Subsidies for Electric Cargo Bikes: How It Works for Your Business

Subsidies for Electric Cargo Bikes: How It Works for Your Business

Date

14 April 2026

Type

business

Investing in sustainable transport as an entrepreneur is not only good for the livability of the city; it is also financially attractive. Electric cargo bikes are an alternative to delivery vans, especially in urban areas. By using them, you reduce traffic congestion, parking issues, and emissions. This results in lower operational costs and a responsible brand image.

In the Netherlands, there are various schemes to encourage the purchase of an electric cargo bike. The most important national options are the MIA (Environmental Investment Allowance) and the VAMIL (Arbitrary Depreciation of Environmental Investments). These are not direct subsidies paid into your account, but tax benefits realized through your tax return.

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What do MIA and VAMIL entail?


  • MIA: This allows you to deduct an additional amount from your taxable profit, on top of regular depreciation. As a result, you pay less income or corporate tax.


  • VAMIL: This allows you to write off 75% of the investment costs at a time that suits you. This provides a liquidity advantage because you reduce the taxable profit faster.

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Step-by-step plan for your application

You apply for these schemes through the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

Step 1: Check the requirements

Not every cargo bike qualifies. Check if your model is on the Environmental List (Milieulijst) of the current year.

  • Environmental List: Search rvo.nl for the most recent list.

  • Weight and code: Code F 3119 or F 3120 often applies to cargo bikes. A key requirement for these codes is that the cargo bike has an unladen weight of at least 75 kg. The Urban Arrow Tender meets this as standard. For the Cargo series, this depends on the chosen configuration/box.

  • Specifications: The bike must have pedal assistance up to 25 km/h.

Step 2: Submit the application to the RVO

  • Digital portal: You submit the notification via the RVO e-portal. You will need eHerkenning (level 2+ or higher) for this.

  • Three-month deadline: You must submit the application within three months after signing the purchase agreement. Note: The date on the order confirmation is leading, not the delivery date.

  • Details: Have the investment amount (excluding VAT), your Chamber of Commerce (KvK) number, and the environmental code ready.

Step 3: Processing in your administration

The RVO assesses your notification. After approval, you will receive a confirmation. You use this for your tax return. It is advisable to involve your bookkeeper or accountant to process the tax benefit correctly.

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Important points of attention

  • Be on time: If you miss the three-month deadline, the right to MIA and VAMIL expires.

  • Local subsidies: Cities like Amsterdam often have their own additional subsidies for replacing diesel vans. Check your municipality's website for supplementary schemes.

  • Annual update: The Environmental List changes every year. Always check the rules that apply at the time of your purchase.

By following these steps, you make the most of the fiscal possibilities and invest efficiently in a sustainable fleet.

Why your business benefits:

  1. Low costs: No road tax, and energy and maintenance costs are lower than for a van.

  2. Image: You visibly contribute to a more livable city.

  3. Time savings: Bypass traffic jams and skip the search for parking.


Need help with the right configuration?

Want to ensure your new Urban Arrow meets the 75 kg limit for MIA/VAMIL? We are happy to advise you on the right box and setup to ensure you qualify for the available schemes.

Get in touch