There’s no denying that electrification is reshaping the way we move, especially now that the push toward cleaner, more efficient transportation is finally starting to take hold. Governments around the world have gotten the message, and many have backed it up with serious money. The UK’s latest move is a prime example: a new £650 million (roughly $840 million) grant package aimed at getting more people into electric vehicles.
But here's the catch. That money? It’s going straight to cars. Not motorcycles. Not scooters. Just cars.
And that’s raised more than a few eyebrows, especially from the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), which sees the move as a missed opportunity. In fact, they’re calling it just that. MCIA CEO Tony Campbell made it clear: if the government is serious about reducing emissions and improving transport equity, then electric two-wheelers should be part of the plan. And right now, they’re not.
The MCIA's frustration isn't just philosophical—it’s practical. Electric motorcycles and scooters offer a real-world solution to many of the problems we associate with urban transport. They're smaller, cheaper, and more nimble than cars. They take up less road space, are easier to park, and generally use far less energy. In densely packed cities like London, they could play a huge role in cutting congestion and cleaning up the air.
But policies don’t always keep pace with reality. In the UK, there is a separate program for electric two-wheelers called the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant. Sounds promising, but here’s the rub: it’s scheduled to end in April 2026, and there’s no replacement lined up. On top of that, the amount of support is modest, maxing out at just £500 (around $650) for most eligible bikes, and even less for low-speed models like scooters and mopeds. By comparison, electric cars in the UK get thousands in incentives, plus exemptions from certain taxes and fees.
So while the car market enjoys another big boost, electric motorcycles and scooters are stuck in the margins, with their one and only support scheme on the way out. And if you’re a small business doing urban deliveries, a commuter trying to ditch gas, or just someone who wants a more efficient way to get around town, that’s not great news.
The MCIA isn’t asking for preferential treatment; they just want electric two-wheelers to be taken seriously. They’re calling for point-of-sale grants, better access to charging, and incentives like priority lane access or reduced tolls in city centers. It's the kind of support that could shift the needle and make electric bikes and scooters a more appealing option for more people.
And frankly, that’s something every country grappling with traffic and pollution should be thinking about. Because electrification isn’t just about cars. It’s about giving people more ways to move efficiently, and making sure policies reflect that. Because right now, two wheels are still getting the short end of the plug.
Sources: Motorcycle News, VisorDown
