MCIA Response to Government’s £650m Electric Car Grant: “Motorcycles Left Behind Again”
The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) welcomes today’s announcement by the Transport Secretary regarding the £650 million Electric Car Grant (ECG) – but warns that once again, L-Category vehicles have been completely excluded from a major government initiative to support zero emission transport.
While we recognise the Government’s commitment to supporting the automotive sector and accelerating the transition to electric vehicles, there is nothing in today’s announcement for zero emission motorcycles, scooters, or other L-Category vehicles – a sector that offers a vast, underutilised opportunity to decarbonise transport, ease congestion, and improve air quality.
MCIA CEO Comment:
“Today’s announcement sends a strong signal to car manufacturers and buyers – but once again, the Government has failed to recognise the enormous environmental and economic potential of zero emission L-Category vehicles.
With the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant set to end next April, and no alternative incentives on the table, there is now a serious policy gap. Electric motorcycles and scooters are already road-ready, affordable, and ideal for urban and last-mile personal and delivery transport – yet government support is vanishing just as it is expanding for cars.
We urgently call for a bespoke incentives programme for L-Category vehicles, both for consumers and businesses. These should include point-of-sale grants, zero emission zones access benefits, parking advantages, and charging support – especially for fleet, logistics, and delivery users where electrified light vehicles can make an immediate impact.
If this government is serious about net zero, levelling up transport, and tackling congestion, it cannot continue to ignore our sector.”
The MCIA has consistently outlined a comprehensive pathway for zero emission powered light vehicles through our Action Plan: “The Route to Net Zero”, and we remain ready to work with government to develop a tailored incentives package that reflects the unique value and versatility of the L-Category sector.
As it stands, however, today’s announcement is a missed opportunity to support one of the fastest, most flexible, and lowest-cost routes to sustainable and socially mobile transport.
MCIA (Motorcycle Industry Association) represents over 95% of the supply side of the industry; the manufacturers and importers of powered two wheelers (PTWs) and other PLVs (or L-Category vehicles), accessory and component suppliers and companies providing associated services.
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Examples and definitions of the different L-Category Vehicles (L1 to L7) can be found here.
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