ways2work > How to do it > Re-thinking commuting > What we could do differently > Motorcycling for work

Motorcycling for work

ways2work has published an advisory note called Motorbikes in Business which can be viewed here. We recommend this document as your starting point. The version displayed will is dated 2009 - to access the 2011 version please join ways2work as a member (this is free). 

Motorcycling and safety

Some employers perceive scooters and motorcycles as dangerous and are concerned for their employees’ safety. Scooter and motorcycle riders are vulnerable and have the highest average casualty rates of any form of transport. However for many people this is a popular and practical way to commute and travel on business and it is very important that riders are fully supported in organisational travel plans. More detailed information on safety is available in the advisory note.

Supporting motorcyclists

In summary, here are a few things you can do to ensure that your motorcycling employees are well-catered for:

  • Motorcycling Users’ Group – consider setting up a ‘MUG’ so you can meet with your motorcycling colleagues to discuss their needs
  • Provision of safe and secure parking - This should be well lit and ideally covered, with sturdy posts or stands for motorcycles and mopeds to be secured to
  • Provision of changing facilities/storage for equipment e.g. motorcycle helmets – provide lockers for equipment, changing rooms, showers and drying areas. These facilities can be the same as used by cyclists and walkers
  • Promotion - To support employees, especially those considering motorcycling for the first time, it helps to provide information about suppliers and training. You could potentially agree preferential rates with suppliers
  • Training - Appropriate training is vital to ensure riders are safe on their bikes. To protect employees, you should consider offering additional or refresher training. Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) ensures that the training is delivered by good quality trainers and follows a competence-based syllabus tailored to the needs of individual riders. Trainers delivering ERS must be on DSA’s register of quality assured post test trainers. For more information click here.
  • Interest-free loans - consider interest-free loans for employees wishing to travel by motorcycle/moped for commuting or business trips. Loans can be provided tax-free up to a value of £5,000

Motorcycles and the environment

There is much debate regarding the environmental credentials of motorcycles and scooters and this is a complex subject due to the variety of vehicles available. As with cars and other motorised vehicles, levels of emissions vary according to a number of factors such as the type, engine size and age of the vehicle and how it is driven. EU emissions standards for motorcycles and scooters were first set in 1999 and great progress has been made in this time (from Euro 0 to Euro 3 and further proposals from the EC are awaited).

When thinking about motorcycles and scooters as a sustainable form of travel the following points should be considered:

  • Motorcycles can avoid congestion and spend less time idling in traffic which contributes to lower fuel use and reduced emissions
  • The European Motorcycle Industry (ACEM) research shows that scooters and motorcycles on average have a CO2 performance of 110g/km versus the new EU targets for cars (120 g/km) and motorcycles and scooters will tend to emit less than half of the CO2 of other motorised petrol or diesel fuelled vehicles
  • Emissions of oxides of nitrogen for scooters and motorcycles are on a par or lower than other motorised vehicles
  • Emissions of particulates and particularly hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide tend to compare less favourably with other vehicles
  • Increasingly stringent standards have reduced noise levels from newer motorcycles
  • ACEM and the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Association (FEMA) have launched a campaign to promote new, clean, synthetic oil. Using synthetic oil helps reduce emissions and wear and tear on engines to keep them running well for longer

Businesses and riders can now invest in a new generation of electric motorbikes. Although their range is limited to about 40-50 miles, they are viewed as ideal for city use and commuting.

Greenpeace is using an electric motorcycle as an environmentally-friendly solution to tackling traffic in London. Its electric maxi scooter has a range of 68 miles and a top speed of 62 mph.

The bike – a Vectrix - is based at Greenpeace’s central London offices and is used to transport personnel and equipment to and from the River Thames where Greenpeace’s fleet of Rigid Hull inflatable Boats is based. The bike also makes trips to the charity’s Harlow-based storage location, and takes transport film and photography from Greenpeace events to the media in London.

Frank Hewetson, actions coordinator, Greenpeace, said. “The Vectrix enables us to cut our car usage and as a result reduce our carbon emissions. The bike is perfect for quick trips around Central London and for taking people to Whitehall for meetings or for picking up tools and equipment which are too large for a pushbike but not big enough to justify using a car.”

To ensure minimal environmental impact, Greenpeace mainly powers the Vectrix from 50 PhotoVoltaic solar panels on the roof of its building.

Staff undergo rigorous training before they are allowed to use the motorbike, particularly focused on the hazards of London driving.


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