A recent report by The Time suggests that the government is potentially looking at introducing subsidies that could bring the price of a new electric bike down by a third by providing a grant.
With an increasing number of people using bikes for transportation, especially as a way to avoid public transport during COVID-19, the UK government is looking into a way to encourage more riders to commute using electric bikes. Electric bikes are ideal for those who want to commute in their business clothes, older riders, those with partial mobility issues, as it provides a ‘sweat free’ way of commuting but also provides a good dose of endorphins from exercise.
This new scheme will be backed by the taxpayer and is likely to take the form of subsidies, available for different variants of plug-in vehicles, which may reduce their price by 35%. The Times’ report suggests the grants is looking to be a maximum of £3000. This proposal was originally spotted in the Government’s ‘Gear Change’ document. This document, revealed earlier in the summer, included the Bike Repair Voucher scheme.
This final formation of this plan, if it dos ahead, will not be released until Spring 2021 but the Transport Minster, Chris Heaton-Harris expressed that the government “ “is developing a national support program to boost the adoption of e-bikes to levels seen in many other countries.”
Currently in the UK, electric bikes all under EPAC (electric pedal-assisted cycle) and have the same legal standing as regular bikes. To qualify as an EPAC the motor must be restricted to 250W of assistance and must be ‘pedal assist’ (i.e the motor can only work while the pedals are being operated) and cuts out at 15.5mph. The rider must also be 14 years old or over.
While many would comment that the UK is late to the party in regards to electric bike subsidies, with France, Sweden, and a host of other European nations, North American states and territories already offering this, it is a significant step forward in recognising the value of electric bikes not only as a leisure tool, but as a genuine form of commuting.
Alongside this plan, the UK has made other promises regarding the reformation of transport with the Department of Transportation announcing £175 of funding to be set aside for councils to improve cycling and walking infrastructure, alongside the £2 billion ‘cycling and walking revolution’ announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier in July.
URBAN ELECTRO sells a wide range of electric bikes to cater to most riders needs, from the commuter to serious biker.