Brussels businesses offered a cargo bike bonus of €4,000

The Brussels-Capital Region has announced the launch of a new premium for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Brussels who wish to buy a cargo bike. The objective of this bonus is to establish this form of transport within companies as a long-term alternative to cars and vans.

The premium, available from the Brussels Economy and Employment department, can reach a maximum of 4,000 euros for the purchase of a cargo bike or €2,000 for a bike trailer.

Each company can benefit from aid of up to €12,000 per calendar year and a total of €20,000 over the period of the Cairgo Bike project, which ends on 30 June 2023. The subsidised cargo bike or trailer must be used for professional purposes and have a necessary link with the company's activities.

According to the Secretary of State for Economic Transition, Barbara Trachte, the overall budget is €500,000, 80% financed by the European Union.

The cargo bike is the ideal means of transport for journeys which require a number of stops. It costs much less than commercial or conventional vehicles and, in the majority of cases, is more efficient. It avoids traffic jams, does not require parking and has the possibility of being used in some pedestrian areas. Finally, it contributes to the reduction of pollution and congestion in the city and promotes the ecological transition of the region.

According to the Brussels Minister for Mobility, Elke Van den Brandt, cargo bikes also have a significant positive impact on noise reduction and air quality. According to different studies, they could replace about 50% of motorised trips involving the transport of goods in the city.

All the information and conditions relating to the Cairgo Bike project are available here.