Electric Assist Bicycle Subsidy: A Must-See for Chiba Residents! Complete Explanation of Conditions and Money-Saving Tips

Electric Assist Bicycle Subsidy Chiba

As of December 2012, Matsudo City is the only local government in Chiba Prefecture that has implemented a subsidy system for the purchase of electric assist bicycles.

Matsudo City in Chiba Prefecture has implemented an "electric assist bicycle purchase subsidy" system with the aim of reducing the transportation burden on families with children.

This system, which provides subsidies of up to 50,000 yen for electric assist bicycles and safety equipment purchased after April 2021, is an important support measure, especially for families with multiple children and single-parent households.
This article provides a detailed explanation of the entire system, including a technical perspective, from application requirements to required documents.

1. Basic structure of the subsidy system

Target products and scope of support

    Target items Auxiliary conditions Calculation example
    Electrically assisted bicycles
    • BAA mark 2024 standard compliant
    • New purchases only
    		Example) Purchase of 97,000 yen → 48,500 yen (50%)
    → 48,500 yen (upper limit applies)
    child seat
    • SG mark certified product
    • Up to 2 units
    		Example) 18,900 yen x 2 units → 9,450 yen x 2 = 18,900 yen
    Children's helmets
    • SG standard compliant product
    • Limit 1 per person
    		Example) 3,980 yen x 3 people → 1,990 yen x 3 = 5,970 yen

    ▼ Important notes

    • Overall limit:
      • Basic upper limit: 50,000 yen
      • + Up to 70,000 yen if you meet the requirements
    • Rounding:
      • Round up to the nearest 100 yen
      • Fractions must be stated on the receipt

    2. Carefully Selected! Detailed Application Eligibility Requirements

    Mandatory requirements Details
    Residency requirements At the time of application, you must be registered as a resident of Matsudo City.
    Childcare Requirements
    • Fostering two or more preschool children
    • Or both of the following conditions are met:
      • Fostering one preschool child
      • Recipients of "Child Support Allowance"
    Tax Requirements The head of the household has no outstanding municipal taxes
    Unused requirements No history of subsidy receipt in the same household

    *Definition of preschool children

    • Before entering elementary school (until the day before the 6th birthday)
    • Example:
      • For applications submitted on April 1, 2024:
      • Applicable to those born between April 2, 2018 and April 1, 2024
      • Those born on April 1, 2018 are not eligible.

    3. Detailed explanation of technical standards

    3-1. Importance of the BAA mark

    This mark is given to products that meet the "Bicycle Safety Standards" established by the Japan Bicycle Association. Only products that pass 58 inspection items, including frame strength, braking performance, and reflector installation position, are eligible. In particular, the electric assist function must be designed to reduce the assist power at speeds of 15km/h or more.

    3-2. SG Mark Standards

    Child seats and helmets must meet the Product Safety Association's SG standards (Safety Goods). Specifically:

    • Seat: Load capacity 18kg or more, shock absorbing structure
    • Helmet: Compliant with JIS T8134:2015, with a field of view of 120 degrees or more

    4. Flow from application to receipt

    1. Check before purchasing : Check with the retailer to see if the product is eligible (applies to purchases made after April 2021)
    2. Required documents :
      • Subsidy application form (available for download from the city's official website)
      • Purchase receipt (store address and purchase date must be specified)
      • Child support allowance certificate (if applicable)
    3. Mail application :
      〒271-8588
      387-5 Nemoto, Matsudo City, Matsudo City Hall, Children's Department, Bicycle Subsidy Section

    *Please note that electronic applications are not accepted and applications cannot be submitted in person.

    5. Frequently Asked Questions Q&A

    Q. Can I apply for second-hand items?

    → Not possible. Must be purchased new (recommended with a warranty from the retailer).

    Q. Can I apply immediately after moving?

    → If you have a resident card in Matsudo City as of the date of application, you can apply. Your address at the time of purchase does not matter.

    Q. What is the relationship between subsidies and taxes?

    → Tax exempt. No need to file a tax return, but receipts must be kept for three years.

    6. Expert advice

    Tips for choosing a bike: [Click to buy]

    Technical requirements Detailed specifications
    battery
    • Lithium ion 400Wh or more required
    • Continuous cruising range of 50km or more recommended
    Assist function
    • Modes for child seating:
      • High torque mode (minimum 60Nm)
      • Starting assistance function required
    Frame
    • JIS D 9401 (load bearing test) compliant
    • Tested running under a load of 30kg

    ▼ Hidden conditions for improved practicality

    • Battery Warranty Period:
      • Minimum 2 year warranty (500 charge cycles guaranteed)
    • Safety standards:
      • Automatic power cut-off function when the device falls over
      • Waterproof grade IPX4 or higher

    7. Comparison of benefits of using the system

    item Regular purchase After subsidy utilization
    average cost 100,000 yen 50,000 yen
    maintenance own expense Not eligible for assistance
    Safety performance arbitrary criteria
    • BAA/SG standards required
    • JIS standard conformity certification required

    Conclusion

    Matsudo City's electric assist bicycle subsidy is an excellent system that reduces the economic burden on child-rearing households while promoting road safety. There is no specified application deadline, but it may end as soon as the budget limit is reached, so we recommend that you apply early. For more information about the system, please contact the Matsudo City Hall Children's Department (047-366-7321).