Avoiding traffic congestion, reducing your ecological footprint, getting into sports ... You have a good reason to be tempted by the electric assist bike (VAE). But the purchase price of this means of transport can be dissuasive! Good news ! Since February 19, 2017, the State grants a subsidy of 20% for the purchase of a bicycle with electric assistance. A subsidy capped at 200 € which can become a real buyer.
How can we get help from the state?
To be able to claim, it will obviously have to respect some rules:
- Purchase must be made between February 19, 2017 and January 31, 2018
- Proof of purchase must be provided. In order to be eligible for the subsidy, the purchase invoice and a RIB must be sent to the Service and Payments Agency (SPA), which manages certain state and local government aid. A dedicated website should soon be set up to facilitate the process.
- This subsidy supports the purchasers of electric bicycles but not only . If you buy a two, three, or even a four-wheeler you may also be able to claim it. The condition ? That its engine does not exceed 3 kilowatts of power.
- Only one grant per buyer will be eligible.
- Is the subsidy worth the cost? Not necessarily because it can not be cumulated . In some cities there are already subsidies to help buy VAE. Paris reimburses 33% of the purchase price, up to 400 €, Nantes, 25% of the price of the bicycle, within a limit of 300 € ... Before applying for a state subsidy it is necessary to ensure that your city does not already offer one, more advantageous.
Good to know before buying an electric bike
Ready for "electric mobility", so dear to Ségolène Royal? Before you take out your checkbook, here is some additional information.
How much does an electric bike cost? They are available at all prices. An electric bike of very good quality can cost more than 3000 €. At Décathlon, you can find 750 €. On average, a VAE costs 1000 €. A high price but less, if it is to replace the car that is used every day to go to work.
How fast is a VAE running? Because to replace the car and not lose as much time as stuck in traffic jams, the question arises. Electric bicycles ride faster than conventional bicycles. In Europe, the maximum speed is 25 km / h and bicycles are restricted by the manufacturers so as not to exceed this limit. But that remains a maximum. The average speed is rather 19 km / h. In short, a VAE is not a scooter: it does not roll by itself, it must still pedal. On the other hand, the climbing forces, or when starting at the lights, are accompanied by electric assistance. If you do not necessarily gain travel time on arrival, you gain on the sweat emitted during the transport: you arrive with fresh air but not discomfited.
