Commuters are to be offered tax breaks to switch to bicycles with electric motors as the government believes they will cut congestion and pollution.

Ministers hope to persuade older people and those who are less fit to try out e-bikes, which are permitted to reach speeds of 15.5mph and do not require a licence.

Will Butler-Adams, the managing director of Brompton, some of whose folding bikes are now electric, said: “It is so easy and so fun — and it will save you your bus pass, your tube fare and your gym membership.”

He said the tax breaks of up to 42% would be “transformational” in bringing the bikes to a mass market. They typically cost from £850 to £2,500 and 70,000 were sold in