Electric Motorcycle Subsidies: Policy Changes and Incentives in 2026

Electric motorcycle subsidies are changing fast - and if you’re thinking about buying one, you need to know what’s new.

In 2025, the UK government quietly rolled out its biggest update to electric two-wheeler support since 2020. The old £1,500 grant for electric motorcycles was replaced with a new, tiered system that rewards not just ownership, but how you use the vehicle. If you’re still waiting for a flat discount like the old days, you’re going to be surprised. The new rules don’t just hand out cash - they tie it to real behavior: charging at home, riding in low-emission zones, and even how often you replace an old petrol bike.

Back in 2023, buying an electric motorcycle meant you got a £1,500 grant off the sticker price. That was it. No strings. But by 2025, the Department for Transport realized most people were just using the grant to buy a more expensive model - not switching from a gas bike at all. So they rewrote the rules. Now, the grant only applies if you scrap a petrol or diesel motorcycle registered before 2015. If you’re trading in a 2018 Honda CBR600, you get nothing. But if you’re getting rid of a 2010 Yamaha R1, you’re eligible for up to £2,200.

How the new subsidy tiers work - and who qualifies

The current system has three levels of support, based on three clear criteria:

1. Scrap value - You must surrender a pre-2015 internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycle. Proof of destruction from a licensed scrapyard is required.
2. Range and battery size - Only bikes with a real-world range of 100 miles or more qualify. That means most entry-level models under £5,000 are now excluded.
3. Charging setup - You must install a home charger connected to a smart meter, and use it for at least 70% of your charging. A standard wall socket doesn’t count.

Here’s how the payout breaks down:

The smart charger requirement is new. It’s not just about convenience - it’s about grid load management. The government wants to avoid peak-hour charging spikes. If your charger reports usage data to the energy provider, you get the full amount. If you’re plugging into a regular outlet at a friend’s house, you don’t qualify.

What’s not covered - and why you might be turned down

Many people assume the subsidy applies to scooters, mopeds, or e-bikes. It doesn’t. The rules only cover motorcycles with a minimum 50cc engine displacement equivalent - meaning anything under 4kW output is excluded. That knocks out most Class 1 e-scooters and low-speed commuter bikes.

Also, you can’t stack this with local council grants. If your city offers an extra £500 for EVs, you have to pick one. The national subsidy is the only one you can claim, and it’s processed through the DVLA when you register the new bike. You can’t apply for both.

Another common mistake: thinking the grant applies to used electric bikes. It doesn’t. The subsidy is only for brand-new vehicles registered for the first time in the UK. Even if you buy a 2024 model from a dealer’s floor, it has to be your first registration. No exceptions.

How to apply - and what documents you need

The process is entirely digital now. You can’t walk into a dealership and get cash on the spot. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Scrap your old bike at a licensed facility. Get the End-of-Life Vehicle Certificate - this is non-negotiable.
2. Buy your new electric motorcycle. Keep the original invoice and VAT receipt.
3. Install a smart charger (like a Pod Point or Wallbox) and link it to your energy supplier’s app. Take a screenshot of your usage stats for the first 30 days.
4. Go to the gov.uk electric motorcycle grant portal and upload: the scrap certificate, invoice, charger installation proof, and a photo of the new bike’s VIN plate.
5. Wait 10-14 days. If approved, the grant hits your bank account directly - not the dealer.

Dealers don’t handle the grant anymore. That’s by design. The government wants to make sure the subsidy actually goes to the buyer, not inflated into the price tag.

Why the policy shifted - and what it means for the market

The old system was too easy to game. A 2022 study by the University of Leeds found that 68% of people who claimed the £1,500 grant were already planning to buy an electric bike - they weren’t switching from petrol. The subsidy wasn’t reducing emissions; it was just lowering the price for people who would’ve gone electric anyway.

The new rules force real change. In the first six months after the update, scrap numbers for pre-2015 bikes jumped 210%. That’s the real win. The government isn’t just trying to sell more electric bikes - it’s trying to remove older, dirtier ones from the road.

Manufacturers are responding. Zero Motorcycles and Evoke are now offering trade-in programs that match the subsidy. If you bring in a 2012 Kawasaki Ninja, they’ll handle the scrapping and give you £2,200 off the new bike - all in one step. That’s the kind of support that actually moves the needle.

What’s coming next - and how to stay ahead

The 2026 budget hints at even tighter rules. By 2027, the government may require all subsidized electric motorcycles to have V2G (vehicle-to-grid) capability - meaning your bike can feed power back into your home during peak hours. That’s already standard in some European models like the Energica Experia.

Also, look out for regional bonuses. Bristol, London, and Manchester are testing extra incentives for riders who use electric bikes for commuting. If you log 50+ rides per month on a government-approved app, you could get £100 cashback on your energy bill. It’s not national yet - but it’s coming.

If you’re waiting for the perfect deal, don’t. The subsidy window is closing fast. The £2,200 tier is only available until December 2026. After that, the grant drops to £1,500 across the board - and the scrap requirement may expand to include bikes up to 2018.

Is an electric motorcycle right for you?

Let’s be honest - this isn’t for everyone. If you ride 300 miles a week on the motorway, the range anxiety is real. Even the best models still take 45 minutes to charge to 80% on a fast charger. But if you’re commuting 20 miles a day, running errands, or living in a city with low-emission zones, this is the smartest move you can make.

And here’s the kicker: maintenance costs drop by 60%. No oil changes. No air filters. No clutch replacements. Over five years, that’s over £2,000 saved - not counting fuel. The subsidy isn’t just a discount. It’s the start of a cheaper, cleaner ride.