Minister reveals plans to legalise electric bikes over 15mph

Wednesday 22 May 2024

Plans to legalise electric bicycles with a top speed above the current limit have been revealed by the Infrastructure Minister, who also confirmed that he has no plans to change the law on electric scooters.

Deputy Andy Jehan said during oral questions in the States Assembly yesterday that he considered that a focus on e-bikes would represent a greater use of resources at present.

Jersey law on e-bikes matches the legal position in the UK and the EU, requiring assistance from the motor to cut out at 15.5mph.

Deputy Jonathan Renouf said it was “strange” that electric scooters were being used on public roads in Jersey, but the Minister had no plans to regulate them.

Deputy Jehan said that enforcement was a matter for the police and the Home Affairs Minister, adding that the focus was on moving towards legalising electric bikes that went over 15mph, and getting number plates for them, as in other jurisdictions such as Switzerland.

While applauding the move regarding e-bikes, Deputy Renouf questioned why e-scooters would not be included at this stage.

Deputy Jehan said this was a matter of resources, adding that enforcement action was taken over e-scooters with some machines having been confiscated.

He said there were "significant concerns" around safety, infrastructure and enforcement in relation to e-scooters, and that he would monitor developments in other jurisdictions.

New laws on electric scooters which came into place this week in Ireland were mentioned by Deputy Steve Ahier, who said Irish law now imposed speed restrictions, the requirement for a horn or other "audible warning device" and bans on carrying passengers and use by under-16s.

Deputy Jehan said he would "highly recommend" the use of helmets by all those who used bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters or skateboards, adding that he hoped islanders who typically used cars to get to work would embrace Alternative Transport Week by seeking different means of travel.