First government-subsidised electric bike takes to the road

The first electric motorcycle to be bought with the new ‘plug-in’ subsidy has taken to the roads of the UK today.

Fred Murphy, 48, a self-confessed petrolhead from Redhill in Surrey, has collected his Zero FXS from 21st Moto in Kent and in doing so became the first motorcyclist to benefit from the ‘plug-in’ subsidy.

The subsidy, which until recently was only available on cars and vans. will provide a grant of 20% up to a maximum of £1500, as long as the bike meets certain criteria. All Zero motorcycles are eligible for the grant.

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The Zero FXS has an average range of 60 miles, a top speed of 85mph and costs the equivalent of one penny per mile to power. It can be charged using a standard three pin plug, taking nine hours if you charge it at home and a faster time of two hours if plugged in at a charging station.

Mr Murphy said: “As an ‘electronics geek’ and an early adopter, I have always been interested in electric bikes and tried my first Zero back in 2012. So when the ‘plug-in’ grant finally came in, this was enough to justify my jump to electric.” 

Would you buy an electric bike? How do you feel about this grant? Comment below.

 

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