Government to issue grants for electric bikes

(JB) Electric bikes are to be subsidised by the Luxembourg state in a bid to promote sustainable travel.

Currently, people purchasing electric-powered cars can claim grants of up to 3,000 euros from the department for the environment.

Until now, electric bikes, which can cost from 1,000 euros upwards, had not been subject to similar subsidies in the Grand Duchy.

Earlier this year, Minister delegate for sustainable development Marco Schank had alluded that such a measure was being considered.

But, confirmation came this week when the same deputy responded to a parliamentary question from CSV deputy Gilles Roth.

Mr Schank said that an environmental steering group had studied the possibilities of using and subsidising electric bikes. The study provided a guideline for a package of climate-related reforms which were approved by the government in May this year.

He said: “This document promotes non-motorised traffic and the development of electric mobility as a priority. Outside the general promotion of the modes of non-motorised transport in urban areas there are plans to create a subsidy system for electrically-assisted bikes.”

Mr Schank did not give any indication as to the criteria for receiving government grants, estimated costs or when such a subsidy might be introduced.

He also added that there were no plans to equip people employed by the state with electric bikes as a means of transport.

Electric bike subsidies were introduced in Paris in 2009. Under the scheme, residents in the capital who purchase electric bikes can claim 25% of the cost of the vehicle up to 400 euros.