Changing the way you get around by taking up bike commuting or using a scooter is a winning choice for your health, the environment... and your wallet. However, properly equipping yourself to face rain, cold, and traffic can represent a significant initial expense.

The good news? You don't have to pay for everything out of pocket. Thanks to the Sustainable Mobility Package (FMD) provided by your employer and the many regional and municipal subsidies, the purchase of your safety equipment — high-visibility and reflective jackets, waterproof ponchos, rain overtrousers, helmets, and bags — may, in some cases, be covered up to 100%.

Here is a practical guide to understanding how these schemes work and getting your bike-commuting outfit funded!

1. The Sustainable Mobility Package (FMD): Your employer contributes to the purchase of your equipment!

Introduced to encourage low-carbon travel between home and work, the Sustainable Mobility Package (FMD) allows private-sector companies and public administrations to cover their employees' sustainable mobility expenses.

The FMD is not standardized. You should consult your company agreement, internal policy, or employee representative body to check whether comfort accessories and rain clothing are included in the list of reimbursable expenses (source: entreprendre service public)

How much is the FMD?

• In the private sector: Your employer may pay you up to €600 per year, fully exempt from income tax and social security contributions (and, in some cases, combinable with reimbursement for public transport passes).

• In the public sector: Coverage may amount to up to €300 per year, depending on the number of days you cycle.

What can be financed with the FMD?

This is the point many cyclists are unaware of: the FMD is not only for buying a bicycle or paying for a bike-share subscription. Equipment expenses and safety accessories are fully eligible!

                       FMD FUNDING
                              │
     ┌────────────────────────┼────────────────────────┐
     ▼                        ▼                        ▼
Rain & Visibility     Helmets & Protection       Bags & Maintenance
• Certified jackets      • Approved helmets        • Waterproof reflective
  EN 17353                EN 1078                  backpacks
• Rain overtrousers     • Lights & lamps           • Certified U-locks
• Gloves & Ponchos      • Bells                   • Maintenance & parts

How can you benefit from it?

Depending on the rules established by your company, payment is made either via a declaration on honor, upon presentation of expense claims / purchase invoices (for example, the invoice for your jacket or helmet), or via a mobility pass (Edenred, Betterway, Swile, etc.).

2. Regional and City Assistance: Additional subsidies for your accessories

In addition to support from your employer, many local authorities help finance the purchase of equipment when you buy a conventional or electric bicycle (e-bike).

Île-de-France Mobilités (IDF Mobilités)

When you apply for a purchase grant for an electric bicycle (up to €400) or a conventional bicycle for people aged 15–25 (up to €100), safety accessories listed on the same invoice are included when calculating the subsidy:

• Helmets

• Locks

• Panniers & baskets

• Protective equipment

City of Paris & Regional Metropolitan Areas

Many metropolitan areas (Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Nantes, Strasbourg...) offer additional municipal assistance. In Paris, for example, the purchase of a safety garment or accessory (helmet, lock) bought together with a bicycle qualifies for additional coverage (up to 33% of the pre-tax amount).

Practical tip: Buy your safety garment, helmet, and bag accessories at the same time as your bicycle so that everything appears on a single purchase invoice!

3. Which Urban Circus equipment can you get financed?

Since legislation requires the use of approved equipment for road safety, our entire range meets the certification criteria required by HR departments and subsidy providers:

1. Your visibility jackets and parkas: Our reversible jackets certified to EN 17353 (REPOP and FLUVIA ranges) directly qualify as safety equipment for commuting.

2. Your cycling rain gear (ponchos, overtrousers): Staying dry is the No. 1 condition for maintaining year-round cycling. Rain protection equipment (waterproof ponchos, overtrousers, anoraks) is recognized in most cases as comfort and safety equipment for bike commuters because it encourages regular cycling in all weather conditions.

3. Your waterproof, reflective bags: Our backpacks that convert into bicycle panniers (UCRR and LINK ranges) protect your computer equipment while increasing your retroreflective surface area on the road.

4. Checklist: How to claim your equipment as an expense / subsidy

1. Check your company's FMD agreement: Ask your HR department or employee representative body about the terms of the Sustainable Mobility Package (annual limit, required documentation). 

   🔗 Where can you find information about local assistance near you?

   To find out about regional and municipal assistance available in your municipality, visit the official portal: Service-Public.fr — Assistance with bicycle purchases and equipment.

2. Order your equipment: Choose an EN 17353-certified jacket, an EN 1078 helmet, a lock, or your rain and bag accessories.

3. Keep your purchase invoice: Download the named invoice issued when you place your order with Urban Circus.

4. Submit your claim: Send the invoice to your HR administrator or upload it to your mobility-pass app (Betterway, Swile, Edenred...).

In summary

Don't wait any longer to ride protected, dry, and visible. Take advantage of public assistance and your company's Sustainable Mobility Package to finance durable, certified, and stylish equipment!