Electric Vehicles

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2023

Tuesday, 31 January 2023

Ceisteanna (197)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

197. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport if, in consultation with the Minister for Transport, he will consider the introduction of a motor scrappage scheme whereby on the scrapping of an old petrol or diesel car, the motorist would receive a grant to purchase an electrical bike up to the value of €4,000; if his attention has been drawn to a scrappage scheme, similar to this, which has been introduced in France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3996/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport

The Department is continuously exploring ways to encourage the uptake of cycling as a mode of transport. The popularity of e-bikes is growing and they serve to encourage an even wider demographic of potential cyclists to choose an active mode of transport over the private car. 

I was pleased to see the thresholds for the Cycle to Work scheme increased by the Minister for Finance in Budget 2021 to include e-bikes and, in the most recent Budget, cargo bikes; however it is noted that this scheme is not open to those who are not engaged in work. Initiatives such as a scrappage scheme such as that introduced in France have merit, but must be assessed in order to achieve maximum impact and value for money.

The Department will continue to undertake research into the best possible interventions which could be introduced to encourage modal shift away from private car and encourage an uptake in e-bike usage across all demographics.