In Belgium, the car is still often used for short journeys of less than 5 km. Fortunately, more and more conscious citizens use the bicycle for short trips. Electric models are becoming increasingly popular.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"For example, type: Meet José and Zoé. José has sold his car and has since used an electric bike to get from Uccle to the city centre. His hip daughter Zoé, who lives in Braine-L'alleud, just bought her first electric cargo bike to take the children to school and shop at the local market. This will keep her in top shape!
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Subsidies for electric bikes mean they are an interesting option!"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Different levels of subsidies are available to encourage people to use alternative mobility.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Federal subsidies","richBody":{"value":"The state offers tax advantages to encourage us to use the bicycle for commuting.
Your employer can contribute to your costs via:
If you use the bicycle for professional purposes (as a self-employed person), you can also deduct your bicycle expenses from your tax return in addition to the bicycle allowance. You can choose between:
José, a painter, deducts his bicycle expenses from his tax return because he uses his electric bike to visit customers of his employer, which is in the renovation industry and based in the city centre. His employer pays him a bicycle allowance of €0.27/km.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Regional and municipal subsidies","richBody":{"value":"In the Brussels-Capital Region, you receive a 'Bruxell'Air' bonus when you give up your car: depending on your income, this ranges from €505 to €1010. You can use it as you like: purchase of a (electric) bicycle, accessories, cycling courses or other green mobility solutions, including steps (since 1/1/2024).
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"In the fictitious example, José received a Brussel'Air bonus of almost €1,000 for the purchase of his electric bicycle by selling his car.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Do you live in the Walloon Region? The regional bonus offers a discount on the purchase of an (electric) bicycle if it is used at least 40% of the time for commuting. Cargo bikes also benefit from this. Find out more on this official website!
The discount depends on the model and condition (new or not) and is limited to:
Some Brussels & Walloon municipalities also grant subsidies. In addition to the regional bonus, some Walloon municipalities offer an additional local bonus. Please check with the municipality in which you live.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"Bingo for José who received €250 for his bicycle from the municipality of Uccle! Zoé, residing in the Walloon Region, received two bonus for a small thousand euros, those of the Walloon Region and the municipality of Braine-L'Alleud.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Flanders does not offer a bonus or tax reduction for the purchase of an electric bicycle. However, there is a financial compensation of €0.23 net per kilometre travelled for your commute. This allowance can be paid by your employer for every kilometre you travel to work by bicycle.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"There are therefore several ways to reduce the cost of an electric bicycle. And to protect your investment against theft, damage and breakdown, make sure to get a bike insurance.
"}}]},"complementaryZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Also interesting!"},{"componentType":"cards","cards":[{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"small","title":"Bike loan","intro":"Installment loan for a new two-wheeler, either electric or classic.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/ebfbfc70-2047-4dd7-95b0-b5a751df6382/bike-loan-1920","type":"image","width":1920,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/363bd6176f1b24ab/original/bike-loan-1920.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"link":{"url":"/en/individuals/borrowing/bike-loan"}},{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"small","title":"Bike Insurance","intro":"Insurer: NN Non-life","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/b54ca05c-9af4-4693-abf5-6e7f5294131f/Large_MS-PPT_Web-Happy-mother-fastening-her-son-into-a-safety-seat-on-the-back-of-a-bicycle","type":"image","width":1920,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/37b6af8cc2bb17f6/original/Large_MS-PPT_Web-Happy-mother-fastening-her-son-into-a-safety-seat-on-the-back-of-a-bicycle.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"link":{"url":"/en/individuals/insurance/insure-my-bike/bike-insurance"}}]}]}}}