Electric cargo bike grants for business
Bristol is changing, and our transport network needs to keep pace.
The electric cargo bike grant seeks to support Bristol businesses and community groups to adapt to the changes taking place in Bristol by supporting them to replace the use of light goods vehicles and cars with e-cargo bikes for local deliveries. E-cargo bikes improve local air quality, help reduce congestion, improve road safety, and reduce noise pollution.
Businesses can apply for up to £20,000 to match fund up to 50 per cent of the proposal, applicants will need to match fund the grant contribution.
The grant can only pay costs excluding VAT.
Types of Projects that can be funded
The e-cargo bike grant can be used for any project that facilitates the use of e-cargo bikes for delivering freight within Bristol.
For example:
- Purchase of an e-cargo bike for delivering freight
- Battery charging stations or cabinets for e-cargo bikes
- Cycle security for e-cargo bikes
Any business, organisation or community group that meets the criteria of delivering freight can apply for the Electric Cargo Bike Grant.
This includes private companies, charities, voluntary organisations, community interest companies and public sector organisations (such as schools or NHS organisations).
The Electric Cargo Bike Grant cannot be used for:
- Any activity that does not contribute to the grant purpose.
- Anything which unlawfully discriminates against people or is illegal.
- Purchases made prior to grant application and approval.
- Funding which would constitute a subsidy, for example helping a freight company expand its operations. Under section 2 of the Subsidy Control Act 2022, a subsidy arises where a public authority provides financial assistance that:
- Confers and economic advantage,
- To an enterprise,
- Is specific, and
- Has, or is capable of having, and effect on competition or investment within the UK or on trade investment between the UK and another country or territory.
Apply for a grant
Apply via the from below.
In addition to the completed application form, you will need to include:
- At least one quote, if the cost is below £2,500.
- Three quotes, if the cost is £2,500 or above.
To make sure you submit the best application possible, we encourage you to contact our transport team to discuss your ideas before applying at [email protected].
If your application is successful, Bristol City Council will pay 75% of the grant upfront. Payment will be made for the remaining 25% once all monitoring forms and final documentation have been provided.
Judging process
Grant applications will be considered by a judging panel made up of Bristol City Council officers.
Priority will be given to applications which:
- Would significantly reduce car or van journeys.
- Would have a demonstrable positive impact on staff/customers.
- Would present good value for money.
- Would contribute to Bristol’s culture of sustainability in other ways, for example being highly visible in the city and encouraging others to use sustainable transport modes.
If your application is successful, you will need to sign a grant agreement.
Once you have paid for the goods or services, you will need to complete a post-grant questionnaire and provide photographic evidence and receipts.
We will ask to you whether we can use your grant as a case study. This is optional but could provide mutually beneficial publicity for your organisation and the grants process.
