Brexit bicycle battery boost

If there’s a silver lining to Brexit, perhaps it’s the opportunity to revisit the law across Europe that governs, and restricts, the use of electric bicycles.

According to current law (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles – EAPC – (Amendment) Regulations 2015), electric bikes with powered assistance to a maximum of 25 km/h (15.5 mph) using a motor of no more than 250 Watts (maximum continuous rated power output) are considered bicycles. As such, electrically assisted pedal cycles do not require type approval registration, road tax vehicle tax, a driving licence, insurance or the use of cycle helmets. They can be cycled on a cycle path and the rider must obey the same laws that apply to a conventional pedal driven bicycle.

It's law that has been overtaken by developments in battery technology and, more importantly, the need to get car commuters onto bikes.

The promotion of electric vehicles is back to front; the government offers a financial incentive to drivers who buy an electric car, but appears blind to the wider benefits of electric bicycles and mopeds – vehicles that do not need the investment in technology and infrastructure required by electric cars. Consider also the inconsistency that sees an electric bicycle capable of 16 mph require type approval, but a good-quality pedal cycle capable of 25 mph no licensing at all.

The latest breed of electric bicycle, or pedelec as they are sometimes called, has enough performance to be a credible and environmentally friendlier alternative to a car or moped. There are those who are understandably reluctant to see legislation that steers people away from conventional pedal driven bicycles towards electrically assisted cycles, but the need to reduce road danger and tackle pollution by getting people out of their cars demands a more flexible ideology. Increasing the current limit from 15.5 mph to 20 mph would tally with the new, lower speed limits being introduced in urban areas while at the same time making electric bikes a viable alternative for commuters currently using cars or mopeds.

Environmentally friendly cycle insurance

If your electric bicycle weighs less than 60 kg and has an output not exceeding 250W, you can get fully comprehensive cycle insurance from the ETA that includes £5 m third party cover, accidental damage and battery cover as standard.

On the face of it, one cycle insurance policy is much like another, but the devil is the detail. How much excess you will be charged is just one of the things that varies wildly between providers. Another is so called ‘new-for-old’ replacement – many insurers use this term, but if your bicycle is more than a few years old, they devalue it severely. This means you are left out of pocket when you come to replace it.

ETA cycle insurance has a low standard excess of 5% (minimum £25) and offers a new-for-old for life – however old the bike, if it’s stolen you get enough to buy a new model.

For over 25 years we have been providing straightforward, affordable bicycle insurance. Whether you use your bike to commute, shop, race or amble in the park, ETA Cycle Insurance has you covered. We never devalue bikes no matter their age, allow you to buy your replacement bike wherever you like, replace stolen quick release components and handle claims in-house.

The Good Shopping Guide voted us Britain's most ethical insurance company 2016.