Driving Instructors Affiliation recognises the intense issues raised right this moment by the Motorbike Business Affiliation (MCIA) concerning the upcoming expiry of the Plug‑in Motorbike Grant (PiMG) in April. From a coaching, security, and highway‑abilities perspective, we share the view that withdrawing help for L‑Class automobiles at this important second dangers undermining each Authorities coverage targets and lengthy‑time period progress throughout the transport sector.
L‑Class automobiles—notably mopeds, bikes, and different powered gentle automobiles—play an important position in offering reasonably priced, house‑environment friendly, low‑emission transport. They’re additionally the automobiles by which tens of 1000’s of latest riders every year start their coaching journey. Any disruption to the market immediately impacts coaching suppliers, learner confidence, and the pipeline of secure, certified highway customers.
Affect from a Coaching and Security Perspective
If the PiMG is allowed to lapse with out substitute, the implications will lengthen nicely past gross sales figures:
- Lowered availability of accessible entry‑stage electrical automobiles will slender choices for brand spanking new learners, notably youthful riders and people searching for reasonably priced commuting options.
- Coaching faculties will face uncertainty when planning fleet funding, as many have begun transitioning to electrical mopeds and bikes for Obligatory Fundamental Coaching (CBT) and early‑stage instruction.
- Progress on growing a security‑led electrical coaching ecosystem dangers stalling on the very second when clear requirements, constant car availability and market stability are most wanted.
- A contraction within the electrical market additionally dangers pushing potential riders towards unregulated or unlawful excessive‑powered e‑bikes and e‑scooters, the place no rider coaching, licensing, or security oversight exists.
The rider coaching sector subsequently stands firmly behind MCIA’s name for a 12‑month extension to the PiMG as an pressing first step. That is crucial to supply continuity and to keep away from a destabilising cliff edge that might have an effect on producers, coaching faculties, and learners alike.
Want for a Modernised, Match‑for‑Goal Scheme
We additionally help MCIA’s place that the grant should evolve to replicate right this moment’s market and the way forward for secure rider improvement. This contains:
- Reviewing the £10,000 worth cap, which now excludes many eligible electrical bikes fitted to submit‑CBT coaching and progressive licence pathways.
- Reinstating help for electrical mopeds, that are foundational for brand spanking new riders and important for delivering value‑efficient CBT programmes.
- Extending eligibility to L5, L6 and L7 automobiles, that are more and more related to city mobility, final‑mile supply, {and professional} rider coaching situations.
A modernised scheme wouldn’t solely maintain market progress however allow coaching suppliers to put money into the right combination of electrical automobiles, making certain learners acquire expertise on the machines that can dominate future roads.
Our Place
The Affiliation strongly helps evidence-led policymaking that promotes security, sustainability, and accessible rider improvement. Properly‑educated, assured riders are important to delivering the Authorities’s ambitions on clear air, congestion discount, and highway security.
The expiry of the PiMG with out substitute would ship the flawed message to new riders, to coaching suppliers, and to an trade already investing closely within the transition to zero emissions.
We subsequently echo MCIA’s name for:
- A direct extension of the Plug‑in Motorbike Grant, and
- A reformed, future‑proof framework that helps the complete variety of L‑Class automobiles and underpins a secure, steady, and sustainable coaching atmosphere.
The rider coaching group stands able to work with Authorities, MCIA, and trade companions to make sure any future help scheme strengthens the event of secure, expert, and environmentally accountable motorcyclists.
