Receive a subsidy when buying a cargo bike as an entrepreneur in Mechelen
To support the shift toward cleaner urban logistics, the City of Mechelen in Belgium introduced a subsidy scheme for entrepreneurs purchasing cargo bikes. The programme, launched in 2018 and repeated annually for four years, aimed to encourage businesses to replace vans or cars with more sustainable delivery modes. The scheme offered financial support to local entrepreneurs adopting cargo bikes for business operations within the city.
Image credit: Stadsbestuur Mechelen
Who it’s for
The subsidy targeted entrepreneurs operating within Mechelen’s city boundaries. It supported any activity performed with a (cargo)bike or electric bike (up to 25 km/h), explicitly excluding speed pedelecs and electric scooters. The delivery activity had to begin within 12 months of subsidy approval, and the business address had to be registered in Mechelen.
Key stakeholders involved: City of Mechelen (scheme creator, funder, and manager), local entrepreneurs.
Image credit: Mechelen Klimaatneutraal
Impact in numbers
- 55 entrepreneurs received the subsidy between 2018 and 2021
- Subsidy covered up to 50% of the purchase cost, with a cap of €5,000
- Annual budgets:
- 2018: €33,764
- 2019: €25,696
- 2020: €23,878
- 2021: €15,000
The programme required recipients to submit proof of purchase, delivery records (such as ride logs or receipts), and an evaluation of the project results within 12 months.
Image credits: Mechelen Klimaatneutraal
What was learned
This initiative demonstrated that targeted subsidies can lower the barrier for small businesses to transition to cycle logistics. It showed that local governments have a role to play in accelerating the uptake of clean transport modes among entrepreneurs through direct financial incentives.
Challenges faced: Convincing business owners to replace their traditional vans or cars with cargo bikes was not always easy, requiring outreach and awareness.