"The hill walk to the supermarket has been making me out of breath lately..." "I wish I could cycle to and from my grandchildren."
Do you often hear such complaints? In fact, did you know that electric assist bicycles , which support the "power to push the pedal" , are now eligible for subsidies from local governments across the country?
For example, Edogawa Ward in Tokyo is offering subsidies of up to 500,000 yen for energy-saving equipment for small and medium-sized businesses.
In some cases, this "energy-saving equipment" includes electric-assist bicycles for business use.
But don't worry if you're thinking, "But I want to buy it myself..." In Yokohama and Kyoto, local government subsidies promoting "green transportation" may be able to partially cover the cost of purchasing an individual vehicle.
To those of you who think "subsidies seem difficult," the person next to you actually bought an electric-powered bicycle last month at a 30,000 yen discount .
This coming season, why not join us in exploring the exhilaration of riding through the wind and how you can get support from local governments to your advantage?
1. Local government subsidy system for electric-assist bicycles
In Japan, there is no nationwide subsidy system for electric assist bicycles. However, the following local governments have developed equipment purchase subsidy systems for companies and the elderly, and electric assist bicycles may be eligible.
Edogawa Ward, Tokyo: Subsidy for the introduction of IT and energy-saving equipment
- Target : Small and medium-sized businesses, NPOs, social welfare organizations, etc. in the ward
- Subsidy details : Two-thirds of the cost of purchasing energy-saving equipment (which may include electric-assist bicycles ) will be subsidized , up to a maximum of 500,000 yen.
- Conditions : A record of paying corporate tax and social insurance, restrictions on capital and number of employees by industry (e.g., service industry: capital of 50 million yen or less, 100 employees or less).
Osaka City: Capital investment support loan system
- Target : Purchase of equipment for energy conservation and business efficiency (possibly including electric assist bicycles )
- Support method : Low-interest loan or direct subsidy (amount determined by individual review based on business plan)
2. Application channels for elderly subsidies
Seniors may be able to take advantage of the following schemes when purchasing an electric assist bicycle :
- Welfare policies <br>Some local governments classify electric assist bicycles as "welfare equipment" and subsidize part of the purchase cost (e.g. mobility support equipment subsidy). For details, please check with your local welfare department or chamber of commerce .
- Environmental Subsidies: In municipalities that certify electric-assist bicycles as "green transportation tools" (e.g. Kyoto City and Yokohama City), subsidies may be available from the environmental budget.
3. Application process and required documents
1. Check the local government system
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government : Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs Official Website
- Osaka City : Official Website of the Economic Strategy Bureau
- *For other regions, we recommend contacting the Chamber of Commerce or Environmental Affairs Division of your local government.
2. Preparation of application documents
- Individual application : Driver's license (copy), resident's card, receipt for purchasing the electric assist bicycle , description of intended use (for commuting, caregiving, etc.)
- Corporate application : Corporate registration certificate, tax payment certificate, business plan, budget
3. Application and review
After submitting the documents, the local government will review the application and the subsidy will be paid in a deferred payment system.
IV. Policy background and future prospects
- Promoting carbon neutrality
With the government's goal of expanding charging infrastructure to 150,000 units by 2030, support for electric assist bicycles is expected to increase. - Responding to an aging society
From April 2025, the qualifications for people aged 60 and over to operate electric assist bicycles will be relaxed, and demand for subsidies is expected to increase.
Points to note
- Be aware of regional differences : Eligibility for subsidies varies by municipality (for example, Edogawa Ward is limited to businesses and not individuals).
- Check the latest information : From fiscal year 2025, additional subsidies (up to 50,000 yen) will be provided to vehicles using green steel, so it is essential to check the specifications with the manufacturer.
When planning sales strategies or consulting with customers about electric-assist bicycles , be sure to refer to the latest information from your local government. For details, see the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Or contact your local Chamber of Commerce .
