The British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) has responded to Government proposals to increase the legal power of e-bikes; opposing the proposals and commenting that rather than the piecemeal approach proposed, any changes to the power capacity of e-bikes should be considered as part of a wider and comprehensive regulatory review into ultra light electric Powered Two Wheelers (PTW) and micromobility regulations.

The BMF has responded to the DfT Consultation Smarter Regulation: Proposed Changes to the Regulations on Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPC).

The Government has proposed to amend the legal definition of how EAPCs are classified so that the maximum continuous rated power of the electric motor must not exceed 500 watts instead of 250 watts as set out in the current regulations.

The BMF and its partner organisation, the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC), are not opposed to the evolution of eBike regulations if these are carefully considered as part of a much wider review into ultra-light electric PTWs, recognising that there are some positives which could result from what is being proposed; in particular for disabled people and also for wider accessibility and recreation. However, given the current issues arising from the unregulated, illegal and sometimes anti-social use of some eBikes and other light electric PTWs which are non-compliant with the current eBike regulations, the BMF and NMC feel that that the Government’s consultation is premature.

The BMF and NMC have called on the Government to properly commence a wider review of the sector, with areas covered within this consultation considered as part of wider framework for ultra-lightweight electric PTWs and micromobility.

The BMF’s consultation response is here

The NMC’s consultation response is here.

The Department for Transport’s consultation can be found here.

Written by Paul Morgan CBE – BMF Government Relations Executive

Top image courtesy of Zane Persaud – Unsplash