UK leads the world in myopic transport policy

E-bikes are currently the only type of electric vehicle without a subsidy in the UK.

Unsurprisingly, countries that have introduced subsidies for e-cargo bikes and e-bikes have seen increases in uptake. After all, bicycles remain the most practicable application of electric motor technology - not least because they have no need for new charging infrastructure.

In a bid to improve air quality so poor that temporary bans have been imposed on diesel vehicles, folk in Oslo have been offered grants of up to £1,100 towards the cost of an electric cargo bike. In a similar vein, France offers subsidies to those buying an electric bicycle.

Levels of air pollution here in Britain are no lower, but electric bikes were never included in the government’s plug-in grant, which offered up to £5,000 towards the price of an electric car.

The plug-in grants have now been replaced by a series of discounts applied to a list of low-emission vehicles. Only vehicles that have been approved by the government are eligible. The discount you can get depends on the type of vehicle and ranges from £150 for a moped to £25,000 off the price of a large lorry.

E-bikes and electric assist cargo bikes have the potential to transform our towns and cities for the better. They represent an efficient use of resources, minimise congestion, and don't require their own charging infrastructure. For policymakers to have excluded them from the discount scheme is myopic transport planning at its worst.

Insurance for e-bikes

We cover all road-legal electric bicycles as standard. If the output of your electric bicycle does not exceed 250 W/15.5 mph, we’ll cover it under our cycle insurance at no additional cost.

Every cycle insurance policy of ours includes the following as standard:

• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
• Cycle Rescue (breakdown cover for your electric bicycle and you)
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)
• Any rider covered to use your bike

Read a full list of everything we include as standard.

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The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.