Dutch Government reinstates incentives for electric motorcycles

Source: RAI Association | In a welcome turn of events, the Dutch government has reintroduced a key financial incentive for electric motorcycles. Effective retroactively from January 1, 2025, the purchase tax (bpm) for zero-emission motorbikes will be significantly reduced. Instead of a 19.4% tax on the list price, buyers will now pay a fixed rate of just €200.

This policy adjustment comes in response to the unexpected removal of the bpm exemption for electric motorcycles starting in 2025, which had placed them on equal tax footing with their fossil-fueled counterparts, much to the dismay of the industry.

Quick response to an unintended barrier

Tom Crooijmans, Chair of the Motorcycle Section at RAI Association, applauds the swift action taken by the Ministries of Finance and Infrastructure & Water Management: “This was a fast and effective correction. Lower bpm is exactly what buyers need, it’s a great incentive to seriously consider going electric.”

The new measure helps level the fiscal playing field and acknowledges the essential role electric motorcycles play in the transition to sustainable mobility. With higher upfront costs compared to petrol-powered bikes, electric motorcycles risked being sidelined without targeted support. Although the fixed bpm rate currently has an end date, RAI Association hopes this will evolve into a long-term solution.

Crucial for market growth

Martijn van Eikenhorst, Motorcycle Section Manager at RAI, emphasizes the importance of this adjustment: “It’s the result of constructive discussions with government ministries. For our members, the manufacturers and importers, it’s vital that there’s real space for electric motorcycles to grow in the market.”

Urban-Ready: quiet, clean, and smart

Electric motorcycles are quiet, clean, and space-efficient, making them ideal for urban environments and daily commuting. The technology is mature, the models are here, and thanks to the new bpm rule, the path is now clear for wider adoption. RAI Association sees promising opportunities not just for private riders, but also for companies looking to green their fleets.

A clear message ahead of elections

As the Netherlands heads into election season, RAI Association is sending a clear message to political parties: “Make the (electric) motorcycle a permanent fixture in national mobility policy. With their agility, efficiency, and sustainability, motorcycles deserve more attention.”

A logical next step? Reforming licensing rules to make motorbikes more accessible to a wider audience. “We’ll keep pushing for a realistic and diverse mobility mix,” says Van Eikenhorst, “where motorcycles are a natural part of the solution.”