Prof. Samantha Clarke
The Bicycle Association (BA) and the Association for Cycle Traders (ACT) have come together to express their concerns over a government proposal to amend the existing definition of a legal e-bike in the UK. The proposal suggests doubling the maximum power output for e-bikes from 250W to 500W and removing the requirement for pedal-assist, allowing e-bikes to be operated solely through a throttle.
While the government has been considering these changes since February, prompting mixed reactions from the cycling industry, the BA and ACT firmly stand against the proposed amendments. Their joint statement outlines three main reasons for their opposition.
Firstly, they argue that the changes are unnecessary, as the existing regulations, which align with those in the EU and several other countries, are effective. The trade bodies emphasize that boosting e-bike adoption requires investments in safer cycling infrastructure and financial incentives, rather than altering power limits. The claim that the proposed changes would significantly increase e-bike demand lacks supporting evidence.
Secondly, the trade bodies highlight the new risks associated with the proposed regulations. They express concerns that unregulated and potentially unsafe 500W e-bikes may flood the market, particularly from online marketplaces, as reputable brands adjust to the new standard. Additionally, the increased power and weight of e-bikes may lead to more collisions and injuries. This, in turn, could lead to stricter regulations resembling those for mopeds, as well as public perception of e-bikes as light mopeds rather than bicycles due to the inclusion of throttle functionality.
Lastly, the BA and ACT argue for a different approach to embrace innovation and accommodate higher-powered vehicles. They assert that vehicles with higher power outputs, such as 500W e-bikes or e-scooters, should be introduced within a comprehensive framework that establishes specific regulations for each vehicle type. They advocate for preserving the existing regulations for electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) while allowing for new categories to emerge under the proposed framework.
The consultation period for the proposed changes remains open until April 25, 2024, providing an opportunity for industry stakeholders and the public to express their opinions on the matter.
The proposed amendments to the existing definition of a legal e-bike in the UK have raised concerns within the cycling industry. The Bicycle Association (BA) and the Association for Cycle Traders (ACT) have joined forces to express their opposition to the changes.
One of the main reasons for their objection is the belief that the current regulations for e-bikes, which are in line with those in the EU and other countries, are effective. The trade bodies argue that instead of increasing the power limits, the focus should be on investing in safer cycling infrastructure and providing financial incentives to boost e-bike adoption. They argue that there is no evidence to support the claim that the proposed changes will lead to a significant increase in demand for e-bikes.
The trade bodies also raise concerns about the potential risks associated with the proposed regulations. They worry that allowing unregulated and potentially unsafe 500W e-bikes to flood the market may pose a threat to public safety. They suggest that reputable brands may adjust to the new standard, but there is a possibility that less reputable sellers may flood the market with substandard e-bikes. The increased power and weight of these e-bikes may also lead to more collisions and injuries.
Furthermore, the trade bodies argue for a different approach that embraces innovation while accommodating higher-powered vehicles. They propose that vehicles with higher power outputs, such as 500W e-bikes or e-scooters, should be introduced within a comprehensive framework that establishes specific regulations for each vehicle type. They advocate for preserving the existing regulations for electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) while allowing for new categories to emerge under the proposed framework.
Industry stakeholders and the public have the opportunity to express their opinions on the proposed changes during the consultation period, which remains open until April 25, 2024. It is important for those involved in the industry to voice their concerns and provide feedback to help shape the future of e-bike regulations in the UK.
For more information on the topic, you can visit the official websites of the Bicycle Association (link) and the Association for Cycle Traders (link).
