Do you own an electric bike or are you planning to buy one? Take advantage of funding from the My Electric Bike program, which offers up to 4,500 PLN. We explain who is eligible for the grant.
The “My Electric Bike” program is a government initiative designed to encourage the use of eco-friendly means of transportation. Under its terms, the state will be able to cover up to half the cost of purchasing a new bike. Subsidies will be available without complicated formalities. They will be awarded by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW).
The program and application process haven't launched yet, but public consultations have concluded. It's already clear who is eligible for funding and what requirements they must meet. These are outlined below.
How much can you get?
The subsidy will be available for the purchase of a new electric bike that meets certain requirements, including a cargo bike.
The maximum subsidy will be PLN 2,500 for standard electric bikes and PLN 4,500 for cargo bikes or bicycle carts. The subsidy will cover up to 50% of the vehicle's value, meaning you'll have to cover the other half of the purchase cost out of your own pocket.
Only with an invoice or receipt
The refund will be paid after purchase. To receive it, you must present an invoice or receipt and meet several requirements. Importantly, the bicycle must be marked and registered – this can be done at any police station. An engraving of four letters and six numbers on the frame is required, along with a confirmation of registration.
The subsidy will be available for bicycles manufactured in the European Union by a manufacturer based in the European Union. This means that subsidies for bicycles from, for example, China or the United States are excluded.
Technical criteria to be met
Individual vehicles eligible for subsidies must meet certain technical requirements. These are outlined below:
Electric bike
- Up to 0.9 m wide, powered by the rider's muscles.
- Equipped with an auxiliary electric drive activated by pressing the pedals.
- Voltage up to 48 V, rated continuous power ≤ 250 W.
- The power steering is switched off when the speed exceeds 25 km/h.
Electric cargo bike
- Up to 0.9 m wide, designed to transport people or cargo.
- The drive is the same as in a standard electric bike – electric pedal assist.
- Voltage ≤ 48 V, continuous power ≤ 250 W, assistance limited to 25 km/h.
Electric bicycle cart
- Over 0.9 m wide, suitable for transporting goods or passengers.
- The bicycle stroller must have electric pedal assistance (just like an e-bike).
- Parameters: voltage ≤ 48 V, continuous power ≤ 250 W, support up to 25 km/h.
Additionally, the electric bike should meet the following technical requirements specified in the program:
Compliance with regulations: the two-wheeler and its equipment meet the requirements of the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure of 31 December 2002 on the technical conditions of vehicles and the scope of their necessary equipment.
- Battery: lithium-ion (or similar technology) with a capacity of at least 10 Ah (360 Wh) – secured in such a way as to prevent easy removal by unauthorized persons.
- Minimum range: at least 50 km on a single charge.
- Driving without power assistance: the design must enable full pedal driving, the engine only provides assistance when pedaling (without the throttle).
- Home charging: Can be charged from a home electrical outlet.
- Additional accessories: the set includes the original charger and any adapter.
- No throttle: the drive is activated solely by pressing the pedals, without the possibility of driving on the engine alone.
- Cargo load capacity: for cargo bikes, the minimum load capacity is 60 kg.
What will the program not fund?
Bicycles with a throttle older than 24 months from the date of production are not eligible for funding.
The program also does not cover:
- Bicycle leasing – applications cannot be submitted by persons who have purchased an electric bicycle through leasing.
- Financing of spare parts and additional equipment that is not included in the standard version of the selected model.
Who has a chance of getting a grant?
The funding is intended for adult individuals who permanently reside in Poland. However, they do not need to be Polish citizens. Companies and institutions will not be eligible to apply.
When will recruitment start?
The program's organizer, the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW), anticipates that the first applications will be available in the third quarter of this year. The preparatory phase is currently underway, with the fund finalizing the documentation and program terms. It's worth monitoring the NFOŚiGW website to see when applications will be available.
Buy and wait for a refund
Importantly, however, you can already purchase bikes that will be covered by the subsidy. Reimbursement will apply to purchases made between July 4, 2024, and May 30, 2029. As mentioned, you must keep your purchase invoice or receipt – this will be the basis for applying for the subsidy.
A total of PLN 50 million has been allocated for bicycle subsidies. According to the program organizer's estimates, this amount should be sufficient to support the purchase of over 17,000 vehicles.
