The House of Lords Committee on Environment and Climate Change released a report on the UK’s electric vehicle strategy last month. Perhaps unsurprisingly, there’s little comment on motorcycles in the report, which focuses on the much larger problem of private cars. Powered light vehicles get a few hundred words, which mostly focus on e-scooters, e-bicycles and two-seater micro-cars like the Citroen Ami.
Overall, the report highlighted the usual concerns: not enough charging points, electric cars being too expensive for many people, and other issues, including recycling, battery production facilities, and government incentives for the sector.
The Motor Cycle Industry Association responded, despite the report’s relative paucity of two-wheeled content. The MCIA had provided written evidence to the committee and is listed in the witness section. Commenting on the report itself, CEO Tony Campbell (right) said: “I welcome the report’s call for regulatory updates, ensuring the safety of micromobility and aligning them with advancements in developing L-Category technologies. Micromobility and L-Category vehicles are pivotal for sustainable transport, but they should complement, not compete. Adopting ‘the right vehicle for the right journey’ is vital for environmental and urban mobility goals.
“However, the current state of play favours unregulated micromobility options, lacking licence requirements, insurance, or PPE, posing a challenge to the already well-established and highly regulated L-Category sector, especially in last mile delivery. Illegally tampered e-step scooters or e-bikes are now easier and cheaper to access than ever before, more often than not without police interference. No longer is it a level playing field.
“The MCIA has urged the government to bring forward its promised Future of Transport Bill, addressing emerging micromobility safety concerns and modernising regulations for the evolving transport mix of tomorrow. This move will unlock the full potential of our sector, fostering innovation, technological progress, and job creation. Failing to do so would stifle growth and hinder our collective progress.”