Discover the incentives offered by Brussels communes to buy an electric bike

The Brussels region is hoping to convince more citizens to swap their cars for bicycles in a bid to relieve heavy traffic and air pollution in the Belgian capital. 

Electric bicycles in particular are becoming an increasingly popular option, both for seniors prioritising ease of movement and for cyclists who’ve grown weary of Brussels’ hilly terrain. 

But as they carry a high price tag, several municipalities have set aside a budget to help residents tackle the cost. Below is an overview of these various incentives broken down by neighbourhood. 

Uccle

Uccle offers a bonus of up to €250 for the purchase of an electric bicycle. The subsidy also covers buying a cargo bike (classic or electric) or a kit to convert an ordinary bike into an electric bike. One premium granted per household. 

Jette

Jette also grants a bonus for the purchase of an electric bike or a cargo bike, whether the latter is electric or not. The premium was suspended in 2019 for budgetary reasons but is now back. The amount is set at 15% of the purchase price, with a maximum of €150 euros for electric bikes and €300 euros for cargo bikes. Each household is entitled to a maximum of two bonuses over a three-year period.

Ganshoren

Ganshoren offers a subsidy of 15% of the purchase price of an electric bicycle with a maximum of €150 for a regular bike or €300 for a cargo bike. There’s a maximum of two premiums per household within three years. 

Berchem-Sainte-Agathe

In Berchem, premiums range from €50 to €200 and even cover the purchase of an electric scooter. There are conditions such as not receiving more premiums than the number of people in the household, and the obligation to have the new bike engraved. The bonus applies to all electric bicycles and scooters purchased between 1 July 2021 and 31 December 2022.

Schaerbeek

Schaerbeek grants a subsidy for electrically assisted bicycles, whether conventional or cargo vehicles. The amount is fixed at €250 for an ordinary electrically assisted bicycle and €400 for an electrically assisted cargo bike (a maximum of 33% of the purchase price). Income requirements must be met in order to be eligible.

Watermael-Boitsfort

Premiums available to residents are for the maintenance or repair of a bicycle only. The maximum amount is €50. 

Woluwe-Saint-Lambert

Woluwe-Saint-Lambert offers a bonus linked to the removal of a car’s number plate with the aim of encouraging people to swap their vehicle for a less-polluting bicycle. Eligible applicants can receive a premium of €1,500 paid progressively over five years (€100 the first year, €200 second year, etc). This amount is increased by €50 if the vehicle forfeited is destroyed. 

Woluwe-Saint-Pierre

In Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, the municipal subsidy for the purchase of a cargo bike has increased from €300 to €500 and covers cargo bikes and both electric and non electric bicycles. The bonus is linked to the recent introduction of another €100 for membership to a carsharing platform.

Etterbeek

Etterbeek does not offer a purchase allowance but instead helps residents fund the purchase of a bike lock or GPS tracker to prevent theft. Residents can apply for up to 30% of the purchase cost, with a limit set at €50 for a lock and €75 for a GPS tracker. The lock must meet the minimum requirements for resistance against theft. 

Other Incentives 

The regional Bruxell'air premium is intended for all Brussels residents, even those who already receive a municipal premium. This income-based premium can range from €500 to €900 and can contribute towards the purchase of a bicycle, a Stib subscription, or membership of a vehicle-sharing platform like Villo, Cambio or Poppy. It also can apply towards a Taxi Victor Cab subscription. 

The Region of Wallonia offers up to €400 towards the purchase of an electric bike.

Photo: © Belga/Juan Godbille