Zurich has launched a subsidy programme called «CarGoVelo für Züri» that covers half the purchase cost of an electric cargo bike for companies and organisations. The city wants to create incentives for more transport to be carried out with an environmentally friendly vehicle and to support sustainable urban logistics.
What businesses receive
Besides half of the purchase cost, the city pays for a maintenance service after one year and contributes a maximum of 1,000 francs towards lettering on the bike. From 2027, a riding course can also be booked if needed.
- Purchase: half of the cost
- Maintenance: one service after one year
- Lettering: up to 1,000 francs
- Riding course: available from 2027
Why the city is doing it
According to the city, buying an e-cargo bike is often a large investment, especially for smaller companies. Simone Brander, the city councillor who heads the Civil Engineering and Waste Management Department, said the switch “brings more space on the streets and contributes to the city’s climate targets”.
Evaluation and budget
Evaluation is a key element of the programme. Companies commit to filling in a questionnaire twice within the first year. The contribution for lettering is only paid out once the second questionnaire has been completed. The programme runs until its budget of 390,000 francs is used up, for a maximum of three years.
Background
The scheme goes back to a motion in the municipal council (GR No. 2022/457) and is part of the city’s overall electromobility concept. That concept starts from the goal that Zurich should become climate-neutral by 2040. To get there, private car journeys are to be cut by thirty per cent, and the remaining journeys should be made with electric vehicles where possible. The city council adopted the concept to promote electromobility, and it comprises 13 measures.