Government rejects 500w e-Bike proposal and suggested changes to throttle assistance after consultation
Government rejects 500w e-Bike proposal and suggested changes to throttle assistance after consultation
Posted on 31 Jan 2025
The UK Government has decided not to go ahead with proposals to increase the maximum power output of e-Bikes to 500W and to permit throttle assistance following a lengthy consultation process.
The proposals were part of a consultation that began in February 2024 under the Smarter Regulation programme. 2,121 responses were submitted, including 57 from key stakeholder organisations including local authorities, police forces, and active travel groups, with a “significant majority” of the main stakeholders opposing the changes.
The increase in the power of electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPC) from 250W to 500W and allowing 'twist and go' throttle assistance up to 15.5 mph was suggested by the Government to make EAPCs more accessible, particularly for individuals in hilly areas, those less physically fit, and for e-cargo bike users transporting heavy loads.
Despite recognising potential benefits, the government highlighted a lack of evidence supporting the proposals and concerns about increased safety risks, such as more severe injuries in collisions involving more powerful EAPCs.
The Department for Transport said in the consultation outcome: "While the difference between the overall number of respondents being in favour and those not in favour was relatively small, this was not the case with main stakeholder organisations, with the vast majority opposing the proposals.
“Fundamentally, 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… as a result of this, we will not take forward the proposals that were consulted upon.”
The Government also stated in its consultation outcome that it has not ruled out revisiting the proposed changes in the future, however the report noted that further research is necessary to in order to justify implementing the proposals.
Mark Sutton, Founding Editor of Cycling Electric, said: “From an industry standpoint, it’s unlikely that manufacturers would view any potential 500W e-bike adjustment warmly and indeed there is reference within to a legislative divergence isolating the UK as a trading partner.
“There has been a concerted effort by the electric bike industry to maintain the status of the electric bike as a bicycle and actually limit the power and speed to the current 250W and 15.5mph metrics. This, it’s felt by leading manufacturers, is more than enough for most riders and puts the e-bike in alignment with cycles, thus making them suitable for using on cycle paths and roads. was limited evidence provided to support these claims.”
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