July 17, 2025
In response to the Government’s announcement of a new Electric Car Grant , the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) is today calling on the Government to both renew the Grant when it comes up for review early next year and to increase the level and scope of support that it provides for buyers of alternative propulsion motorcycles.
The current motorcycle grant was launched in 2016 to help ‘bridge the price gap between the cost of zero emission and petrol motorcycles’. Originally, the grant was 20% of the cost of an electric motorcycle up to a maximum of £1,500. But in 2022, at the same time that the old plug-in grant for cars was abolished, the motorcycle grant was reduced to up to £150 for mopeds and £500 for motorcycles, as long as the recommended retail price was £10,000 or below. The moped grant was abolished in 2024 and in February this year, the Government extended the £500 grant for a further year, but only for motorcycles.
This gradual whittling away of grant support has directly impacted the marketplace, with the small ‘ePTW’ market going into decline from the point that the original grant support was reduced.
The NMC says that the new car grant should be followed by a renewed focus on incentivising the alternative fuelled motorcycle market when the grant comes up for renewal in April next year. The Council is calling for the original grant levels to be reinstated for motorcycles and is also calling for greater additional support for electric mopeds, given the rise in the use of illegally used high-powered eBikes in the gig economy since the moped grant was abolished. The NMC feels that the grant also needs to be more flexible and ‘future-proofed’, with forthcoming developments of other propulsion technologies such as eFueled or hydrogen powered motorcycles also being eligible for grant support as they enter the marketplace - as a further way of encouraging non fossil-fuelled developments in the motorcycle world.
NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “With new grant support made available for electric cars, the Government now has the ideal opportunity to support zero Co2 motorcycling by both renewing and strengthening the grant framework for motorcycles next April, so providing proper support for riders who choose to make the switch to gasoline alternatives. Flexibility is needed for the motorcycle grant, so that the full range of alternatives, both currently available and also future products, can be supported in a technologically neutral way.
“The rise of illegally used high powered eBikes in recent years, particularly within the gig economy, is causing a great deal of concern given the safety implications of these bikes being used without registration, licences or insurance. The removal of the moped grant had a part to play in this and it makes sense on several levels for the Government to make legal electric mopeds more financially attractive to those on low incomes working within the gig economy - and also to vehicle dependent households where an electric moped would offer a sensible alternative to the car.”
The NMC is also concerned about the lack of clarity from the Government on the potential future phase out of new petrol-powered motorcycles. A consultation by the previous administration several years ago was followed by silence from the Department for Transport on the issue - who have still to indicate the intentions of the current administration. Carey-Clinch added: “This ongoing lack of clarity, with the Government having no clear official policy for motorcycles in this area, is resulting in continued uncertainty for motorcyclists and also right across the motorcycle sector at all levels. This, alongside a lack of movement on the road safety strategy, the motorcycle licensing review, integrated transport strategy and strategy towards motorcycling in general, adds to a general sense of inertia in Government.
Motorcycling is a key component in the future of transport, with the capability, if properly supported by Government, to reduce overall transport carbon emissions and improve journey times, whilst significantly reducing congestion across the UK’s towns and cities. The Government needs to recognise this and fully integrate motorcycling within core transport policy and as part of a new national motorcycle strategy. A small growth in motorcycle use would have a much greater benefit though not just enabling more cost effective personal mobility for commuting and leisure purposes, but also in cutting emissions , congestion and also pressure on scarce parking space”
ENDS.
Notes to Editors.
For further information or comment, please contact Craig Carey-Clinch craig@uknmc.org | 07979 757484
(Photo: Zero Motorcycles)
