Starting in 2026, the Vamil (accelerated depreciation for environmental investments) is expected to no longer apply to standard electric cargo bikes. You will then no longer be able to claim accelerated depreciation on the purchase, unless the cargo bike meets additional environmental requirements. However, the MIA and KIA incentives will still apply if you invest wisely. Always check RVO’s current 2026 Environmental List before making a decision.
As a business owner, you naturally want to know what this means for your investment deduction and your monthly expenses. In this article, we explain what’s changing, which programs will remain in place, and how you can still take advantage of tax benefits in 2026 by CargoX Business puts into service.
Please note: STOER Bikes is not a tax advisor. The amounts and codes listed below are for guidance only and are based on public sources. Always have your choices reviewed by your own bookkeeper or accountant.
What is the Vamil program, and what changes will take effect in 2026?
The Vamil is a tax scheme that allows you to accelerate the depreciation of an environmentally friendly business investment, up to a maximum of 75% at a time of your choosing. This provides a liquidity and interest rate advantage, because you reduce your profit (and thus your tax liability) in the year of purchase.
The most significant change for 2026: the Vamil is not expected to be available for “basic” electric cargo bikes anymore. According to announcements regarding the Environmental List, accelerated depreciation will remain available only for cargo bikes with an additional environmental component, such as integrated solar panels (a separate code on the Environmental List).
Want to make sure your model is still covered under Vamil? Then check the Official MIAVamil information from RVO. The current Environmental List, with the exact codes and conditions, is published there annually.
Which tax provisions will remain in effect for cargo bikes?
Even without Vamil, you’ll still have several options in 2026 for making tax-advantaged investments. The MIA (Environmental Investment Deduction) and the KIA (Small-Scale Investment Deduction) remain the most important pillars for entrepreneurs purchasing an electric cargo bike.
“Most business owners who pick up a CargoX Business from us are primarily interested in the combination of MIA and KIA, plus the VAT refund. That combined benefit is often greater than the Vamil effect ever was,” says an account manager at STOER Bikes.
This table compares the regulations side by side, so you can see at a glance what will remain and what will be eliminated. The percentages and codes listed are indicative for 2026 and should be verified at the time of publication.
| Regulation | Status 2026 (indicative) | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Vamil | No longer applies to standard cargo bikes; still applies to cargo bikes with solar panels (separate code) | Accelerated depreciation, liquidity benefit |
| MIA (including code D3119) | Remains: deduction rate around 36% | Additional deduction on profits in addition to depreciation |
| KIA | Remains: increasing percentage for investments above the threshold | Annual Tax Deduction for Small-Scale Investments |
| VAT refund | Still, for business owners who use it for business purposes | 21%: Claiming a VAT Refund for Business Use |
You can check the exact codes and percentages in the information from the Internal Revenue Service and on the 2026 Environmental List. Would you like more background information on the KIA specifically? Then read whether your investment falls under the KIA.
How do you register a cargo bike for MIAVamil in 2026?
You must register with RVO within three months of entering into the investment commitment. If you miss that deadline, your eligibility for MIA and Vamil will expire, no matter how eco-friendly your cargo bike is. Therefore, be sure to schedule your registration immediately upon purchase.
Here's how to do it step by step:
- Determine whether the cargo bike is used as a business asset for your company.
- Check whether the model is listed on the current 2026 Environmental List and under which code.
- Keep the order confirmation or invoice showing the date and purchase amount.
- Report the investment within 3 months through RVO's eLoket.
- Have your accountant include the MIA, KIA, and (if applicable) Vamil in the tax return.
Are you wondering whether a cargo bike is more tax-efficient for your situation than a delivery van? Then be sure to check out How VAT and Depreciation Work for a Cargo Bike Used as a Company Vehicle.
Is a cargo bike without Vamil still a good deal from a tax perspective?
Yes. Even without Vamil, the combination of MIA, KIA, and the VAT refund continues to offer a significant advantage, especially when compared to the cost of a delivery van. Vamil mainly provided a timing advantage; the MIA and KIA reduce your actual tax burden.
In addition, you should factor in the operational savings. A CargoX Business It can carry up to 100 kg in a 100×70 cm cargo area, has a range of up to 80 km, and delivers 92 Nm of torque when fully loaded. You’ll save on fuel, parking, and maintenance, and you’ll have hassle-free access to zero-emission zones.
Maintenance costs remain low thanks to the Gates CDX belt drive and Tektro hydraulic brakes. In addition, every STOER is developed and manufactured in the Netherlands and is CE-certified, which facilitates depreciation and insurance coverage as a business asset.
Buying or Leasing: Which Is the Smarter Choice Now That the Vamil Is Changing?
When you buy, you take advantage of the investment deduction (MIA, KIA) directly; this is a good fit for business owners with sufficient profits and liquidity. With an operating lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount without an investment on the balance sheet, which keeps your cash flow predictable.
Now that the Vamil is largely being phased out, the advantage is shifting from “rapid depreciation” to “low, deductible fixed costs.” For many self-employed individuals and small businesses, this makes leasing more attractive. Lease payments are generally deductible as business expenses.
Would you like to compare the routes for your specific situation? Then read our explanation about Leasing vs. Buying or request a operational lease.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Vamil Program for Cargo Bikes
Will the Vamil expire in 2026 for all cargo bikes?
The Vamil is expected to expire in 2026 for standard electric cargo bikes, but will remain in effect for models with an additional environmental feature—such as integrated solar panels—under a separate code on the Environmental List. Check the current RVO Environmental List 2026 for your specific situation.
Will I still be able to combine MIA and KIA for a cargo bike in 2026?
Yes, the MIA and KIA will still be in effect in 2026 and can, in principle, be combined, provided your investment meets the conditions and thresholds. The MIA requires you to apply to RVO within three months. Have your accountant check which deduction percentage and code apply to your cargo bike.
How much will I save on taxes with an electric cargo bike in 2026?
The exact benefit depends on your profit, tax rate, and purchase amount. The MIA provides an indicative additional deduction of approximately 36% of the investment amount, plus KIA and a VAT refund. Always review your situation with your accountant using the current figures from RVO and the Tax and Customs Administration.
Where do I register my cargo bike for the investment tax credit?
You must submit your application for MIA and Vamil through RVO’s eLoket within three months of entering into the investment commitment. Keep your invoice and use the correct code from the 2026 Environmental List. You then include the KIA in your regular tax return.
Does the tax benefit also apply to leasing?
Investment deductions such as MIA and KIA apply to purchases, not to operating leases, because you do not become the owner in that case. With a lease, the monthly payments are generally deductible as business expenses. Which option is more advantageous depends on your profit and cash flow; discuss both with your accountant.
Would you like to know what this means for your business following the Vamil change? Request a no-obligation operational lease for the CargoX Business or Please contact us for a B2B quote. Then we'll work through your scenario together.
