The consultation seeks views on the proposed changes, and any benefits or risks people think the changes may have

A welcome opportunity to feed back on LEV legislation has arisen in the UK. The British government proposes 2 changes to the regulations on electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs or e-cycles):

• to amend the legal definition of EAPCs, so that the maximum continuous power output of the electric motor is 500 watts instead of 250 watts
• to allow ‘twist and go’ EAPCs to have throttle assistance up to 15.5mph (25km/h) without the need for type approval

The proposal reasons that:

“E-cycles can address the problems of ill-health, air pollution, carbon emissions and congestion, which are caused by externalities in the transport market. Some groups of people (for example older people, disabled people or people with mobility impairments) and freight operators seeking to move heavier loads are less likely or able to cycle without the electrical assistance provided by e-cycles and e-cargo bikes. Since current regulatory standards limit the power of e-cycles, government intervention is necessary to address this”

The policy documents further acknowledge the role of EAPCs in contributing to active travel. improved air quality, and reduced traffic congestion. The benefits of increased power and throttle assistance are aligned with better accessibility for older riders, those with limited mobility, those in hilly areas, and those with greater loads such as freight and cargo riders.

This consultation closes at 11:59pm UTC on 25 April 2024.

View and respond to the consultation here.