Plug-in grant for motorcycles changed...

[The Spin Doctor]

Hmm.

Anyone fancy doing the maths and working out if there are winners and losers?

Seems to me the aim is to encourage the manufacturers of smaller and less expensive bikes, and to avoid subsidising the purchase of the more luxury end of the market (Livewire, top-end Zeros and the 'vapourware' bikes like the Curtis that appeared here y'day), though the reduction in the max grant for mopeds to just £150 seems a bit stingy. I looked at Lexmoto's first leccie moped - a rather cute monkey bike actually - on my Elevenses webcast yesterday, and that will set you back just over £2k with the old grant. With the reduced grant, it'll go up around £400 instantly. That's a bit of a blow to the small electric commuter bike market which has been doing well during the pandemic.


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The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) has today condemned the government’s decision to change the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant’s rates and criteria without notice.

Unlike the automotive sector, the powered two-wheel sector does not benefit from the same suite of incentives that help to stimulate take up of zero-emission vehicles.

The Plug-in Motorcycle Grant has been instrumental in the 50 per cent increase of the L1 sector. The 90 per cent reduction in support announced today will therefore have a significant impact on the take-up of fully electric, zero-emission versions.

The changes are:

Grant rates changed from:
> 20% of purchase price up to £1,500 for Mopeds
> 20% of purchase price up to £1,500 for Motorcycles

To:
> 35% of purchase price up to £150 for Mopeds
> 35% of purchase price up to £500 for Motorcycles

Eligibility criteria changed:
> Moped and Motorcycle must cost less than £10,000. This is the recommended retail price including VAT and delivery fees.

Today’s announcement contradicts the government’s messages on the green recovery not being ‘car-led’ and the need to fully realise the potential of powered light vehicles and other L-Category products. However, the MCIA remains committed to working with the government to ensure these messages are upheld and delivered in the Action Plan it is working to finalise with Zemo Partnership on behalf of the sector.

Commenting on today’s announcement, MCIA CEO, Tony Campbell, said; “It is with great disappointment the government has today decided to drastically cut the level of support for moped and motorbikes, typically emitting zero or low-emissions.

“Today’s announcement comes as a hammer blow to consumers and businesses up and down the country who were, and are, fully behind the drive to zero-emission vehicles and a net-zero future.

“The MCIA will continue working on behalf of its members with government to ensure the right incentives are in place to guarantee the full realisation of our sector’s many benefits”.