electric vespa plugged in
At a time when we’re all being encouraged to ‘go green’ the government have slashed the ‘plug-in’ motorcycle grant by up to 90% for the highest-selling lower-powered L1 category bikes and scooters.

The L1 sector has seen a 50% growth, thanks in part to a greater awareness of electric vehicles and of course for the fact that the 20%, or up to £1500 grant can make them much more affordable. Under the revisions to the scheme, electric mopeds will now only get a £150 reduction, electric motorcycles (up to £10,000) will qualify for a £500 reduction. Grants for electric cars will also be cut from £2500 to £1500. 

“The market is charging ahead in the switch to electric vehicles,” said Transport Minister Trudy Harrison. “This, together with the increasing choice of new vehicles and growing demand from customers, means that we are refocusing our vehicle grants on the more affordable vehicles and reducing grant rates to allow more people to benefit, and enable taxpayers’ money to go further.”

Although I’m sure many lower-paid commuters considering a swap to an electric scooter may well disagree, as will businesses who save hundreds of thousands by switching their fleet to all-electric.

The MCIA (Motorcycle Industry Association) has today condemned the Government’s decision to change the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant’s rates and criteria without notice. Unlike the automotive sector, the powered two-wheel sector does not benefit from the same suite of incentives that help to stimulate take up of zero-emission vehicles. The Plug-in Motorcycle Grant has been instrumental in the 50% increase of the L1 sector. The 90% reduction in support announced today will therefore have a significant impact on the take up of fully electric, zero-emission vehicles. Despite today’s announcement contradicting the Government’s messages on the green recovery not being ‘car-led’ and the need to fully realise the potential of powered light vehicles and other L-Category products, MCIA remains committed to working with Government to ensure these messages are upheld and delivered upon in the Action Plan it is working to finalise with Zemo Partnership on behalf of the sector. Commenting on today’s announcement, MCIA CEO, Tony Campbell, said: “It is with great disappointment the Government has today decided to drastically cut the level of support for moped and motorbikes, typically emitting zero or low-emissions. Today’s announcement comes as a hammer blow to consumers and businesses up and down the country who were, and are fully behind the drive to zero-emission vehicles and a net-zero future. MCIA will continue working on behalf of its members with Government, to ensure the right incentives are in place to ensure the full realisation of or sector’s many benefits”.