More aid for the purchase of electric cargo bicycles

According to the statement of the Ministry of Technology and Industry, the greening of the transport sector, which is responsible for one-fifth of total carbon dioxide emissions, plays an important role in achieving the climate neutrality targets set for 2050. 

The government supports the expansion of electric vehicles as a priority objective as set out in the Climate and Nature Action Plan. The fifth phase of the tender to support the purchase of electric cargo bicycles is open until August 5.

Thanks to the program, launched in February this year, the number of electric cargo bicycles in Hungary could increase fourfold to fivefold, Attila Steiner, state secretary for energy at the Ministry of Technology and Industry, said in the statement. 

Under the HUF 400 million tender, individual entrepreneurs in Hungary can buy one e-cargo bike from registered dealers, while companies, NGOs, associations, religious organizations and municipalities can buy up to five e-cargo bikes. 

The grant will be half of the total purchase price, up to a maximum of HUF 500,000. 

The maximum continuous rated power of the pedal-driven bicycles, equipped with an electric assist motor and a specially designed surface for transporting goods, is 250 watts, the announcement said.

Importantly, the subsidy is available for new bicycles where the motor is switched off if the cyclist stops pedaling or reaches a speed of 25 km/h. 

The payload capacity must be 50 kilograms, and torque sensor control is a prerequisite. In addition, the purchase of a spare battery per bike is also eligible, they added.