Bonus Moto 2026: €4,000 Grants for Electric & Hybrid Bikes Open for Booking Today
Here we go. From today, Wednesday, March 18th, 2026, right on cue, bookings are reopening for the eco-incentive scheme for motorcycles and scooters. It was announced, and right at 12 noon, the official portal went live. If you've had your eye on a new low or zero-emission bike, now's the time to get serious.
The word has been buzzing in dealerships across the country for days: there's a €30 million fund allocated for 2026, the latest tranche of a plan that started a few years back. And the appetite for two wheels, especially in cities, is definitely there. Sales figures for the first two months of the year are already on the up, and with these incentives, the market could really take off. We're not just talking about motorbikes, but all L-category vehicles: so scooters, tricycles, and light quadricycles, as long as they're electric or hybrid.
How the Bonus Moto 2026 works: amounts and scrappage scheme
The formula is one we know well by now, but that doesn't make it any less appealing. The mechanism is simple and straightforward, catering to two different situations: those with an old Euro 0, 1, 2, or 3 bike to scrap, and those starting from scratch.
- Without scrappage: You receive a grant worth 30% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of €3,000.
- With scrappage: The grant increases to 40% of the purchase price, with a maximum cap of €4,000.
But pay attention to the crucial detail. The vehicle you're scrapping must have been registered in your name, or that of a family member living at your address, for at least 12 months. This rule rules out anyone hoping to buy an old 50cc scooter just to get the maximum discount. And for those with a Motorola moto G75 5G or any other phone model in their pocket, remember: only the dealer can make the booking. Your job is to head to the dealership, choose your ride, and get the discount applied directly to the invoice.
Portal 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 grants, time is quite literally money. The online platform, accessible through the Department of Enterprise's website, opens today and will remain active until funds run out. And with €30 million on the table, and cities like Dublin or Cork packed with scooters, the rush will be intense. Dealers can only submit a booking if they already have a contract or a confirmed order. No more "ghost bookings" to stock up. This year, they want the money to go directly to genuine buyers.
And for those who like planning holidays and weekends, maybe a nice getaway to a Beautiful modern 3-bedroom retreat in West Cork or a Lovely seaside house with garage steps from the beach, you should know the incentive also covers quadricycles. A small electric vehicle for getting around at the seaside or in the countryside could be a smart idea, and with these discounts, it becomes even more accessible. The market is changing, and people are looking for practical solutions for every occasion.
The future of incentives: what happens after 2026?
Here's the part that makes you think. 2026, with this €30 million, feels a bit like a swan song. The government has already announced a plan for the 2027-2030 period with an additional €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. Furthermore, businesses and legal entities will be excluded. For now, though, let's focus on the present. The advice doing the rounds among enthusiasts is simple: if you're thinking of changing your bike, don't wait until it's too late.
Many 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 considering the savings on motor tax and insurance in many areas. For those who need to travel outside urban areas, hybrids offer that extra flexibility that still makes a difference today. What's certain is that the national fleet is getting older, and these incentives are a push to retire the more polluting older engines.
In short, the hunt is on. Available now - Don't wait, book today, won't last long is a slogan that fits the two-wheeled world perfectly. The €30 million is there, and the starting gun fired at 12 noon today. For anyone wanting to seize the opportunity, all that's left is to take a spin to your trusted local dealer and get your hands on the bike of your dreams. With a €4,000 discount, the decision becomes a whole lot sweeter.