With many turning to electric-powered vehicles, you might be seriously debating whether you should get your hands on an electric motorcycle. Of course, one of the main causes for concern is whether you’ll be able to find a charging point in between rides that’ll charge your vehicle quickly enough. Well, if that’s what’s holding you back, we have some good news: the EV homecharge scheme recently got extended to include larger motorcycles too. Read on to find out more.
On the fence about an electric motorcycle?
If you’re worried about the upfront costs of an electric motorbike, the electric vehicle homecharge scheme (EVHS) can help to reduce these fairly significantly, while giving you the peace of mind that your motorbike will be charged for your next journey. Couple this with the government’s plug-in grant, which pays up to 20% towards the purchase price of your motorcycle (up to £1,500), and the costs involved with choosing an electric motorbike are significantly reduced.
What do I need to be eligible for EVHS?
At the moment, only larger motorcycles are eligible on this scheme. This includes bikes like the Harley-Davidson Livewire and other larger EV motorbikes. It doesn’t matter if you’ve purchased the bike new or second hand.
You’ll also have to be the registered keeper of the vehicle and a resident of the property where you want to install the charging point. Any third-party permissions will need to be obtained before the chargepoint can be installed. This will be particularly important if you’re renting or leasing the property as you’ll need to get permission from the managing agent or landlord.
You’ll also need dedicated private off-street parking, either on the property or separate. This will have to accommodate your electric motorcycle so it can be charged safely.
The chargepoint should also be installed by an electrician registered with the government-approved Electrical Competent Person’s scheme, and the chargepoint must be selected from the approved chargepoint model list on the government’s website.
Why is this a good option?
Whilst electric motorbike can be charged at a normal plug point in your home, often the charge times for these vehicles can be high, with most taking around six to eight hours for a full charge. This is particularly high for larger electric motorcycles, which tend to have a higher range, and therefore a larger battery, than smaller scooters and mopeds. With a dedicated chargepoint you can usually achieve a higher current, which will help charge your vehicle faster.
This is the main reason why many believe the electric vehicle homecharge scheme is so helpful. The grant knocks off up to 75% (capped at £350) from the associated purchasing and installation costs involved with buying a chargepoint.
Is there also a scheme for workplace chargepoints?
Yes, there is also OLEV’s workplace charging scheme, which was also updated alongside the government’s decision to add larger electric motorcycles to the scheme. Effective from 1st April 2020, the maximum number of chargepoint sockets allowed for each applicant has doubled from 20 to 40. Please note that this is across all sites for each applicant.
Like the homecharge scheme, once your application has been approved, you’ll need to use one of the workplace charging scheme’s authorised installers. You can find more information and how to apply on the government guidance page.
Are there any other ways to save money on electric vehicles?
Electric motorcycles are, in general, a relatively inexpensive option, as running costs tend to be a lot cheaper than their petrol or diesel counterparts. Whilst you might have to pay more upfront, your motorbike can be fully charged for around £2, making them a highly affordable choice in the long-run. You also won’t have to pay anything in tax for a completely electric motorcycle.
And if you’re looking for affordable insurance, we offer bespoke electric motorcycle insurance to meet your needs. Cover can be tailored to suit you, so whether you want to add additional cover for your helmet and leathers, optional breakdown cover, or insurance to ride any bike, we can help. This makes our insurance an extremely affordable option, even for young or convicted drivers, or those buying an imported electric motorbike.
Image credit: Harley-Davidson media library
