E. Bikes

Came across this on the BBC website (N.I.) in the daily update on Coronavirus page.

“A former NI environment minster has welcomed moves to encourage a new type of cyclist here during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Earlier on Tuesday, MLAs unanimously passed the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations - that means some electric bikes, or e-bikes, can be used on public roads without the need for registration or licensing during the COVID-19 restrictions.”

About time too. Nice to see they have time for normal business, but I wonder how long it would have taken without this crisis.

Davy

I expect that it is a temporary regulation, but the fact that it has been enacted should lead to a permanent law in due course. At least now the door is ajar and it will be next to impossible to close again if lots of bikes are sold. Difficult to see them going a separate route to the rest of Europe on this, particularly since climate change is likely to be a driver for further development. Many radial roads in Belfast now have dedicated bus lanes, so commuting could be encouraged fairly safely and quickly.
I seem to recall reading in the last year that the European Commission intends to legislate and regulate further on e bikes, although with the popularity of e scooters and boards booming I reckon it would be hard to police.
Anyway if Stormont are as quick about repealing the regulation as they were at getting to this point, I for one will probably be on a mobility scooter instead.

Davy