Electromobility on the rise - funding programmes for a clean future

E-mobility has become a key to a climate-friendly energy transition. Electric vehicles are now a serious alternative and play an important role in climate-friendly transport. Around 20 per cent of CO2 emissions in Germany are currently caused by the transport sector alone. E-vehicles are convincing here with their positive eco-balance, as no harmful or environmentally damaging nitrogen oxides are produced during their operation.

In addition to e-cars, the term e-mobility also includes e-scooters, e-scooters, e-trikes, e-cruisers, e-carriers, e-quads and even e-senior mobiles.
E-scooters in particular are becoming increasingly popular. They are convincing as a resource-saving means of transport that is also fun to ride for work and leisure.

However, even though electric scooters are currently very much in vogue, the comparatively higher purchase price sometimes curbs enthusiasm somewhat.
And this is where the question of possible support measures comes into focus:although there are federal and state subsidised programmes for e-cars, there is still some catching up to do in the e-scooter sector.
However, there are still opportunities to receive a subsidy for the purchase of an e-mobile, as there are a number of subsidy programmes for e-scooters offered by cities, municipalities and local authorities or utility companies.
The background to these premiums is environmentally friendly and resource-saving planning of inner-city mobility. Private individuals also benefit from these subsidies and e-mobility support programmes.

Who offers subsidies or environmental bonuses?

Funding is provided at state, city and local authority level in the form of subsidies or premiums. Some cities pay cash for the purchase of an e-scooter, while others offer benefits through co-operations. There are also funding programmes to finance charging stations.
A number of energy suppliers (especially electricity providers) also offer subsidies to their customers. For example, regional utilities reward the purchase of electric scooters or charging stations. It is therefore advisable to enquire about corresponding offers from the local energy supplier.

Where can I find out about regional offers?

The range of support programmes for electric vehicles can vary greatly from region to region.

Our tip: Find out from your local authorities, utility companies, transport authorities or environmental agencies. You can find out about possible initiatives on the subject of e-scooter funding programmes on the websites of these agencies. The specific requirements can vary greatly from one federal state and region to another. In some cases, subsidies are only available for e-models that require authorisation.

What you need to bear in mind: Many initiatives stipulate that an application for a subsidy should be submitted before the vehicle is purchased. Unfortunately, if you buy an e-scooter before the application has been approved, you will often lose your entitlement to a subsidy. You should therefore find out in advance about the exact requirements for a subsidy programme.

How much is the subsidy for electric mobility?

The subsidies depend on the respective federal state or city.

Here are a few examples:
Munich is very committed to subsidising e-scooters and e-scooters. Buyers here can receive a subsidy of up to €750 under the climate-neutral drives funding programme.
The city of Regensburg offers a subsidy of up to €1,000. Stadtwerke Aachen subsidises its customers who purchase e-scooters with 10% of the purchase price (up to a maximum of €500). Stadtwerke Wuppertal offers a subsidy of up to €150 and Stadtwerke Solingen up to €100.
(Errors and omissions excepted.)

These examples show that it may well be worth asking your local authority or utility company for subsidies. The range of subsidies available in cities will certainly be expanded even further in the coming years. After all, the goal of environmentally friendly city centre design is right at the top of the local authorities' to-do list

Electric scooter subsidy options for private individuals

Private individuals are supported in switching to an environmentally friendly e-vehicle. Depending on the federal state or place of residence, there are environmental bonuses that can be used to finance a new e-scooter. This applies regardless of whether the e-scooter is used for leisure or commuting to work.

Electric scooter subsidy options for companies

It can be worthwhile for companies to use e-scooters as company vehicles. In addition to subsidies, the importance of a sustainable corporate strategy also plays a role here.
More and more cities are granting an environmental bonus and e-mobility subsidies for companies. This allows acquisition costs to be reduced or maintenance costs to be limited. The e-scooter can thus become a possible alternative to the company car.
You can find out which cities offer an environmental bonus or subsidy programmes on their websites. In Berlin, for example, WELMO offers companies a financing subsidy for e-scooters

GHG quota

In order to minimise greenhouse gas emissions and at the same time promote renewable energies, a legally regulated climate protection instrument was created in 2015 with the greenhouse gas reduction quota (GHG quota).
Since 2022, owners of electric vehicles have had the opportunity to receive a bonus for using their electric mobility by means of the GHG quota. The respective GHG quota is calculated according to the type of e-vehicle and paid out to the owner via intermediaries.

What do e-scooter owners need to consider?

• You can only apply for the GHG bonus after you have purchased your e-scooter. The Federal Environment Agency requires the registration certificate of the e-vehicle to confirm the GHG bonus.
• From 2024, there will be a new regulation for the GHG bonus for e-scooters: The GHG bonus will only be paid out for e-two-wheelers (faster than 45 km/h) that require registration. The GHG bonus will no longer apply to mopeds and light motorbikes that do not require registration. These e-scooters in the 50 cc class have an insurance licence plate that changes every year. Our Rolektro models are therefore exempt from the THG premium

Subsidies from health insurance companies for electric scooters

For people with age-related or illness-related restrictions, electric scooters are an important tool for independence, mobility and quality of life.

This raises the question: Does the health insurance company subsidise the purchase of an e-scooter?

Electric scooters are recognised aids and can be prescribed under certain conditions. For a health insurance company to cover or partially subsidise the costs of an electric scooter, there must be a medical necessity. The prerequisite for this is a doctor's prescription that explains in detail why a mobility scooter is necessary.

How to apply for a mobility scooter - step by step

1. Talk to your doctor about your mobility needs.
   Your doctor knows your health situation best and can assess whether a mobility scooter is necessary for you. Ask your doctor to issue a certificate confirming your need


2. Seek advice from a medical supply store or specialised shop.
   A mobility scooter should be comfortable to drive and fit your needs perfectly. Take a test drive to find the best model for you. Make sure that the mobility scooter has a medical aid number - this can make it easier to apply to your health insurance company. Ask for all the important information about the model that you will need later for your application


3. Give your doctor the details of your preferred model.
   As soon as you have decided on a mobility scooter, you should give your doctor the model name and - if available - the medical aid number. He or she can then issue you with a detailed medical prescription, which is necessary for submitting an application to the health insurance company. If your desired model does not have a medical aid number, it is much more difficult to obtain authorisation, but it is not impossible - in this case, your doctor should provide particularly detailed reasons for the medical necessity


4. Submit the application to your health insurance company - ideally with support.
   If you purchase the mobility aid from a medical supply retailer, they will usually take care of the entire application and billing process with the health insurance company. As medical supply stores have contracts with health insurance companies, this route is often easier and the chances of success are higher. The medical supply retailer will check whether the chosen model is suitable for you, prepare the cost estimate and submit the documents directly on your behalf
   
   If you wish to purchase the scooter from a dealer without a health insurance contract, you will have to submit the application to the health insurance company yourself. In this case, you will receive a cost estimate from the dealer, which you can submit together with the doctor's prescription. Please note, however, that the health insurance company will often scrutinise this more closely and the chances of success may be lower


5. Wait for the health insurance company's decision.
   The health insurance fund will examine your application carefully and may call in the Medical Review Board of the health insurance funds (MDK) to assess your individual situation. If your application is rejected, don't be discouraged - an appeal is often worthwhile. If necessary, get support to improve your chances

If your application for a subsidy is rejected by your health insurance fund, you could also contact your care insurance fund. In some cases, the care insurance fund grants subsidies for mobility scooters.
Accident insurance can also be considered as a cost bearer if the mobility restriction is due to an accident or occupational illness

Our Rolektro range currently includes three 6 km/h models with an aid number

• Maximus MX4-6: electric senior mobility scooter on 4 wheels
• E-wheelchair ERS-6: electric wheelchair
• E-Quad 6 Pro: foldable senior mobility scooter on 4 wheels

E-scooters as business vehicles

Tax incentives for emission-free company vehicles

Electric vehicles and therefore also electric scooters that are registered for the first time by 31 December 2025 areexempt from vehicle tax until 31 December 2030 .
This means that a switch to e-scooters within the company fleet can lead to savings in the company budget. Switching to e-scooters can be particularly worthwhile for companies that need to be mobile in their day-to-day business (delivery services).

Innovative corporate strategy with a sustainable effect

Furthermore, the switch to electromobility is an expression of an innovative corporate strategy. Sustainable values are also appreciated by customers and have a positive long-term effect on the brand image.
Employees also appreciate environmental commitment and react positively to the opportunity to use e-scooters as company vehicles.
Thanks to subsidies, e-scooters are attractive to buy and cheaper to maintain than comparable vehicles with combustion engines.

Our Rolektro team will be happy to answer any questions you may have