This is a trade facing website. Visit the ACT's consumer site thecyclingexperts.co.uk for information and advice on cycling and find your local independent cycle retailer.

Search News

Results: 1-10 of 938


14 Mar 2025

UK governing body British Cycling has announced a four-year strategy to "reinforce Britain’s position as a world-leading cycling nation", including improving access to cycling across the...

12 Mar 2025

Towns and cities across Britain are already seeing a wave of closures as independent businesses shut their doors ahead of April’s triple tax burden, including those in the cycling retail...

5 Mar 2025

New research has revealed a recent uptick in UK consumer confidence, leading to increased hiring by businesses, with the retail sector responding positively to signs of economic resilience.

4 Mar 2025

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a fresh warning about the dangers of UPP e-bike batteries, urging consumers to stop using them immediately.

28 Feb 2025

Independent cycling retailer and ACT member Velo Fit has become the first to stock a new brand of bikes focused on combining quality and affordability.

26 Feb 2025

ACT parent company Bira has cautiously welcomed Labour's Crime and Policing Bill but is calling for urgent action and immediate funding to address the surge in retail crime affecting independent...

19 Feb 2025

Electric cargo bike firm Zedify is set to enter administration following a failed search for new funding, after aiming to be active in 50 cities over the next few years.

18 Feb 2025

Halfords has upgraded its profit expectations for 2025 following a strong end to 2024, signalling a possible boost for the wider cycling retail sector after a difficult period.

17 Feb 2025

A £291m funding package from Active Travel England is set to be used for cycle lanes and improved junctions, while also supporting local businesses and making it easier to cycle to work,...

14 Feb 2025

The UK Government has removed anti-dumping tariffs on non-folding e-bikes imported from China in a move that has raised alarm within the UK’s cycling industry over potential market...

Back to news menu

Government rejects 500w e-Bike proposal and suggested changes to throttle assistance after consultation

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

The UK Government has decided not to go ahead with proposals to increase the maximum power output of e-Bikes to 500W and to permit throttle assistance following a lengthy consultation process.

Bike 500W

The proposals were part of a consultation that began in February 2024 under the Smarter Regulation programme. 2,121 responses were submitted, including 57 from key stakeholder organisations including local authorities, police forces, and active travel groups, with a “significant majority” of the main stakeholders opposing the changes.

The increase in the power of electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPC) from 250W to 500W and allowing 'twist and go' throttle assistance up to 15.5 mph was suggested by the Government to make EAPCs more accessible, particularly for individuals in hilly areas, those less physically fit, and for e-cargo bike users transporting heavy loads.

Despite recognising potential benefits, the government highlighted a lack of evidence supporting the proposals and concerns about increased safety risks, such as more severe injuries in collisions involving more powerful EAPCs.

The Department for Transport said in the consultation outcome: "While the difference between the overall number of respondents being in favour and those not in favour was relatively small, this was not the case with main stakeholder organisations, with the vast majority opposing the proposals.

“Fundamentally, while we note the potential benefits to some individuals and organisations, there was a significant lack of evidence provided in response to the consultation to substantiate this… as a result of this, we will not take forward the proposals that were consulted upon.”

The Government also stated in its consultation outcome that it has not ruled out revisiting the proposed changes in the future, however the report noted that further research is necessary to in order to justify implementing the proposals.

Mark Sutton, Founding Editor of Cycling Electric, said: “From an industry standpoint, it’s unlikely that manufacturers would view any potential 500W e-bike adjustment warmly and indeed there is reference within to a legislative divergence isolating the UK as a trading partner.

“There has been a concerted effort by the electric bike industry to maintain the status of the electric bike as a bicycle and actually limit the power and speed to the current 250W and 15.5mph metrics. This, it’s felt by leading manufacturers, is more than enough for most riders and puts the e-bike in alignment with cycles, thus making them suitable for using on cycle paths and roads. was limited evidence provided to support these claims.”

The e-Bike Positive campaign, launched last year by the ACT and other key cycling organisations, aims to promote the positive aspects of e-bike usage and to ensure fair and accurate reporting of e-bike-related news. To find out more, click here.

You can join our list of e-bike positive retailers by signing our pledge here.

Back to news menu

Useful links

If you have any other queries please contact us.