Spanish Government announces EUR 40 million in aid for the purchase of electric bicycles and public rental systems

The Spanish government, led by President Pedro Sánchez, has announced a EUR 40 million aid package aimed at boosting urban bicycle mobility, particularly for electric bicycles (e-bikes) and public bike-sharing systems. This initiative marks a significant step in incorporating bicycles into the broader public transportation plan, which has been in place for two years. The package includes EUR 20 million for the purchase of electric bicycles designed for everyday urban use and another EUR 20 million for improving and expanding public bike-sharing systems, such as Bicimad and Bicing.

The funding will help reduce costs for public bike-sharing services and encourage the creation of new rental systems in cities that do not yet have them. This is the first time such an initiative has included bicycle-sharing systems, aligning with ongoing efforts to coordinate transportation policies across various public administrations. The move is seen as a long-awaited response to calls from the cycling sector for concrete support for urban cycling.

The bike industry association, AMBE, has welcomed the announcement, highlighting the positive impact it will have on increasing bike usage for mobility and logistics. AMBE also points out that the initiative will support local employment and contribute to economic growth by promoting the cycling industry. Furthermore, the association is committed to collaborating with the government to ensure the continued expansion of bicycle-friendly policies, which they believe are essential for sustainable urban development.

Despite the excitement, uncertainty remains about specific details, such as the definition of what qualifies as an "urban electric bicycle." AMBE and others are optimistic that this initiative will position Spain’s cycling policies on par with those of other European countries, helping reduce emissions, improve public health, and create more sustainable cities.

Author: Carolina Ramos

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.