Electric scooters and motorcycles: what purchasing incentives are available?

When buying an electric two-wheeler, it’s essential to take the time to review the subsidies provided by the government and local authorities.

Despite a downward trend, the price of electric two-wheelers remains generally higher than that of internal combustion engine vehicles. Fortunately, there are many aids available that can significantly reduce the cost.

National aid for an electric scooter or motorcycle

The first thing to check at the time of purchase: government grants, which apply to both private individuals and professionals. Lead-acid battery vehicles are excluded from the scheme because this technology is considered too polluting. Today, it is marginal; most manufacturers offer lithium-ion battery vehicles.

For a 2, 3-wheeler, or quadricycle with an electric motor under 2000 watts (2 kW), the aid amounts to 100 euros. However, this will be reduced if it exceeds 20% of the total purchase cost including taxes. But given current prices, this is unlikely to happen.

If the power is equal to or greater than 2 kilowatts, the aid caps at 900 euros. The exact amount is calculated based on the battery’s capacity in kWh (€250 per kWh). It cannot exceed 27% of the total purchase price including taxes.

But also local aid

Many local aids are available throughout France, which can be combined with the national bonus.

The city of Paris offers, for example, a subsidy for two-wheelers limited to 45 km/h, with a motor power equal to or greater than 2 kW. This applies to both professionals and individuals, with a maximum of 400 € and cannot exceed 33% of the total purchase price including taxes.

The Île-de-France region offers a subsidy of €1500 for purchasing an electric two-wheeler, three-wheeler, or quadricycle. However, note that this is reserved for small businesses (no more than 50 employees). Self-employed entrepreneurs are also eligible.
“Recipients of the regional aid agree not to resell the subsidized vehicle(s) within two years (24 months) from the date of acquisition or conversion,” states the regulation. Otherwise, they will have to reimburse part of the aid received.

If you are not from Paris or Île-de-France, don’t despair: there are also aid options elsewhere for your scooter or motorcycle! Listing all of them would be difficult, but for example, Nice grants a subsidy of €400, capped at 25% of the gross purchase price. The city of Aix-les-Bains offers a similar aid, but capped at 30% of the purchase price.

Read also: Niu MQi GT EVO: the electric scooter stepping up its game