Sir, – If press speculation is correct, then we will see a reduction in VAT on bikes from the current 23 per cent to 13.5 per cent in the upcoming budget.
It is great to see the construction of new safe bicycle lanes throughout our cities and suburbs.
Though disruptive to car drivers, including myself, having a decent network of safe cycle lanes will greatly increase the chance that people will really consider cycling as an alternative to the car for their daily commute.
The advent of electric bikes greatly extends the range that daily commuters will consider cycling. On a regular bike 5km was reasonable. With an electric bike this extends to 10km or even 15km. However, they don’t come cheap!
If the Government is serious about encouraging more green alternative forms of transport, could they please consider removing VAT in total from standard and electric bikes and associated equipment? – Yours, etc,
PAUL FINLAY,
Dublin 18.