Financing cargo bikes made easy

Cargo bikes are not an invention of the 21st century. They were already an integral part of the cityscape in earlier times and often even more widespread than today. Trade and business people, but also messenger and courier services used various models. Recently, we have experienced a true renaissance of cargo bikes, which can be used privately as well as for professional transport of goods or merchandise. People's growing environmental awareness is one of the reasons for the increased switch to the cargo bike - increasing traffic, lack of parking spaces as well as rising petrol prices are others. In addition, modern electric drives offer increased driving comfort.

There are different financing models available for the purchase of a cargo bike. We ourselves offer both financing and leasing of delivery and cargo bikes through our partners. They pre-finance the desired fleet of cargo bikes and then receive a regular fee from the lessee. Alternatively, the bikes can also be financed through hire purchase. All framework conditions such as the period of use or the amount of the mostly monthly fee are specified in a contract. "At the end of the agreed contract term - for example 48 months - the lessee has the option, among other things, to exchange the cargo bikes for new models, to continue leasing them or to purchase them at the residual value," says Raik Vollmann, VSC.Bike Managing Director.

"Federal funding is also available for the purchase of a cargo bike," Vollmann continues. A new funding guideline from the Federal Environment Ministry came into force on 1 March 2021. This subsidises the purchase of e-cargo bikes and e-trailers for industry, commerce, trade, services and the municipal sector. The purchase premium amounts to 25 per cent and reaches a maximum of 2,500 euros. "Delivery bikes with a payload of 120 kilograms or more are eligible. The state support is independent of the use of the cargo bikes or the goods to be transported," says Vollmann. Anyone who delivers their goods with a cargo bike whose total load does not exceed 300 kilograms can claim the subsidy. Applications are accepted by the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) until 29 February 2024.

Whether with or without subsidies - its advantages make a cargo bike a worthwhile purchase. Switching to a bike is healthy and - thanks to variants with electric drive - by no means only reserved for sporty users. In addition, cargo bike riders make their own individual contribution to climate protection. According to the Federal Environment Agency anyone who cycles around ten kilometres a day to work instead of using a car saves around 300 kilograms of CO2 emissions per year. A good reason to switch, isn't it?

Would you like to find out more about our financing and leasing offers for cargo bikes or would you like advice on federal funding? Then feel free to contact our experts.

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