UK Scrappage Pilot Scheme for Electric Scooters Begins

The Government’s scrappage scheme for cars has enjoyed a great deal of success on the British market in 2010, so it was only natural that one day a similar move will be initiated for motorbikes and scooters. This time however, the UK Government is not involved in the process, as e-motive has decided to run the scrappage scheme all by itself.

The electric scooter company is to pilot ‘Ride Green’, its own version of the scheme, during February and March at its BVM-Moto dealer, and if successful will be rolled-out across the country.

Specifically, anyone with a motorcycle or scooter with a current MOT – any age or condition - can part exchange it and receive a £500 allowance against the purchase price of a new e1 or e3 e-motive electric scooter.

An e-motive scooter is said to offer running costs of just 1 penny per mile. It reportedly requires little more than an electric charge every 70 miles (113 km) from a domestic electrical supply, and it needs no fuel, oil or spark plugs. Additionally, apart from the tires, it is virtually maintenance free.

“At around 1 penny per mile, an e-motive scooter is cheaper than taking the bus!  It provides all the benefits of ‘go when you like’ personal transport without the hassle, while also doing your bit for the environment,” said Paul Williams, managing director of e-motive’s importer, Koelliker UK. “With petrol prices now nudging £1.30p/litre, and the cost of public transport and car parking on the rise, an increasing number of people are beginning to explore how they can travel more economically.”

Some of the example prices, as released by e-motive, are listed below:

Model	Retail price	Less scrappage allowance	You pay
e1 Silicone 2000w	£1,399	(£500)	£899
e1 Lithium 2000w	£1,999	(£500)	£1,499
e1+ 3000w	£2,249	(£500)	£1,749
e3 4000w	£2,999	(£500)	(£500)