Feb 07, 2024

E-Bike Subsidies in France

If you're eyeing a classic bicycle or considering an electrically assisted bike, you might be eligible for state aids in France, like Bonus Vélo and/or Aide Sociale. But what exactly are the conditions for this assistance? And how can you navigate the process to avail yourself of it? We've got you covered with all the essential details!

Who's Eligible for the Bicycle Bonus?

In France, the following individuals can benefit from the bicycle bonus (Bonus vélo):

Adult individuals residing in France with a taxable income per share less than or equal to €14,089.
People with disabilities holding valid documentation of their situation, including various disability allowances and mobility inclusion cards.

Which Bikes Qualify for the Bonus?

To qualify for the subsidy, your purchased bicycle must meet specific criteria, including:

Being new or used (with used bikes purchased from professional sellers).
Exclusion of lead acid batteries.
Compliance with regulations for pedal-assisted cycles or traditional cycles, with specific income thresholds for eligibility.

Determining Bonus Amounts:

The amount of the bicycle bonus is determined based on your situation and can range from €150 to €2,000. Here's the breakdown:

€150 if the bicycle without assisted pedaling is acquired by an individual whose reference tax income per share is less than or equal to €6,358 or by a person with a disability.
€300 if the pedal-assisted bike is acquired by an individual whose reference tax income per share is less than or equal to €14,089.
€400 if the pedal-assisted bike is acquired by a natural person whose reference tax income per share is less than or equal to €6,358 or by a person with a disability.
€2,000 for cycles designed to allow the transport of people or goods behind or in front of the driver or to meet the needs of people with disabilities, for folding cycles (with or without assisted pedaling), and for electric trailers for cycles if the vehicle is acquired by a natural person whose reference tax income per share is less than or equal to €6,358 or by a person with a disability.
€1,000 for cycles designed to allow the transport of people or goods behind or in front of the driver or to meet the needs of people with disabilities, for folding cycles (with or without assisted pedaling), and for electric trailers for cycles if the vehicle is acquired by a natural person whose reference tax income per share is less than or equal to €14,089 or by a legal entity.

How to Claim the Bike Bonus:

To claim the subsidy, you must submit an online request within six months of purchasing the bike via the dedicated platform: primealaconversion.gouv.fr. Ensure you have all required documents, including proof of identity, address, bike purchase invoice, tax notice, and disability documentation.

Supporting Documents Required:

When submitting your request, be prepared to provide the following supporting documents:

Valid proof of identity (ID card, passport, or residence permit).
Recent proof of address.
Purchase invoice for the bicycle.
Previous year's tax notice.
Bank statement.
Disability documentation (if applicable).

Additional Subsidy from Aide Sociale:

Among the various transport aids, assistance for the purchase of an electrically assisted bicycle is on the rise. These initiatives respond to a growing desire to encourage more environmentally friendly modes of travel. Many large French cities have been actively promoting cycling as a means of transportation, leading to increased support from local authorities for electric bike purchases.

To further support these local measures, Aide Sociale can be combined with local aid, providing additional assistance to individuals with modest incomes. With two distinct and independent aids available in 2024, individuals no longer need to rely solely on local assistance to receive the ecological bonus, which can amount to a maximum of €400 for those with low resources.

You can access this simulator and check how much you can earn from this subsidy.

Additionally, individuals looking to replace polluting vehicles with electric bikes can benefit from the conversion bonus, further incentivizing sustainable transportation options. Employers may also assist with financing travel to the workplace for electric bike owners.

Are you wondering about credit options?

If you're considering an e-bike purchase but are concerned about upfront costs, explore our page dedicated to credit options.

Discover how you can spread out payments for your new e-bike with low-price installments, and in some cases, even enjoy zero interest rates. Take the first step towards sustainable commuting without breaking the bank!

Back to 50 Rebels Blog