Various subsidies are available in the Netherlands for corporate fatbikes by 2025, including the SEBA scheme and local municipal programs. In fact, these subsidies can be up to €2,500 per bike, making sustainable mobility more accessible to entrepreneurs. In addition, electric fatbikes offer attractive tax benefits such as the MIA and KIA schemes, making your investment even more advantageous.
What government subsidies exist for business fatbikes in the Netherlands?
For corporate fatbikes you can take advantage of several subsidy schemes in 2025. Namely, the SEBA scheme (Subsidy Scheme for Emission-Free Commercial Vehicles) offers up to €2,500 subsidy per electric fatbike or cargo bike for companies. This scheme therefore encourages the purchase of emission-free vehicles and applies to electric bikes that meet the technical requirements. Joeri from STOER Bikes explains: "SEBA is really fantastic for our customers. Up to €2,500 per cargo bike, which is almost half of a CargoX."
In addition to the national SEBA scheme, many municipalities have their own grant schemes for corporate fatbikes. Amsterdam, for example, offers the "Sustainable Mobility Subsidy" with amounts up to €2,000 per electric company bicycle. Rotterdam, on the other hand, has a similar scheme with subsidies of up to €1,500. Utrecht and The Hague also have local incentive schemes for sustainable business mobility, which means you can often combine several subsidies.
The SME mobility grant is specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises. In fact, this scheme often combines with other subsidies and can increase the total amount of subsidy. Provincial schemes vary by region in this regard, with North Holland and South Holland having the most extensive programs. For example, for a €3,199 STOER UrbanX, you can receive up to €2,000 in subsidies, which thus significantly reduces the investment. Want to know more? Then read our blog on fatbikes for adults.
Please note that grant amounts and conditions may change annually. Some schemes therefore operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so timely application is important for obtaining financial support." Thomas of STOER Bikes advises, "Start preparing your application as early as the last quarter of 2024. After all, the pots can empty quickly."
How do you apply for a subsidy for a business fatbike as an entrepreneur?
Applying for a grant for a business fatbike begins by checking that your business meets the requirements. You must be registered with the Chamber of Commerce and use the bicycle for business purposes. The application is usually done online through the website of RVO (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland) or the relevant municipality. This process is therefore largely digital and often goes fairly quickly.
For the application, you need several documents. An excerpt from the Chamber of Commerce registration, a quotation from the business fatbike, technical specifications showing that it is a pedelec, and a motivation explaining how the bicycle will be used for business purposes. Municipal regulations often also require proof of establishment in the municipality. Laurens of STOER Bikes helps entrepreneurs with this: "We supply all the necessary technical documents as standard, so that saves a lot of work."
The application process is usually in steps. Namely, first you submit the application before purchasing the bike. After approval, you then have a certain period of time to realize the purchase, often between 3-6 months. After that, you send the purchase invoice and any additional documents. The subsidy is then disbursed, usually within 6-8 weeks. So for a €3,299 STOER CityX, this means you first apply for the subsidy, then buy the bike, and then get the money back.
Key deadlines vary by scheme. The SEBA scheme usually has annual opening periods, while municipal schemes are often continuous until the budget runs out. Therefore, consider processing times and plan your purchase accordingly. Want to know more? Then read our blog on fatbike law changes 2025.
What are the tax advantages of a business fatbike in 2025?
A business fatbike offers attractive tax advantages that go beyond subsidies. In fact, electric fatbikes have an additional tax rate of only 7% on the list value, which means that as a business owner, you pay very little additional tax. For a €3,199 STOER UrbanX, for example, you pay only about €18 per month in additional tax, which is thus very low compared to a company car.
You can have a business fatbike fully depreciate as an asset. The depreciation period is usually 5 years, but you may also opt for accelerated depreciation in 3 years. This therefore gives flexibility in your operations and can be beneficial to your cash flow. The purchase cost is also fully deductible from profits, which reduces your taxable income.
Maintenance costs, insurance and accessories are also fully deductible as business expenses. In fact, this applies to repairs, periodic servicing, helmets, locks and other supplies. At corporate fatbikes With belt drives like all STOER models, maintenance costs are therefore even lower than with traditional chain drives. Joeri from STOER Bikes: "Our Gates CDX belt drive system lasts 3-5 times longer than a chain, which therefore saves a lot on maintenance."
The Environmental Investment Allowance (MIA) scheme is specific to sustainable transportation. In fact, in 2025 you can deduct up to 36% of the investment amount in addition to the regular depreciation. For example, for a €6,495 STOER CargoX, this means an additional deduction of over €2,300. Combine this with the KIA (Small Scale Investment Deduction) of 28%, and your tax benefit quickly adds up. Want to know more? Then read our blog on tax benefits business e-bike 2025.
Compared to a company car, the tax advantages of a business fatbike enormous. A car usually has an additional tax liability 22% and higher maintenance and insurance costs. The electric bike tax break therefore makes fatbikes a smart choice for short business trips. Thomas of STOER Bikes sums it up, "With all the tax breaks combined, investing in an UrbanX, CityX or CargoX really becomes a no-brainer for business owners."
What conditions must your business fatbike fulfill for grant application?
For a grant, you must business fatbike meet specific technical requirements. Namely, it must be an electric bicycle with a motor providing up to 250 watts of power and support up to 25 km/h. The bike must therefore comply with European standard EN 15194 and have a CE mark confirming conformity. All STOER Bikes models meet these requirements as standard.
The minimum purchase value varies by subsidy scheme, but is usually between €1,500 and €2,500. This therefore prevents subsidies for very basic models. In addition, the bike must be new - used bikes are not eligible for most subsidy schemes. For STOER Bikes, this means that the UrbanX (€3,199), CityX (€3,299) and CargoX (from €6,495) all more than meet this requirement.
Corporate fatbikes must be demonstrably used for business purposes. This means that you must be able to prove that the bicycle is used for commuting, customer visits, deliveries or other business activities. Purely recreational use is therefore not covered by the subsidy conditions. Laurens of STOER Bikes advises, "Keep a trip log. That makes proving business use much easier."
Some regulations impose additional durability and quality requirements. For example, the bicycle must have a minimum warranty period of 2 years and the battery must meet certain capacity and lifetime specifications. There may also be requirements for the dealer, such as certification or membership in industry associations. STOER Bikes therefore offers a standard 2-year warranty on all moving parts and batteries, which fits perfectly with the subsidy requirements. Want to know more? Read our blog about how to choose the best fatbike.
Fatbike lease business options often fall under subsidy terms as well, provided the leasing company and the bike meet all technical and administrative requirements. So this makes sustainable mobility even more accessible to entrepreneurs who want to spread their cash flow. Thomas of STOER Bikes: "We work with leasing companies that know all the subsidy requirements, which then makes the process much easier."
How do you best combine various subsidies and tax benefits?
The smartest thing is to combine multiple schemes for maximum benefit with your business fatbike. Namely, start with the SEBA scheme (up to €2,500) and combine it with a municipal subsidy (up to €2,000 in large cities). On top of that, then apply the MIA (36%) and KIA (28%), which means you can sometimes get up to 60% of the purchase cost back. Joeri from STOER Bikes: "With all the benefits combined, you can sometimes get 60% off. Then investing in our CargoX really becomes a no-brainer for businesses."
A practical example makes this clearer. Suppose you buy a STOER CargoX for business use for €6,495. In fact, you receive €2,500 SEBA subsidy and €2,000 municipal subsidy Amsterdam. So that's already €4,500 back. In addition, you will deduct an additional €2,339 via MIA (36% of €6,495) and €1,819 via KIA (28% of €6,495). The total tax savings therefore add up to over €8,600, which means that you are actually getting money back!
Do pay attention to the order in which you apply. This is because you must first apply for the subsidies before you buy the bicycle. Then you can claim the tax benefits such as MIA and KIA in your annual tax return. VAT refunds, on the other hand, you get directly upon purchase if you are liable for VAT. This roadmap ensures that you don't miss out on any benefits. Want to know more? Then read our blog about subsidies electric cargo bikes.
At STOER Bikes, we are happy to help you find the right business fatbike that meets all subsidy requirements and fits your business needs perfectly. Our models are therefore specially designed for intensive business use, with robust components such as the Gates CDX belt drive that lasts for years without much maintenance. The investment in a business fatbike thus pays for itself quickly through the combination of subsidies and savings on auto-related costs.
Why STOER Bikes is the best choice for business grants
In fact, STOER Bikes models are specially designed to meet all subsidy requirements. The UrbanX did not win the title "best fatbike 2024" from AD Fietstest for nothing and has all the necessary certifications for subsidy applications. With a 720Wh battery and 80-100 km range, this business fatbike therefore perfect for daily business use. The price of €3,199 falls well within the subsidy limits, so it can save up to €4,000 with all schemes combined.
With its low entry and buddy seat, the STOER CityX offers additional practical benefits for business use. In fact, for €3,299 you get the same professional specifications as the UrbanX, plus the easy step-up that is especially useful in city traffic. Moreover, the automatic 2-speed transmission means you're always riding in the right gear, which is comfortable during busy workdays with lots of stops and starts.
For business owners who need to transport heavy loads, the STOER CargoX is the ultimate business fatbike. In fact, this cargo bike features 92Nm of torque and a 960Wh battery, which allows you to effortlessly transport up to 150 kg. The CargoX even won the German Design Award 2025 for innovative design. With subsidies and tax breaks, the net investment can drop to under €2,000, which is thus spectacularly advantageous for such a professional vehicle. Want to know more? Then read our blog on choosing the right cargo bike.
All STOER corporate fatbikes are equipped with the Gates CDX belt drive as standard. Namely, this means 3-5 times longer service life than a chain, no maintenance and no dirty hands. For business use, this is therefore ideal because you always arrive at customers presentable. The belt drive also ensures lower maintenance costs, further reducing your payback period. Thomas from STOER Bikes: "Our business customers especially appreciate the fact that they never arrive at a customer with dirty hands. That's professional and saves a lot of hassle."
Frequently asked questions about subsidies for business fatbikes
Can I apply for multiple grants at the same time for one business fatbike?
Yes, in many cases you can combine several grants for your business fatbike. For example, you can combine the SEBA scheme (up to €2,500) with a municipal subsidy (up to €2,000), provided both schemes allow it. Please note that the total subsidy amount usually cannot exceed 50-60% of the purchase cost of the fatbike. Therefore, always check the conditions of each scheme to avoid mutually exclusive subsidies. At STOER Bikes, we are happy to help you find the right combination for your situation, which then provides the maximum benefit.
What happens if I sell the business fatbike within a few years of receiving a subsidy?
In fact, most grant programs have a repayment obligation if you don't pay the business fatbike sells within a certain period of time, usually 3-5 years. You then have to pay back part of the subsidy, often in proportion to the remaining period. For example: if you sell a bicycle after 2 years with a 5-year bond period, you will pay back 60% of the subsidy. Therefore, read the subsidy terms carefully and take this obligation into account in your business planning. However, STOER Bikes fatbikes easily last 5-7 years, so most entrepreneurs have no problem with this.
How do I prove business use of my fatbike to the IRS?
Keep a trip log in which you record business trips with the date, destination and purpose of the trip. In addition, keep invoices for maintenance, insurance and accessories. In addition, take photos of the bike at business locations and document such things as deliveries or customer visits. A logbook or app can help keep track of everything here. For a business fatbike namely, applies that you have to prove at least 50% business use. Thomas of STOER Bikes advises, "Start registering right from day one. Proving afterwards is much harder than keeping track during use."
Are there specific makes or models of fatbikes better suited for grant applications?
All corporate fatbikes that meet the technical requirements (250W motor, 25 km/h support, CE marking) are basically eligible. Therefore, choose reputable brands with good warranty conditions and make sure the dealer is certified. STOER Bikes fatbikes with belt drive, for example, have lower maintenance costs, which can be fiscally advantageous for the long term. All STOER models also meet all subsidy requirements and come with the necessary certificates and documents. Joeri of STOER Bikes: "We deliver everything ready-made, so your subsidy application is then arranged within an hour."
What if my grant application for a business fatbike is rejected?
If rejected, you can usually object within 6 weeks. Therefore, first check that your application was complete and met all conditions. Rejection is often due to missing documents or running out of budget. You can then resubmit the application in a subsequent period or divert to other subsidy schemes such as municipal programs. For a business fatbike fortunately, there are multiple schemes available, so if one fails, just try another. Laurens of STOER Bikes: "We sometimes see applications being rejected on details. Then we help to improve the application for the next round."
As a self-employed person, can I also take advantage of these subsidies and tax benefits?
Yes, as a sole proprietor, you can apply for the same subsidies as other entrepreneurs for your business fatbike, provided you are registered with the Chamber of Commerce. This is because you can write off the fatbike as a business asset and deduct all costs. Moreover, the 7% addition rate also applies to self-employed people if you use the bike privately. The MIA and KIA schemes are therefore also available for self-employed people. Just make sure you can properly substantiate the business use with a trip registration form. For the self-employed, a STOER UrbanX or CityX is often ideal because these bikes are versatile and can be used for various business purposes.
On average, how long does it take to receive the subsidy after approval of my business fatbike?
After your application is approved, you usually have 3-6 months to complete the business fatbike purchase. After you then submit the purchase invoice, payment of the subsidy takes an average of 6-8 weeks with national schemes such as SEBA. With municipal schemes, on the other hand, it can be faster, sometimes within 4 weeks. So plan your cash flow accordingly and request an advance from your supplier if necessary. STOER Bikes works with financing partners who can bridge until the grant is in, which means you don't have to wait with your investment in sustainable mobility.