Guyana, like many countries around the world, is facing a transition towards cleaner forms of energy, including in the transportation sector. The recent increase in electric bikes in the country offer an alternative to gas-powered motorcycles. However, concerns have been raised about the safety of these electric bikes, prompting the government to take action.
Guyana’s Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, said, “There has been an influx and deluge of electric bikes in Guyana. Persons across the country are using these electric cycles. And we have received complaints wide and far that these electric cycles are being used in a manner dangerous to the public, that they present a traffic hazard, that the persons who are riding these cycles are not equipped with helmets or any other protective gear, that they are riding recklessly, and it is a dangerous situation.”
Electric bikes also make less noise than gas-powered motorcycles. Some persons complain that that makes it difficult to hear them coming.
There have been media reports of deaths due to accidents involving electric bikes.
To address these concerns, the government is working on a regulatory framework to ensure that electric bikes are operated safely on public roadways.
“Amendments to the traffic laws and regulations are already in draft for government’s approval, and once they’re approved, the procedure will have to be followed for them to be promulgated and become enforceable,” said Nandlall.
Electric bikes offer a number of benefits, including lower emissions and lower operating costs compared to gas-powered bikes. However, as Nandlall noted, it is important to ensure that these vehicles are operated safely.
“We already have a traffic accident problem in this country. We already have a high incidence of road carnage,” he said. “The need has arisen for us to make another change, and we are prepared to do so.”
Guyana has also moved to incentivise imports of electric cars to promote its automotive transition, as part of the expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). All taxes have been removed on imports of electric vehicles. The government is also in the implementation stage of a pilot project for EV charging stations. The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has ordered six from Flash Motors Company Limited of Jamaica. Government has also been facilitating training for Guyanese auto-technicians in EV maintenance and repairs.
Read more about Guyana’s EV transition: Is Guyana ready to go electric? | OilNOW
