Proposals to increase the legal power of eBikes should be considered as part of a wider regulatory review into ultra light electric Powered Two Wheelers (PTW) and micromobility regulations.

The National Motorcyclists Council has responded to the Department for Transport 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 NMC is not opposed to the evolution of eBike regulations if these are carefully considered and we envisage positives which could result from what is being proposed, in particular for disabled people and also for 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 Council’s members feel that this consultation is premature.

Given that there is an urgent need for a wider regulatory review of all unregulated light electric powered two wheeled products, which do not fall under the current specific eBike regulations, the NMC calls on the Government to properly commence this long-delayed review. The review should incorporate the areas covered within this consultation, where they can be considered as part of wider framework for ultra-lightweight electric PTWs and micromobility.

The NMC’s consultation response is here.

The DfT’s consultation can be found here.

The BMF’s consultation response is here

Written by Craig Carey-Clinch

Top image courtesy of Himiway Bikes – Unsplash

More information about the National Motorcyclists Council and its members can be found on www.uknmc.org