Is doubling the power of e-bike motors a brilliant leap forward or a perilous misstep?

In a move that has sparked both applause and criticism, the UK government has decided to abandon its proposal to increase the maximum continuous power output of electric bike motors from 250W to 500W. This decision comes after a public consultation revealed significant opposition from key industry stakeholders.

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, have surged in popularity across the UK, offering an eco-friendly and efficient alternative to traditional transportation. The government’s recent proposal aimed to enhance this trend by doubling the permissible motor power to 500W, with the intention of encouraging wider adoption among individuals and businesses. However, the plan faced substantial resistance, leading to its eventual withdrawal.

The Proposal and Its Rationale

The Department for Transport (DfT) initiated a consultation in early 2024 to explore the possibility of increasing the legal power limit for e-bike motors. The primary objectives were:

• Boosting Adoption: By allowing more powerful motors, the government hoped to make e-bikes more appealing, particularly for tasks requiring extra power, such as cargo transport and navigating hilly terrains.
• Inclusivity: The proposal also considered the potential benefits for individuals with mobility issues, suggesting that higher-powered, throttle-assisted e-bikes could provide a viable transportation option without the need for pedalling.

Industry and Public Response

Despite the government’s intentions, the proposal was met with considerable opposition:

• Safety Concerns: Organisations like Cycling UK labelled the proposals as a “huge safety risk” to pedestrians and other cyclists. The fear was that more powerful e-bikes could lead to increased accidents and pose dangers on shared pathways.
• Regulatory Implications: The Bicycle Association (BA) and the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) argued that the changes were unnecessary and risky. They expressed concerns that allowing throttle-assisted e-bikes without pedalling could blur the line between bicycles and mopeds, potentially leading to stricter regulations for all e-bikes.
• Fire Hazards: Electrical Safety First highlighted the risk of battery fires, emphasising the need to ensure the safety of current e-bike batteries and accessories before considering an increase in power limits.

Government’s Decision

In light of the feedback, the government concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support the proposed changes. The DfT stated, “While we note the potential benefits to some individuals and organisations, there was a significant lack of evidence provided in response to the consultation to substantiate this.” Consequently, the government announced it would not proceed with the proposals at this time.

Case Study: The Perspective of Pedal Me

London-based e-cargo bike courier service, Pedal Me, offers a contrasting viewpoint. They argue that cargo bikes are “a potentially transformational technology” that is “much safer, more efficient, cleaner to share a city with.” However, they also note that these bikes are “hindered by a lack of power, especially in hilly areas.” This perspective underscores the potential benefits that higher-powered e-bikes could offer to businesses reliant on cargo transport, suggesting that the debate is far from one-sided.

“While the idea of more power and throttles may seem superficially attractive, we believe it cannot be introduced without putting at risk the electric cycle’s category status as ‘not a motor vehicle’.” – Bicycle Association

The government’s decision to maintain the current e-bike power limits reflects a cautious approach, prioritising safety and regulatory clarity over rapid innovation. While this move addresses immediate concerns, it also highlights the need for ongoing dialogue between policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public to navigate the complex balance between innovation and safety in the evolving landscape of electric transportation.