Electric motorbikes and scooters 2020

Electric motorcycles in one form or another are beginning to take hold in the market, not only in the private sector, but also in the business sector. Noted for their zero emissions at point of use, they are making an awful lot of sense for city travelling, not only because of traffic issues, but also with people reluctant to travel on public transport during COVID. Types vary from the traditional 50cc equivalent moped type with a maximum speed of about 28mph and a range of about 90 miles at around ￡2000 to the high end specialist market at around ￡29,000 for a machine that will travel for 150 miles and go from 0-60 in under three seconds. Suppliers are still relatively scarce, but more are coming online all the time. Charging times (around 4-6 hours) are not as high as fully electric cars as the bikes have a relatively small battery (or batteries), but still take longer than a fill up at the pumps! The cost of the charge however, is around 30 pence for 90 miles motoring. Some of the bikes have an ace up their sleeve as well. Removable batteries. So, if your courier/delivery vehicle runs out of juice on a particularly busy shift, you can simply haul out one set of batteries and drop a fresh set in in seconds while the other go back on charge. Now that moves things on a bit. Especially as they can usually be charged via a standard household socket. They can also come with USB connection and Bluetooth capability built in. Security is high priority and most are appropriately Association of British Insurers security rated. There are even some models with optional top boxes etc for delivery riders. Maintenance costs should be low as there is not a lot to go wrong and there are government grants to encourage purchase. Insurers are gradually warming to electric motorcycles, although they are still a relatively new thing and not all insurers will want to quote, so choice of insurer may be restricted. Aside from that, all the usual covers are available such as Comprehensive or Third Party Fire and Theft.

E Scooters These are the little things that you often see zooming around suburban streets, both on roads and pavements. They look like the traditional child's scooter and are capable of speeds up to 15.5mph and can have a range of up to about 30 miles. There is also a growing trade in “tuning up” these machines to speeds approaching 30mph. However, these vehicles are all illegal in the UK on public roads, save for the government advice as below. Enforcement seems to be haphazard at present.

The government has begun trials of e-scooters. Trials are for approved rental e-scooters only. The rules for private e-scooters and other powered transporters have not changed and are as follows. If you use an e-scooter illegally, you could face a fine and penalty points on your licence, and the e-scooter could be impounded.