Plan to double power of e-bikes presents ‘huge safety risk’, charity says
The Department for Transport (DfT) is consulting on doubling their maximum power from 250 watts to 500 watts.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Safety fears have been raised over Government plans to permit electric bikes to become twice as powerful.
The Department for Transport (DfT) is consulting on doubling the maximum power of the devices in Britain from 250 watts to 500 watts.
There is also a proposal to remove the requirement for e-bike motors to only provide assistance when the user is pedalling.
They would blur the line between e-bikes and electric motorbikes
Sarah McMonagle, director of external affairs at charity Cycling UK, said: “These proposals present a huge safety risk to pedestrians and others who cycle.
“The dramatically increased power would mean faster acceleration and much heavier bikes, which we’re really concerned about.
“E-cycles with no pedal requirement would also reduce the health benefits of e-cycling – in essence, they would blur the line between e-bikes and electric motorbikes.”
Under the plans, e-bike motors would still cut out once a speed of 15.5mph is reached.
But the consultation document acknowledges that increasing the maximum power would result in e-bikes that have been “tampered with” – enabling their motors to continue running – to reach higher speeds.
The proposal is aimed at increasing usage of e-bikes as part of Government efforts to promote active travel.
Ms McMonagle added: “The Government has stated that the proposed changes would make e-cycles more attractive, yet the most commonly cited reason for people not cycling is that they don’t feel safe.
“E-cycles are also prohibitively expensive for many people.
“We fully agree with the Government’s goal to get more people to enjoy the benefits of e-cycles, but believe the way to do that effectively is to invest in high-quality infrastructure and provide financial assistance for those who need it.”