The UK motorcycle market is facing an “avoidable cliff edge” according to the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA).
The reason for the concern is the approaching expiry of the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant, or PiMG, which provides government subsidies on the purchases of electric motorcycles.
PiMG is due to expire in April, and no replacement has yet been announced.
The MCIA warns that the expiry of the PiMG without a replacement scheme would create disruption in the motorcycle market as the sales of electric bikes would decrease and manufacturer confidence in the UK motorcycle market would decline. Additionally, it says that a decrease in electric motorcycle sales would consequently lead to a slowing of progress on congestion and air quality, as well as providing “increased space for unsafe, illegal e-scooters and high-powered e-bikes to proliferate”.
To avoid this, the MCIA wants the government to extend the PiMG by at least 12 months and to increase the threshold for eligibility for the grant past the current limit of £10,000, which, it says, “now excludes a significant proportion of zero emission motorcycles”. Further, the MCIA wants L5, L6, and L7 vehicles to be included in the grant.
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“We are facing a clear and avoidable cliff edge,” said MCIA CEO Tony Campbell.
“If the PiMG expires without replacement, our sector will be the only personal use transport mode without support – sending the wrong signal at the wrong time.
“As a minimum, the Government must extend the PiMG for at least another 12 months to provide stability.
“But this is an opportunity to take a more strategic approach – modernising outdated thresholds, reinstating mopeds and recognising the role of L6 and L7 vehicles in urban logistics and local mobility.
“The Government is rightly focused on growth, clean air and affordable mobility. Our vehicles directly support all three. At a time when spending must work harder, these vehicles offer one of the most cost-effective transition tools available
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“This is not about subsidy for its own sake. This is about making proportionate, evidence-led policy choices that deliver growth, confidence and cleaner cities.”
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