Saitama Prefecture's electric assist bicycle subsidy is expanding rapidly! Now you can get an extra 30,000 yen by trading in your "regular bicycle" with this secret trick

Saitama Prefecture's Electric Assist Bicycle Subsidy System and Smart Purchasing Methods

In recent years, the demand for electric assist bicycles has been increasing rapidly due to the increase in child-rearing households and commuting needs. However, it is not uncommon for the price of a new bicycle to exceed 100,000 yen, so the use of subsidy systems by local governments in Saitama Prefecture is attracting attention. In this article, we will explain the details of the system and practical money-saving techniques from an expert's perspective based on the latest information as of December 2024.

Status of subsidy systems in Saitama Prefecture

At present, only two municipalities, Saitama City and Kumagaya City, offer subsidies for purchasing electric-assist bicycles. Other municipalities do not have the system, so residents can only receive assistance if they meet the following conditions:

Details of Saitama City's subsidy system

Requirement items Details
Basic application conditions
  • Saitama City resident (resident's card required)
  • Purchase a new electric-assist bicycle for two
  • Raising two or more children aged 1 year or older and of preschool age
  • Submitting a city tax payment certificate
Required course
  • Presentation of a certificate of completion for the city-sponsored "Bicycle Safety Seminar"
  • Seminars are held twice a month (advance reservations required)
Subsidy amount
  • 50% subsidy for purchase price
  • Maximum 30,000 yen (maximum applicable for purchases of 60,000 yen or more)

▼ Important notes

  • Advance purchase prohibited: Purchases made before completing the course are invalid.
  • Designated dealer system:
    • City registered stores (searchable on the official website)
    • No online purchases
  • Penalties for false applications:
    • Full refund of subsidy
    • 3-year suspension

Characteristics of Kumagaya City's subsidy system

Screening Requirements Detailed Provisions
Basic conditions
  • Proof of residence in Kumagaya City at the time of purchase (copy of resident card required)
  • Living with two or more preschool children (family register required)
  • Within one year from the date of purchase of the bicycle to the date of application
financial requirements
  • Proof of complete payment of city tax and national health insurance premiums
  • No previous receipt of benefits in the same household
Subsidy amount
  • 50% of the purchase price (tax included)
  • Maximum 30,000 yen (maximum applicable for purchases of 60,000 yen or more)
  • Example: Purchase of 78,000 yen → 39,000 yen (exceeds the upper limit)

▼ Hidden constraints (must be checked)

  • Limited to one time per lifetime (cannot be reapplied for even after moving)
  • Risk of delayed payment:
    • Review period: 2-3 months (application in April → payment in June)
    • Ends as soon as the budget is used up
  • Document retention obligations:
    • Original receipt (recommended to keep for 5 years)
    • Certificate of compulsory automobile liability insurance

Frequently Asked Questions Q&A

Q. What documents are required to apply for a subsidy?

A. It depends on the local government, but the common requirements are:
・Copy of residence certificate
・Proof of purchase (issued by the retailer)
・Receipt (including tax)
- Bicycle type certificate
・Application form (download from the local government's official website)

Q. What types of cases are not eligible for subsidies?

× Duplicate application under family name
× Parts replacement after purchase (motor and battery replacement may not be covered) 

Q. Are there any chances of the system changing?

The city of Kawagoe and the city of Kawaguchi are considering launching the system at the end of fiscal year 2024 (March 2025). We recommend checking the latest information on each city's website.

Experts teach you the basic rules for safe use

Subsidy recipients should pay particular attention to the following:

  1. Check the load capacity of the child seat (usually up to 25kg)
    2. Proper temperature management of the battery (guaranteed operating range is 0-40°C)
    3. Regular brake pad replacement (approximately every 2000km)
    4. Moves to make insurance mandatory (Saitama City is considering this from 2025)

Download the application form and invoice

                                                                                    

Kumagaya City Bicycle for Two Children Application and Invoice (PDF: 174KB)

Saitama City Inquiry FormInquiry Form