Ministry now accepting applications for subsidised bikes

The ministry of transport has announced it is accepting submissions for the bicycle sponsorship scheme, from 11 am, September 6 until September 21. Applications should be submitted online via www.podilato.gov.cy while pre-approvals through an electronic draw process will be announced in a live broadcast.

The ministry’s budget for the scheme totals €200,000 for 2022, and the goal is to provide sponsorship for 900 new non-electric bicycles and 25 bicycles for people with disabilities.

In cooperation with the deputy ministry of social welfare and the finance ministry, socio-economic criteria have been set enabling access to members of the public in particular need.

Eligibility will be based on the following criteria:

1. Recipients of the guaranteed minimum income

2. Recipients of welfare department assistance

3. Recipients of benefits for low-income pensioners

4. Family units receiving child benefits who have:

-one (1) dependent child and an annual gross income up to €19,500

-two (2) dependent children and an annual gross income up to €39,000

-three (3) or more dependent children and an annual gross income up to €49,000

Applicants for a bicycle for people with disabilities must be holders of a European disability card or present a certificate from the evaluation committee of the department of social inclusion of people with disabilities. The following bicycle types may be applied for: tricycle, two-person tandem, wheelchair transportation bike, and handcycle.

Any other bicycles will need approval from the sustainable mobility branch of the ministry of transport which the applicant must provide before the end of the application period.

The amount of the purchase subsidy for city, road and mountain bikes will continue to be €200 (incl. VAT) or the actual purchase price of the bicycle, whichever of the two amounts is the smallest, provided that the purchase cost will not exceed €1,000 (incl. VAT). For the types of bicycles for people with disabilities, the subsidy amount will be €800 (incl. VAT) or the actual purchase price of the bicycle, whichever of the two amounts is the smallest, provided that the purchase cost will not exceed €4,000 (incl. VAT).

Cypriot nationals, citizens of EU member states and third country nationals, aged 18 and up, permanently residing in the Republic are eligible to submit an application.

Applicants who have taken advantage of the 2021 scheme and have received a grant, will be automatically excluded from the application system for 2022 and 2023.

The first phase of the scheme in November last year saw over 7,500 people apply to buy road bikes and over 150 bikes for those with disabilities.