2026 Motorcycle Bonus, bookings open today: up to $4,000 off electric and hybrid bikes

Here we go. From today, Wednesday 18 March 2026, like clockwork, bookings are officially open again for the eco-incentive scheme for motorcycles and scooters. It was promised, and right on the dot at 12pm, the Mimit portal went live. For anyone who's had their eye on a new low or zero-emission ride, it's time to get serious.

The word has been doing the rounds in dealerships across the country for days: there's a $30 million fund allocated for this year, the latest instalment of a plan that started years ago. And the appetite for two wheels, especially in the cities, is palpable. Sales figures for the first two months of the year are already on the up, and with these incentives on the table, the market could really take off. We're not just talking about motorcycles, but all L-category vehicles: so scooters, three-wheelers, and light quadricycles, as long as they're electric or hybrid.

How the 2026 motorcycle bonus works: amounts and scrappage details

The formula is one we're pretty familiar with by now, but that doesn't make it any less attractive. The mechanism is simple and straightforward, and it caters to two different scenarios: those with an old Euro 0, 1, 2 or 3 bike to scrap, and those starting from scratch.

• Without scrappage: You receive a contribution equal to 30% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of $3,000.
• With scrappage: The contribution rises to 40% of the purchase price, with a cap of $4,000.

But, and this is the crucial detail. The vehicle you're scrapping must have been registered in your name, or that of a family member living with you, for at least 12 months. A rule that rules out anyone hoping to pick up a cheap old 50cc bike just to snag the maximum discount. And for those with a Motorola moto G75 5G or any other phone model in their pocket, remember: bookings can only be made by the dealer. Your job is to head to the dealership, choose your wheels, and get the discount applied directly to the invoice.

Platform and timing: watch out, funds won't last long

If there's one thing we've learned over the years, it's that when it comes to bonuses, time is literally money. The Invitalia platform, accessible via the Mimit website, opens today and will remain active until funds run out. And with $30 million up for grabs, in a city like Sydney or Melbourne that's buzzing with scooters, the deal won't last. Dealers can only lodge a booking if they already have a contract or confirmed order in place. No more "ghost bookings" just to stock up. This year, they want the money to go directly to genuine buyers.

And for those who love planning holidays and weekends, maybe a lovely escape to a Beautiful modern 3-bedroom Gunnison /Crested Butte retreat or a Stunning beachside apartment with garage steps from the sand, just so you know, the incentive also covers quadricycles. A small electric vehicle for getting around at the coast or in the mountains could be a smart move, and with these discounts, it becomes even more accessible. The market is changing, and people are on the lookout for practical solutions for every occasion.

The future of incentives: what happens after 2026?

Now for the part that gives you food for thought. With this $30 million, 2026 feels a bit like the swan song. The government has already announced a plan for the 2027-2030 period with a further $90 million, but the rules will change and the percentages will drop: we're looking at 20% (up to $2,000) without scrappage, and 30% (up to $3,000) with scrappage. Plus, businesses will be excluded, so no company purchases. For now, though, let's focus on the present. The advice doing the rounds among enthusiasts is simple: if you're thinking of upgrading your ride, don't leave it too late.

Plenty of people are wondering whether it's better to go for a hybrid or jump straight to electric. The truth is, it all depends on how you'll use it. In the city, an electric scooter with these bonuses becomes an absolute steal, especially when you factor in savings on registration and insurance in many states. For those who need to head out of town, hybrids offer that extra bit of flexibility that still makes a difference today. What is certain is that the average age of vehicles on Australian roads is creeping up, and these incentives are a solid push to retire those older, more polluting engines.

So, the hunt is on. Available for Winter Season 2024 - Don't wait Book now wont last long is a slogan that fits the two-wheeled world perfectly too. The $30 million is there, and the starting gun fired at 12pm today. For anyone wanting to seize the opportunity, all that's left to do is pop down to your trusted local dealer and get your hands on the machine of your dreams. With a $4,000 discount, the decision suddenly becomes a whole lot sweeter.