Cycling plan: what are the measures for an e-bike?

The government's plan for bicycles, presented this Friday, September 14, includes funding of € 350 million. Abstract…

The many times revised bike plan was a document eagerly awaited by the cycle participants. Wishing to highlight the importance of the dossier, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe personally presented the plan this Friday, September 14, in Angers, in the presence of the Minister of Transport Elisabeth Born and François de Rouge, recently appointed to Ecology. to replace Nicolas Hulot.  

Wishing to allocate 350 million euros for cycling, the government is articulating its ambitions around four main themes: safety and the elimination of urban redundancies, the fight against bike theft, financial incentives and the development of a bicycle culture. In practice, many measures will benefit the electric bike.

Electric bicycles funded by energy efficiency certificates

If it does not approve the return of the "for all" electric bike bonus, the government wants to use the Energy Conservation Certificate (EEC) lever to increase its financial assistance. A measure that will be the subject of the EEC standardized regulation "Electric Bicycle". In preparation, it will be published by decree at the end of October and will cover both electric bicycles and their cargo version.

At this stage, there are no details regarding the amount and terms of this future funding. However, in its document, the government suggests that the aid will be targeted at businesses.

As of February 1, 2018, the electric bike bonus is now only available to tax-free households. Its provision is also dependent on the provision of second aid, this time provided by the community at the applicant's place of residence ... A big difference compared to the 2017 device formula, which provided a bonus of up to € 200. to all applicants.

NF standard for electric universal bicycles

In an effort to improve the control and safety of the communal bike segment, the government plans to publish a specific NF standard.

« The draft standard currently being published concerns, on the one hand, cargo bicycles, tricycles and quads for the transport of people or goods and trailers; this applies to both their mechanical part and their electrical and electromagnetic characteristics when they receive assistance from electricity. » Indicates a government document. The NF standard, based on the existing ISO standard for assisted pedaling cycles, for which the limits will be identical, with power limited to 250W and speed support limited to 25km/h.

Mobility package to replace the mileage surcharge

Effective, but not widely accepted, the mileage surcharge is being replaced by the mobility package. This new device, naturally open to electric bikes, should be simpler than its predecessor since it is based on a fixed price rather than the number of kilometers travelled. In practice, this flat rate can go up to €400 in tax and social benefits per year for a public company employee. However, its implementation will remain optional. ” Staff will work with social partners to provide de facto generalization, as in Belgium, where over 80% of companies offer cyclist employees support from their employer. »Defines the text of the government.

For communities and administrations, this measure will be extended to all agents by 2020, but with a limit of 200 euros per year.

Official scale of tax kilometers

Demonstrating that it counts in the same way as a car or a two-wheeled motorcycle for business travel, the bicycle will be included in the tax scale.

Regardless of the mobility package, which only deals with home travel, it will calculate the cost of mileage for all travel on a professional basis. The measure should take effect on September 1, 2019. It is not known at this stage whether a distinction will be introduced between a bicycle and an electric bicycle.

Tax cut for corporate fleet

Whether it's classic or electric models, companies that provide a fleet of bicycles for their commuting employees will benefit from tax cuts.

The measure announced for the first half of 1 year will allow companies to deduct from 2019 taxes% of the costs incurred for the purchase or maintenance of a vehicle fleet. Please note: in case of renting a car fleet, the minimum participation period is five years (three years for companies with less than 25 employees).