First electric plug-in motorcycle bought with government grant

Fred Murphy from Surrey is the first customer in the UK to have bought a plug-in motorcycle with the subsidy from the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles.

The grant goes towards the cost of a new electric vehicle and can see 35 per cent of the cost of the vehicle to be paid up to a maximum of £4,000, depending on the model. It aims to increase the uptake of electric vehicles.

Murphy bought the Zero FXS from dealership 21st Moto in Kent. It has a range of more than 60 miles and a top speed of 85mph. It costs the equivalent of a penny a mile.

The bike can be charged using a household three pin plug and has quicker charging options which reduced the charge time to two hours.

Prior to this, the subsidy has only been available for electric cars and vans, but now people wishing to purchase electric motorcycles and scooters are now eligible if they meet the criteria.