Cargo Bikes for Lucerne Businesses: Funding for Sustainable Mobility
Lucerne - At this year's Gwärb 2026, the Albert Koechlin Foundation (AKS) is drawing attention to a practical funding programme: businesses in the city of Lucerne, the greater agglomeration, and across Central Switzerland can apply for a reimbursement of 50 percent of the purchase price when buying a cargo bike.
Cargo bikes are particularly well suited to short urban distances. Over distances of a few kilometres, they are often faster than small vans in dense city traffic – and considerably cheaper to maintain. No driving licence is required to operate them, which broadens their potential use within a business.
What this looks like in practice is illustrated by a local example. Trigonet AG uses an e-bike with trailer for nearby construction sites, errands, and client meetings. «The e-bike combined with the trailer is the ideal addition to our vehicle fleet for nearby construction sites, errands, or meetings. The biggest beneficiaries were our apprentices, who do not yet hold a driving licence. Thanks to the cargo bike, they were able to travel to construction sites and complete assignments independently,» the company states.
Businesses that are unsure whether a cargo bike suits their operations can try one free of charge for two weeks. Depending on the business address, support is provided either by the AKS or the City of Lucerne. Upon purchase, the AKS also contributes to the costs of signage and branding on the vehicle.
The Albert Koechlin Foundation is committed to sustainable development in Central Switzerland. The cargo bike funding programme is part of this work, aimed at helping businesses transition to low-emission mobility.
Further information and application documents: www.cleverunterwegs.ch/lastenvelo
