Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
159. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider offering a subsidy towards an e-bike for those who trade in their car in favour of the bike as has been introduced in France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43226/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is always examining options that will encourage the take up of cycling as part of the Budgetary process.
We are particularly interested in supporting greater numbers of cargo bikes and e-cargo bikes as well as e-bikes. Cargo bikes provide a real opportunity for people to stop using their cars, they are used for shopping and for bringing children to school and in congested areas can often be quicker than using the car.
E-bikes can help extend the range of journeys that people are prepared to take when cycling, cycling 10-15km on an e-bike requires a similar effort to cycling 5km on a regular bike. They can also assist where people don't have changing or shower facilities in their workplace as the effort involved is so much less.
We have previously supported greater take-up of e-bikes by providing a higher limit for e-bikes than for regular bikes in the Bike to Work scheme. We are also supporting workplaces to be as accommodating to staff cycling as possible through our Smarter Travel Workplaces programme.
We have noted the French scheme and other schemes around Europe that provide examples of the type of support we are looking to progress and I expect to be in a position to announce some similar initiatives as part of the Budget announcements.
