Businesses selling electric bikes across the island are appealing to transport officials for clearer information after the announcement of new regulations for owners.

At the end of next month, e-bike riders will be required to license themselves and their vehicles, secure appropriate insurance and make sure they are wearing certified helmets.

Failing to adhere could give police the power to seize bikes.

Industry bosses spoke to The Royal Gazette on Tuesday following the news. None had been contacted by the Government beforehand.

Businesses appear to agree that highly powered e-motos, capable of reaching 100km/h, should be subject to the new rules — but that requirements should not be as strict for slower e-bicycles, which have pedals and are speed restricted.

Since the announcement, phones have been ringing and e-mails have been arriving “non-stop” at Pedego in St George’s.

The business offers bikes for sale, rentals and guided tours.

Co-owner Daley Furbert said: “We don’t sell any e-motos; our bikes are e-bicycles. On the tour and rental company side, all of our bikes are already insured through Allshores.

“I’m hopeful an amendment will be made and it will be aligned with the US — that allows the owners [of e-bicycles] to operate them without the licensing. Insurance I think is important, but the licensing I think should be waived.”

“I do think it could have some detrimental effect on business, if there’s no amendment to the legislation.”

She added: “I do think there should have been some sort of meeting with the stakeholders in the industry so we could organise things and give information to customers.

“We have had calls and e-mails non-stop since [Tuesday] from people looking for more information.”

Luke Lindo, the owner of Dr EV, believes owners of lower-powered machines, who are already struggling with the cost of living, will be hit the hardest.

He said: “I don’t think it’s fair for the seniors who cannot afford a motorcycle or cannot afford to license a bike. They can barely afford to purchase an e-bike on their pension.

“I don’t think it’s fair for the people who are slightly visually impaired — they have to revert to an e-bike to commute.

“Or for the person recommended by a doctor to use an e-bike to get in shape. For them to have to license and insure something that they don’t use on a daily basis, it’s not viable.”

He added: “You also have a lot of foreign workers that come here who are having a hard time saving.

“This is supposed to be an economic mode of transport for people but that’s been taken away.”

He said: “I think they should just target the high-powered ones and allow ones that don’t go over 20mph.

“I don’t think the minister had much consideration for the businesses involved in this. He did not take time to speak to us.

“I’m not sure if the minister would be open to speaking with the stakeholders in this industry.”

“Nobody wants to get a no-insurance or no-licence ticket and have to go to court. A lot of people are going to dump their e-bikes,” Mr Lindo added.

“It’s going to reduce my servicing and the amount of sales I receive on a monthly basis.

“On the bright side, at last the high-powered ones will be able to get insured. They are the ones people are complaining about.”

Mr Lindo said he would need to consider shifting to selling electric motorcycles to keep his business going.

Dexter Swan, the logistics co-ordinator of Social Cycles, warned that changes could affect locals and tourists alike.

“The Government has not done any consulting, as far as their homework is concerned.

“Yesterday, when they had the news conference, we got inundated with phone calls.”

Mr Swan, who helps operate e-bike tours across the island, explained that e-motos do not work without the battery, while e-bikes do — as the rider can continue to pedal.

He is hopeful for clarification to be given in writing that distinguishes pedal-assisted e-bicycles and e-motos.

“Our customers have been going to TCD and they have not been getting the answers.

“The ministry did not interview anyone in the industry. Yesterday we were all in conversation with one another.

“Right now there are a lot of unanswered questions.”

The bottom line, Mr Swan said, was that the roads “had not been policed”.

He added that, if done properly, “e-bicycles could be one of the best things that’s happened to Bermuda”.

The Ministry of Transport was contacted for comment.