Views are being sought on electric bikes and scooters for a government survey.

A consultation launched last week is seeking views on a draft policy proposal to support the use of the emerging technology.

The consultation process will run for six weeks and conclude on Friday, March 12.

Minister for Infrastructure Tim Baker MHK said: ’With the emergence of higher-powered versions of e-bikes and e-scooters it makes perfect sense to take the opportunity to bring forward a clear policy to support and encourage the uptake of this low emission way of travelling.

’Applying the same rules to different classes of bicycle or scooter is no longer practical when you take into consideration the increased speeds of these newer machines.’

Cycle 360 at the Business Park, Braddan, is selling e-bikes and e-scooters.

Andy Brooks from the shop there said: ’There’s been an uptake in e-bikes over lockdown, more so than regular bikes - about a four-to-one ratio.

’E-bikes we have start at £1,900 and e-scooters from £900 onwards. They charge the same as e-bikes and the government grant, Cycle To Work, covers them as well.’

Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan MHK launched the scheme in 2017, where employees are provided with a bike and safety equipment up to the value of £1,000 by their employer for the purpose of cycling to and from work. They are exempt from paying tax on the bike.

In the UK, you can’t ride an e-scooter on a public road, cycle lane or pavement.

They can exceed 30mph, but many are limited to 15.5mph and are classified as personal light electric vehicles.

The consultation document is available to download at www.consult.gov.im