Grants to Boost Sustainable Transport

The Barcelona City Council will launch a subsidy programme offering up to €400 for the purchase of urban electric bicycles and up to €800 for cargo bikes, with eligible purchases beginning on 1st December 2026. The initiative, approved by the municipal Government Commission, aims to promote sustainable mobility and reduce barriers to e-bike ownership. Although purchases from 1st December 2026 will qualify, the first official call for applications will be published in 2027, once the regulatory framework is finalised. The City Council plans to approve the regulations definitively by the end of November 2026.

Eligibility and Funding

The grants will be available to individuals registered in the Barcelona padrón (residents' register) and legal entities with a registered office in the city. Each individual may receive the subsidy only once, while companies can apply for up to five bicycles. The subsidy will cover a maximum of 40% of the purchase price, excluding VAT. The programme has a total budget of four million euros over four years, with one million euros allocated annually from 2027 to 2030. The City Council estimates the funding will support around 2,000 urban e-bikes and 200 cargo bikes each year.

Technical Requirements for Bikes

To qualify, bicycles must be new and meet specific technical standards. They must be equipped with a bell, lights, and reflective elements; have a motor with a maximum power of 250 watts; and provide electric assistance only when pedalling, limited to 25 km/h. All bikes must also be registered with Biciregistro, the official bicycle registry of the Network of Cities for the Bicycle.

The subsidies aim to make sustainable mobility accessible to groups with fewer resources,

said a City Council statement, noting the initiative aligns with the city’s Climate Plan and Bike Agenda 2026–2027.

What This Means for You

Residents and businesses can begin purchasing eligible e-bikes from 1st December 2026, but must wait for the 2027 application launch to claim reimbursement. Applications will require submission of the purchase invoice. More information is available on the Mobility and Transport portal of the Ajuntament de Barcelona.

Sources: La Ciutat, Ajuntament de Barcelona.