Suche
Fraud case: Help for cargo bikes stopped again – buyer at risk!
The funding for cargo bikes within the CEE was stopped again due to massive fraud. Buyers face problems.
Fraud case: Help for cargo bikes stopped again – buyer at risk!
In October 2025, the issue of cargo bikes in Germany will be overshadowed by a serious case of fraud. Support for the purchase of cargo bikes as part of the Energy Saving Certificate Program (CEE) has been stopped again after a massive increase in fraud cases. An attempt had already been made to set up a new support system in September 2025, but within just three weeks it became apparent that the revived system was unsustainable.
The measure TRA-EQ-131, which was launched at the beginning of 2025, was intended to specifically offer support for cargo bikes. But just two months later, the help had to be stopped due to cases of fraud. Fraudulent companies benefited from subsidies of up to 600 euros per bicycle by setting up fictitious companies and offering cargo bikes at prices that were below the subsidy amount. The organization “Les Boîtes à Vélo – France” informed the authorities about these machinations at an early stage, which ultimately led to the withdrawal of support Transition Velo.
A brief look back at developments
The CEE program was initiated in January 2025 to promote the purchase of cargo bikes for professionals. But when it was introduced, it lacked strict controls, allowing fraudsters to exploit the system. Shortly after the new regulations in September, companies advertising CEE subsidies again came forward and offered cargo bikes that are often of inferior quality.
The result? Buyers risk either receiving substandard bikes or nothing at all, while fraudsters pocket the funds and then disappear. This once again undermines the system of energy savings certificates and particularly affects the honest buyers who actually wanted to benefit from the government support.
Legal situation and possible consequences
Subsidy fraud is a serious offense and is prosecuted in accordance with Section 264 of the Criminal Code. False statements or concealment of relevant information are key criteria that can lead to conviction. Penalties range from fines to imprisonment of up to ten years in particularly serious cases, such as Attorney Erhard shows.
The cases at hand show once again how important it is to introduce transparent and comprehensible controls for state support programs in order to protect public assets and ensure the integrity of such support.
At first glance, helping people buy cargo bikes may seem like a good thing, but the reality is different. The rapid termination of support makes it clear that even the best ideas can be nipped in the bud if the general conditions are not right. The city of Cologne and other municipalities must now do everything they can to prevent such fraud mechanisms and to strengthen citizens' trust in funding programs.