Repair Bonus: How to Get Assistance for Electric Bikes or Scooters?

Surprise, the government is giving a boost with the electrical appliance repair bonus, including electric scooters and bikes.

An electrical device that doesn’t work is not automatically thrown away. Fortunately, because over 2 million tons are disposed of each year according to ADEME, while 855,000 tons are collected annually. It’s already possible to give it to a store for recycling or donate it to a charity. But the best option is to repair it, though it’s not always easy or affordable.

In response to wastefulness and to discourage buying new, France wants to encourage the French to repair. For the first time, the government is implementing a repair bonus, covering 31 types of electrical appliances. According to the Minister of Ecological Transition, Christophe Béchu, this would amount to about 2 million appliances per year.

Which mobility objects are eligible for repair assistance?

Among the 31 types, there are TVs, toasters, vacuum cleaners, and, surprise, items in the “urban mobility” category. What does this category include? According to the government’s official site, it includes:

• electric assist bikes
• electric scooters
• hoverboards
• hover shoes

Christophe Béchu mentioned the possibility of expanding this list. Note that some PLEs (personal light electric vehicles), such as balance bikes and e-skateboards, are not covered by this repair bonus.

What is the amount of aid for bikes or scooters?

Despite a price range from around €200 for a basic scooter to several thousand euros for a high-end electric bike, the aid is very modest. The repair bonus for bikes and scooters is only €15. For example, if the repair bill for a scooter is €37, the final amount will be €22.

For comparison, assistance starts at a minimum of €10 for a clothes iron and up to €45 for a laptop. But it’s already a good start, considering that there is already a purchase subsidy for electric bikes.

And there are no conditions for the repair bonus. The aid is not dependent on the cause of the fault or malfunction, whether electrical or not. As a result, the aid for an electric bike can cover issues like brakes, pedals, or tires!

It’s understandable to be disappointed that muscular (non-electric) bikes are not eligible, but by definition, they are not electric. However, they did benefit from the “bike boost” in 2020-2021. Over 1.7 million bikes received repair or recovery aid, up to €50.

How to get the repair bonus for a bike or scooter?

If you have a defective or poorly functioning electric bike or scooter, it’s simple. You need to go to one of the 1,500 approved professionals certified under the “QualiRépar” label in France (list forthcoming), covering all types of professionals:

• craftsmen
• independent repairers
• industrial repairers
• manufacturer’s after-sales service (SAV)
• distributor’s after-sales service (SAV)

No paperwork or administrative procedures are required. The repair bonus is automatically deducted from the repair invoice if the item falls into one of the 31 categories of the national aid. It’s up to the professional to claim the reimbursement via the repair bonus after issuing the invoice.

Of course, it’s recommended to use this aid when the warranty has expired. The warranty should cover the repair costs according to the conditions specified for the item in question.

When is the bike and electric scooter repair bonus valid?

Good news, you won’t have to wait until January 1st, the usual start date for many aids. France is launching the repair bonus from December 15, 2022. It will remain valid until December 31, 2023.

Also read: Refurbished electric bikes: 3 websites to buy second-hand