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Austria’s new household repair subsidy, the Geräte‑Retter‑Prämie, is off to a striking start. Nearly 100,000 vouchers have already been requested since the program launched in 2025, according to the Environment Ministry — and a large share has already been paid out. The strong uptake suggests that repairing appliances remains highly attractive for many households.
Strong Demand for the New Repair Bonus
The Device Saver Bonus replaces the previous Reparaturbonus, which expired in 2024. Like its predecessor, the program aims to reduce electronic waste and support climate‑friendly consumer habits by making repairs more affordable.
The subsidy covers 50% of repair costs, up to 130 euros per device, and additionally up to 30 euros for cost estimates.
Eligible Devices
The program supports repairs for a wide range of household electronics, including:
- Washing machines — frequently among the most repaired items
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Coffee machines
- Vacuum cleaners
- Cordless drills
- Laptops
- Dishwashers
- Ovens
A major expansion is the inclusion of medical and care‑related devices, such as:
- Wheelchairs
- Care beds
- Ventilators
- Blood pressure monitors
This marks the first time Austria has subsidized repairs for assistive and medical equipment.
Devices No Longer Covered
Compared with the old Reparaturbonus, the new scheme excludes several categories:
- Bicycles
- E‑bikes
- Smartphones
- Luxury appliances
- Wellness devices
- Entertainment electronics
According to the ministry, the most common vouchers so far have been used for coffee machines, dishwashers, laptops, washing machines, and ovens.
Minister Totschnig: “A Clear Confirmation of the Model”
Environment Minister Norbert Totschnig welcomed the rapid uptake, calling it a strong signal that repair incentives work. In a statement, he said the early numbers show that “repairs are an attractive alternative to buying new devices for many people.”
How Long Will the Bonus Last?
The future of the Device Saver Bonus beyond 2026 remains uncertain.
In an interview with Ö1, Totschnig noted that budget negotiations are still ongoing. The ministry confirmed that a continuation after 2026 is not yet secured.
This means the program could once again face review when the current funding period ends.
- source: APA/picture: pixabay.com
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