The Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) has announced plans to offer subsidy on electric motorcycles and scooters in a bid to boost their uptake.
As part of the government’s £7.5 million electric motorcycle grant scheme, which will from summer 2015 until 2020, motorcyclists will be offered electric motorbikes with up to £1,500 off on the purchase price. Being offered 20 per cent cheaper, electric motorbikes will be the most economical two wheelers available in the market and therefore within the reach of more people.
As claimed by the government, the electric powered bikes will not only cut down on CO2 emissions but will also help to reduce congestion for all road users as riders of these vehicles will be able to use bus lanes and sift through traffic easily.
The new initiative has been announced following discussions with the Electric Motor Cycle Industry Association and bike manufacturers including Suzuki, Harley-Davidson, BMW, Volt and Mahindra, all of whom have launched their own electric vehicles. The final details are still being worked on.
Steve Kenward, the CEO of The Motorcycle Industry Association, said “This is significant development as it recognises the part motorcycles and scooters will play in a low carbon future. Subsidy will encourage more people to opt for electric motorcycles and scooters, which will help solve the UK’s appalling congestion problem.”
“We also hope it will give manufacturers who already have electric models for sale in mainland Europe the confimdence to launch in the UK.”
Business Minister Matthew Hancock said “Low emission vehicles are the future and show that we can meet our climate change commitments without giving up our cars or motorbikes. Electric motorcycles and scooters have got fantastic potential and can be a real force for good.”
