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1. Overview

Use soft mobility

Since the Léman Express began full service on 15 December 2019, 80% of housing and 85% of jobs in the canton are now less than 1.5 km from a station, making cycling a great way to have access to the train. Similarly, once in place, the Act for coherent and balanced transport will make soft mobility a priority mode of transport in urban centres.

As a result, cycling will play an unprecedented role in daily and leisure travel. Thanks to optimised connections with public transport, the creation of new, safe and unbroken bike paths and an increase in bicycle parking spaces, cycling will become one of the most efficient means of transport.

In order to encourage this further, a financial support programme for purchasing electrically-assisted bicycles has been in place since 2010. In 2020, this offer will be divided in three parts, meaning you can customise your programme the way you like.

Please note that self-employed workers and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) can also benefit from the various subsidies, for up to 15 units per subsidy type and per company.

2. Subsidies for purchasing cargo bikes

Cargo bikes: perfect for deliveries and transporting children

A cargo bike can be used in place of cars for transporting children or equipment. When buying a new cargo bike, you can gain a subsidy of up to 500 francs for a maximum of 10% of the price.

The following are eligible for the subsidy:

All "special" bikes for transporting children and/or equipment
Front or rear loading
All removable towing devices

The following are not eligible for the subsidy:

Normal bikes with added transport devices (baskets, saddlebags, seats, etc.)
Tow bars for children's bikes
Accessories (helmets, stands, lights, etc.)

The cantonal administration has the right to decide on individual cases.

3. Training subsidies

Training to ride easy

Whether you have an electric bike or not, if you’d like to improve your cycling or gain the experience and reflexes needed to ride a bike, the Canton recommends you follow a training course with an institution that offers these services (for example Genevavélo, PRO VELO Genève, TCS Genève). 75% of the costs, up to a maximum of 80 francs, will be covered.

4. Subsidies for testing electric bikes

Electrically-assisted bikes offer speed and comfort

Electrically-assisted bicycles are as, if not more, efficient as a car for distances of up to 15 km.

Test one for yourself for one month with a recognised service provider (registered in the commercial register). The subsidy also applies to long-term rentals of cargo bikes from entities that offer this service (e.g. Genèveroule or Carvélo2go; for the latter, reimbursement will be based on an annual statement).

The Canton's contribution to the costs of long-term rentals can be up to 250 francs, for a maximum of 50% of the price. Rentals between individuals are not eligible.

5. Conditions and contacts

Award conditions

To be eligible for one of these subsidies, keep your proof of purchase or rental. You should then check with your local authorities. Methods differ from one municipality to another.

Some areas will pay the subsidy directly to you, while others will put you in contact with the cantonal energy office, which will then process your application.

The different types of subsidies are cumulative; however, there must be a period of three years between two subsidies of the same kind.