Better late than never, as they say!
Up until now, a government subsidy for electric vehicles has only been available for those buying the four wheeled kind.
However, following recent discussions the UK government has now confirmed that it will be offering a plug in grant towards the cost of new electric motorcycles and scooters too.
The grant, which will be made available on motorcycles and scooters which meet certain criteria including range and battery warranty, will reduce the screen price by either £1500 or 20%, whichever is the lesser.
The official announcement was made by the MCIA, who have been working OLEV, the government department which encourages the use of low emission vehicles, for the last three years.
Electric vehicle manufacturers need to apply for eligibility, and once accepted onto the scheme end users will be able to see their range of approved bikes.
These types of 2-wheelers have a real advantage over electric cars, in that they can be charged at home or the workplace using a standard socket, which should make them more accessible to many.
Steve Kenward, CEO of the MCIA commented:
“This opens the door to zero emission transport to people who have not been able to afford electric cars, which tended to have been a ‘lifestyle choice’. Motorcycles and scooters are an extremely accessible form of electric transport and have the capacity to significantly reduce congestion, since they share all the advantages of riding a regular powered two wheeler. Riders can filter through traffic, often use bus lanes and usually get closer to their end destination, cutting door to door journey times.
“Motorcycles are exempt from congestion charges with ‘fuel’ costing the equivalent of a penny a mile and nothing to pay for vehicle tax, plus cheaper or free parking. Switching to an electric motorcycle or scooter could result in huge savings for the average commuter, or for businesses which operate fleet vehicles.”
Although many riders still balk at the thought of riding an electric motorcycle, this should encourage early adoption from those who are looking for a more cost effective form of transport. Motorcycles and scooters are also ideal for beating the traffic in town and inner city areas, reducing commute times when compared with cars.
