Sir, – Your editorial on e-scooters (“Time for comprehensive action on e-scooters”) unfortunately furthers generalisations that do not accurately distinguish e-bikes from scramblers, e-mopeds and e-scooters.
An e-bike is designed for the electric motor to only provide power when you are pedalling, to a maximum speed of 25km/h. Any modification allowing for self-propulsion or greater speeds recategorises it as an e-moped.
E-bikes make cycling more appealing and, crucially, more accessible for disabled people, older people and people carrying children and additional loads. They encourage more people to cycle: an economically, environmentally, and socially beneficial activity.
Discussions of this subject should recognise the distinct role of e-bikes. While the Government should be facilitating more people to use them rather than considering bureaucratic and fiscal barriers. – Yours, etc,
RM Block
Dr RICHARD SCRIVEN,
Ballinlough,
Cork.
