What configurations are possible with an electric cargo bike for delivery?

Electric cargo bikes for delivery offer various configuration options that can be tailored to specific business needs. Key options include different load volumes (typically between 70-100 liters), battery capacities (36V to 48V), drive systems (whereby belt drive requires less maintenance than chain drive) and modifications such as GPS tracking, theft protection and branding options. These configurations can be optimized for urban delivery, focusing on factors such as load capacity, range and ease of use.

1. What are the configuration options in electric cargo bikes for delivery?
2. What tax benefits are available to businesses when purchasing an electric cargo bike?
3. How do subsidies for electric cargo bikes vary by country?
4. What are the advantages of leasing versus buying an electric cargo bike?
5. How do you calculate the ROI of an electric cargo bike for your delivery service?
6. Conclusion: choosing the optimal electric cargo bike configuration for your delivery company

With electric cargo bikes for delivery, different configurations can be put together. It depends on your specific business needs. The basics start with the cargo volume.

"Our CargoX is perfectly configurable for delivery services," says Thomas of STOER Bikes. "Most customers choose the standard configuration of 100 cm length by 70 cm width. That gives 100 kg carrying capacity - enough for an entire day of delivery."

Loading volume base: Most professional models offer bin with dimensions about 100 cm length by 70 cm width. Carrying capacity up to 100 kg for deliveries.

Heart of every electric cargo bike: The drive system. Here we distinguish two main types: traditional chain drive and innovative belt drive. Belt drive offers significant advantages for delivery services.

Belt drive advantages:

• Less maintenance
• No lubrication required
• Quieter operation
• Longer lifespan

This translates to less downtime and lower maintenance costs. Essential if you rely on cargo bikes daily.

Electric support: Various battery capacities available, ranging from 36V to 48V systems. Choice largely determines range. Crucial consideration for longer delivery routes. Some models offer possibility of dual battery configuration.

Specific adaptations delivery services:

• Theft protection such as PIN lock and GPS tracking
• Custom cargo areas with partitions or refrigerated compartments
• Fully personalized branding on bin and frame
• Rain protection for cargo and driver
• Ergonomic adjustments for intensive daily use

Fatbikes with wider tires offer more stability in various weather conditions. Important advantage if delivery service must be reliable in all seasons.

Want to learn more about our CargoX configurations? Then read our blog "What is the difference between a regular electric bike and an electric fatbike for business use?“

As a business owner, you can take advantage of various tax benefits when purchasing an electric cargo bike. This also applies to our CargoX and other transport models.

"Many business owners don't know how much tax relief is possible," says Thomas. "With KIA alone, you get up to 28% back. Combine that with MIA and local subsidies, and your cargo bike suddenly becomes very affordable."

Small business investment allowance (KIA): Most immediate benefit. Allows you to deduct up to 28% of investment amount from profit. This provides significant tax savings.

MIA/VAMIL scheme: Important scheme specifically for sustainable business investments. With Environmental Investment Allowance you can deduct up to 36% of investment amount in electric cargo bike extra from profit. VAMIL offers the possibility to write off 75% of the investment at your convenience.

Difference from traditional commercial vehicles: With electric cargo bike, you don't have to pay an additional taxable income when also used privately. Unlike company cars. This can be significant advantage in total cost.

Reclaim VAT in full: As a company, you can reclaim VAT in full on the purchase of an electric cargo bike. Provided it is only used for business purposes. VAT on maintenance costs and accessories is also deductible.

Local Grants: Local grants are sometimes available for start-ups and smaller entrepreneurs. Through municipalities that want to encourage sustainable entrepreneurship. These schemes vary by municipality.

Want to know more about tax breaks? Then read our blog "KIA fatbike: 28% investment return for businesses“

There are several subsidies available for electric cargo bikes in the Netherlands. From national to local schemes. This makes investing in our models more attractive.

"Grants can really make a difference," Thomas explains. "A customer in Amsterdam received €2,000 local subsidy on top of the national benefits. That made his CargoX investment much easier."

Netherlands arrangements: Main national scheme is MIA/VAMIL for companies. Many Dutch municipalities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht offer additional subsidies. These can reach up to €2,000 per electric cargo bike for business use.

Belgium interesting differences: Support varies greatly by region. In Flanders, companies can receive up to €4,000 in subsidies for electric cargo bikes. Brussels and Wallonia have different schemes. Flemish system is currently one of the most favorable in Europe.

Germany federal subsidy system: Up to 25% of purchase price (maximum €2,500) is reimbursed for electric cargo bikes. Cities such as Berlin, Munich and Hamburg offer additional local subsidies. This makes total support even more attractive.

France national bonus system: Both individuals and businesses can receive up to €1,000 in subsidies for electric cargo bikes. Paris and other major cities are supplementing this with additional urban subsidies. To combat air pollution.

It pays to research carefully what subsidies are available in your particular region. These are updated regularly. Especially in urban areas with environmental zones, we see increasingly favorable schemes.

Want to know more about grants? Then read our blog "Fatbike law changes 2025: what do you need to know?“

Leasing an electric cargo bike offers several financial advantages over buying directly. This also applies to our transportation models.

"Leasing is becoming increasingly popular with delivery services," says Thomas. "Especially for entrepreneurs who want multiple cargo bikes. No big investment all at once, but all the benefits of a complete fleet right away."

Direct cash flow impact: Instead of large one-time investment, you pay fixed monthly fee. This makes expenses predictable. Spreads costs over period of use of cargo bike.

Financial lease benefits: Monthly lease expenses fully considered business expenses. Therefore tax deductible. With operating lease, cargo bike is not put on balance sheet. Favorable for capital ratios and financing possibilities.

Flexibility growing delivery services: If delivery fleet has to grow with company, you can scale up more easily. Without large capital investments. Many leases allow upgrading to newer models.

Maintenance important aspect: With operational leases, maintenance is often included in monthly fee. Means no unexpected maintenance costs. Gives certainty and prevents surprises in company budget.

Buy Benefits: After purchase, you own cargo bike. No ongoing financial obligations. In the long run, buying can be more economical. Especially with longer usage than normal depreciation period.

For start-up entrepreneurs: Combination of subsidies and leasing may be particularly attractive option. Use grant for down payment costs. Then take advantage of lower monthly lease costs.

Want to learn more about financing options? Then read our blog "E-fatbike VS E-bike, what are the differences?“

Calculating Return on Investment for an electric cargo bike starts with identifying all costs and savings. This gives clear picture of financial benefits.

"ROI calculation helps entrepreneurs make right choice," Thomas says. "Our CargoX with belt drive often pays for itself within 12 months through lower maintenance costs and more deliveries per day."

Determine initial investment: Includes purchase price less any subsidies and tax benefits. For professional electric cargo bike, count on net investment between €3,000 and €8,000. Depending on configuration and available subsidies.

Operational cost savings: Compare cost of electric cargo bike to current delivery method. Key savings:

• Fuel cost: a few cents per kilometer versus €0.15-0.25 for gasoline/diesel
• Parking fees: €5-8 per hour in city centers for vehicles, bikes usually free
• Maintenance costs: significantly lower, especially with belt drives
• Insurance and road tax: much lower or not applicable

Efficiency improvements: Faster delivery times in busy inner cities. Bikes can travel through low-traffic areas. No need to find parking. Translates to more deliveries per hour and higher revenue.

ROI formula: ROI = (Total savings over period of use - Initial investment) / Initial investment × 100%

Belt drive advantage: For electric cargo bike with belt drive, consider longer service life. Lower maintenance costs improves ROI significantly in the long run.

On average, we see that business electric cargo bike pays for itself within 12-24 months. Depending on intensity of use and transport method replaced.

Want to learn more about cost savings? Then read our blog "10 advantages of fatbikes for daily use in the city“