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If proposed e-bike legislation is passed in the assembly later today, electric bicycles will legally be allowed to be used on public roads here without the need to register, tax or insure them. Up until now a moped license was required to ride one along with registering, taxing and insuring them.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon is bringing the new electric bike legislation to the assembly today as the Minister explains “On 4 February I announced my intention to bring forward legislation to encourage use of electric bikes by removing the requirement for them to be registered, licensed and insured. I am delighted to bring this legislation to the Assembly today. If affirmed the legislative change will remove the prohibitive barriers and allow electric bikes to be used on public roads.
“This will be an important step to encourage more people regardless of age or physical ability to take up cycling to improve their health and wellbeing which has taken on more importance since the outbreak of COVID-19. I hope that the Assembly can support me and send a clear message to the people of Northern Ireland, that we must change the way we live not only in the midst of this crisis, but to also tackle the climate crisis, reshaping our world and opening new opportunities that enhance our communities and our wellbeing.
“As we move towards the recovery phase of this emergency, using electric bikes to travel to work or for recreational purposes would provide an opportunity for people to consider an alternative way to travel or enjoy their daily exercise. I recently announced the creation of a Walking and Cycling Champion within my Department and a key role for them will be to ensure that we deliver our commitment to increase the percentage of journeys made by walking and cycling.
Minister Mallon continued “By cutting down on traffic congestion, and reducing air pollution, we will also improve the quality of life for everyone in Northern Ireland. In my Department I’m doing all that I can to protect our communities from the impact of COVID-19, but I’m also looking forward, towards building a better future where people are at the heart of place shaping and spaces are designed to transform lives. Greener, cleaner, healthier and happier people and places must be our aim as we learn to live with this new normal during and after COVID-19.”
Describing the move as a welcome boost, Sustrans Interim Director Stephen Martin said: “This new legislation is long overdue and would be a welcome boost for cycling in Northern Ireland. Cycling is already being embraced during this pandemic and this would enable many more people to try cycling. E-bikes help more people get out of their cars and to travel in a more green and active way. We know e-bikes are particularly appealing to older people, those less able and residents in hillier areas or with long commutes. It is vital this potential development is supported by safe infrastructure for cycling. We hope to see the pop-up cycle lanes the Minister referred to last week quickly implemented.”
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MLA Cathal Boylan has welcomed the move today to make e-bikes more accessible to the public by removing regulatory burdens but has stressed that the expansion of active travel infrastructure must be pursued.
The Newry and Armagh MLA stated “E-bikes will help make cycling more attractive to a much wider audience such as those who have to travel longer distances or who couldn’t make their journey on a traditional bike.
“However, there is a wider opportunity at this present moment to really step up our commitment to sustainable transport.
“I welcome the initiative by the minister to appoint a walking and cycling champion however this needs to be followed through with real delivery.
“Cities across the world, Dublin included, have implemented ‘pop up’ cycle lanes as a way to improve safety and social distancing during COVID-19 and it’s time the north joins in.
“Prioritising the uptake of walking and cycling means investing in a sustainable future. It means tackling congestion and air pollution as well as improving public health both physically and mentally.
"Awareness and participation in active travel has grown during the COVID-19 crisis and legislation on e-bikes is to be welcomed in that context.
"Other important legislative responses are required from the Dept for Infrastructure to look at in the context of COVID-19, such as planning permission, and we will continue to hold the Infrastructure Minister to account with regard to decisions and action that needs to be taken."
