Electrically assisted bicycles are an important tool supporting the daily mobility of families with children and the elderly. However, due to their high performance, many of them are priced at over 100,000 yen, which can be a hurdle to purchasing one.
In fact, some local governments across the country have introduced systems to provide subsidies when purchasing electric assist bicycles.
This article focuses on the current state of the subsidy system as of 2025 and support measures for the elderly.

1. The reality of subsidies for families with children

Background of the system

The majority of municipalities are targeting households with two or more preschool children. The background to this is the increased awareness of the dangers of having children ride in front and behind on a conventional bicycle. A survey by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism reported that the spread of three-seater electric-assist bicycles has reduced fall accidents by 32%.

Representative examples of local governments

2. Latest trends in subsidies for the elderly

Background to the expansion of the system

With the rate of elderly people surrendering their driver's licenses expected to hit a record high of 28% in 2024, local governments are introducing new subsidies to encourage people to switch to bicycles.

Featured case: Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture

• Eligible : 65 years of age or older and those who have surrendered their driver's licenses (within 6 months of application deadline)
• Subsidy amount : 1/3 of the purchase price (up to 20,000 yen)
• Effect : One year after the system was launched, the number of people applying to surrender their licenses increased 1.8 times compared to the previous year.

Movements of other local governments

• Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture : Kiri Pay points given to those who have surrendered their driver's licenses
• Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture : Subsidy system for those who attend safety courses

3. 4 steps to a successful application

Step 1: Pre-check

• Check the "eligible vehicle types," "budget balance," and "application deadline" on the local government's official website (for example, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture, has set its budget for fiscal 2025 at 12 million yen).

Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents

Step 3: Choose your application method

• Application at the counter : Submit directly to the childcare support department of the local government
• Electronic application : Already introduced in Saitama City, Niihama City, etc.

Step 4: What to do after the review is complete

• It takes an average of 3 to 4 weeks for the subsidy to be transferred (the shortest time is 2 weeks in Katsuragi City).
• If there are any errors, you must resubmit within 5 business days.

4. Tips for choosing the right electric assist bicycle

safety standards

• BAA mark : Required for models that can accommodate two children
• Battery performance : We recommend a model that can run continuously for 20km or more.

Cost performance

• Simulation example of actual burden after subsidy application:

  購入価格：180,000円
  補助額（50％）：90,000円
  実質負担額：90,000円

Maintenance System

• 97% of subsidy-eligible stores will provide free inspection services (according to the Japan Bicycle Association in 2024)

5. System outlook for 2025 and advice for readers

Current national penetration rate

• Of the 47 prefectures, 23% have implemented subsidy systems (as of March 2025).
• The Ministry of the Environment has set a goal of a 50% penetration rate by 2030

Recommendations for potential buyers

1. Thorough information gathering : Check the "childcare support" or "environmental policy" pages on local government websites
2. Cooperation with dealers : Conduct advance consultations at dealers that can provide subsidies
3. Mid- to long-term choices : Consider battery life (average 5 years) and replacement costs (approximately 30,000 yen)

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