East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party MLA Roy Beggs who had been contacted by constituents from Larne and Carrickfergus has expressed his concern about delays in up-dating regulations governing the use of electrical bicycles that is inhibiting their use in NI and has contacted the Departmental of Infrastructure Permanent Secretary.
Mr Beggs MLA said “I had been contacted by constituents in Larne relating to the circumstances of Lynette McHendry, whose friends had raised around £2,000 for her to purchase an e-bike so she can cycle with her family and friends during her current illness. I was shocked to learn from constituents that Lynette was unable to get her electric bike following the retailers recognition that current NI regulations treated e-bikes in the same light as motorised vehicles. This means that you would require a driving license, insurance and a number plate to use the electrical bicycle in NI!”
The Department of Infrastructure has been responsible for the consultation to up-date the regulation since its creation in May 2016. Following the concerns raised with Mr Beggs about Lynette’s case in Larne, and from others in Carrickfergus, he contacted the Permanent Secretary urging that the department completes its part of the process.
Roy Beggs MLA said, “The problem could be quickly resolved if the Northern Ireland Executive was functioning and the Assembly could update the regulations governing electric bi-cycle’s.
However, Sinn Fein continue to block the re-establishment of a devolved Government in Northern Ireland and more and more local citizens are suffering as a result. Northern Ireland needs a functioning Government in place.”
