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Written question asked by Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 5 February 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 February 2025. It was answered by Lilian Greenwood (Labour) on Thursday, 13 February 2025 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Electric Bicycles

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of requiring e-bike owners to (a) have a driving license, (b) have vehicle insurance, (c) pay road tax and (d) take an annual MOT.

Answer

The Government has no plans to require e-cycle owners to do any of these things, provided that their e-cycles comply in full with the requirements of the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations. If their e-cycles do not comply with these requirements, they are in effect e-mopeds and must be registered, taxed and insured, with riders also required to have a valid driving licence and wear a motorcycle helmet that meets British safety standards.

A national licensing scheme for people who ride e-cycles would be required to underpin all of the above. This would be expensive to design and administer, and the costs would be likely to outweigh the possible benefits. Requirements of this sort would also be likely to put people off cycling, with negative health and other impacts.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
29061
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Insurance Taxation Testing Driving licences Electric bicycles
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk