Thank you for contacting me about electric bikes (e-bikes).
The Government is taking ambitious action to boost cycling and walking while a new electrically assisted bike support programme is being established. The national e-cycle programme aims to integrate e-cycles into wider net zero and decarbonisation initiatives.
Important steps have already been taken to encourage the use of e-bikes. In 2019, for example, the Department for Transport published refreshed cycle to work guidance to make it easier for employers to provide employees with cycles worth over £1,000, which includes many e-bikes, through the Cycle to Work Scheme. The scheme allows employees to access bikes, including e-bikes, at a discount, through a salary sacrifice scheme.
E-bikes could play a significant role in bringing non-traditional groups to cycling, including older and disabled people. E-bikes also have something to offer to those who, for example, want to cycle in business clothes without breaking sweat, or those who want to travel long distances.
In May 2022, it was announced that Cycling UK had been selected and would lead a consortium of partners to offer short-term opportunities to try e-cycles schemes, longer-term loans of e-cycles and the provision of e-cycles to help people access opportunities for employment and skills. The first pilot scheme has subsequently been launched in Greater Manchester.
Ministers are also encouraging the use of e-cargo bikes through the e-cargo bike grant programme, which received £400,000 in 2021/22, followed up with a further £300,000. This grant contributes 40 per cent of the purchase price of a new e-cargo bike up to the first £2,500 of any two-wheeled model and £4,500 for three-wheel model.
E-cargo bikes have the potential to replace older and more polluting vans for short deliveries and thereby reduce congestion through more efficient use of road space. This also has associated economic and environmental benefits.
Any electric bike that does not meet the 'electrically assisted pedal cycles' (EAPC) rules is classed as a motorcycle or moped and needs to be registered and taxed.
Under the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983 (as amended), an EAPC must have pedals that can be used to propel it. If an EAPC has a maximum power output of more than 250 watts and/or is able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph then a driving licence and crash helmet is necessary to ride one.
If an electric bike does not meet EAPC rules then it must be registered and taxed as a motorcycle or moped.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.