Government must do more to encourage e-bikes, says charity

The government must do more to encourage electric-bikes in order to deliver clean air and economic growth, says London-based climate charity Ashden.

The coronavirus pandemic has seen a surge in bicycle use, with local authorities and national government pledging more support for cycling.

As life begins to return to normal e-bikes are expected to increase in popularity as active, low-carbon and less polluting travel is encouraged. 

However, Ashden have highlighted that e-bike ownership in Britain is still far behind many other European countries. 

Data from the Bicycle Association has shown that e-bike sales per capita are 20 times higher in Belgium and the Netherlands and at least 7 times higher in Sweden, Austria and Germany. 

Therefore, the charity is calling on the government to do more to encourage e-bikes. 

CEO of Ashden, Harriet Lamb said: ‘The government has pledged to invest in active travel, and we must make sure e-bikes are at the heart of these plans.

‘E-bikes can speed us towards a fairer, better society, easing the air pollution that chokes our inner cities and helping older people and the less fit switch from four wheels to two. 

‘Politicians must act. Support for e-bikes through cycle to work schemes is welcome, but these initiatives are not open to jobseekers and some older and disabled people — groups that should be prioritised in our green recovery and are most affected by current restrictions on public transport.

‘We need broader financial incentives for e-bike ownership, like the grants and subsidies offered in other European countries, where e-bikes are more popular.’

In related news, bike-sharing and micro-mobility company Beryl has launched a new campaign to encourage cycling as lockdown eases across the UK.

The Better By Bike campaign will introduce a number of local promotions by working with local council partners in Bournemouth, Poole, Hereford, Norwich, Watford and London. 

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