approach.

How long will it take for me to receive the grant?

Processing time varies by municipality, but count on 4 to 8 weeks after approval. Make sure your application is complete to avoid delays.

Which cargo bikes are eligible?

Most schemes have requirements for electric support, CE certification and sometimes a minimum payload. The STOER CargoX with 150 kg payload and CE certification meets almost all subsidy requirements.