Barcelona drives change: €600 for those who opt for an electric moped

Barcelona wants to transform the noise and air on its streets. The City Council is offering 600 euros to those who replace their petrol moped with an electric one. There are only two requirements, and the aid will be available in 2026. Find out how to access it and what is changing in the city.

The roar of mopeds and the smell of petrol are part of everyday life in Barcelona, but the City Council has decided to radically change this reality. From 2026, people who decide to leave behind their old combustion-engine bike and switch to electric mobility will be able to receive direct aid of €600. The measure seeks to accelerate the transition towards cleaner air and quieter streets, something that directly affects urban life.

The proposal is aimed at both individuals and businesses and represents a significant financial incentive: based on current prices, the voucher covers between 16% and 40% of the cost of a new electric moped. The only essential requirement is to hand in a petrol moped for scrapping, a procedure that can be carried out free of charge at the municipal depots of Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (BSM). The certificate needed to apply for the aid is issued there.

The process has been simplified as much as possible: it will only be necessary to present proof of purchase of the new electric moped and the scrapping certificate for the old one. Although purchases made from 1 March are already valid, the official call to apply for payment will not open until autumn 2026. The wait, however, promises to be worthwhile for those who want to renew their vehicle and contribute to a more sustainable city.

The municipal goal is ambitious: to ensure that the 32,000 mopeds registered in Barcelona are 100% electric by 2030. At present, only 8,000 already operate without emissions, while the remaining 24,000 still use petrol and generate around 3,000 tonnes of CO₂ a year. To facilitate the switch to electric, the City Council will also allocate almost 3 million euros to create a network of 64 battery-swapping stations over the next four years. This way, charging the moped will no longer be a problem: it will be enough to exchange the flat battery for a charged one in a matter of seconds.

The initiative has the backing of key organisations in the sector and forms part of the Pla Clima, the municipal roadmap to reduce more than one million tonnes of CO₂ in five years. If you have an old moped and are unsure when to make the switch, the time seems ideal: the city is preparing for a change that will transform its soundscape and environment.

The Pla Clima de Barcelona is a comprehensive strategy that seeks to turn the city into a benchmark for urban sustainability. Beyond electric mobility, the plan includes investment in energy efficiency, green spaces and adaptation to climate change. Its approach prioritises public health and quality of life, committing to innovative and collaborative solutions. The involvement of social and business organisations has been key to designing realistic measures adapted to Barcelona’s circumstances. With this type of aid, Barcelona reinforces its commitment to cleaner mobility and a healthier urban future.