Import an Electric Scooter from UK (A1 Motorcycle)

Gumbo

Guys,

I've been asked to arrange an electric scooter for someone. Looking at the Seat MO currently.

I have a few sourced from the UK but they are either under 6 months old and all have less than 6000km on them.

Im aware I’ll have to pay customs on the bike.

Vrt is getting me. I know of the €2 charge per cc, but how is this worked on an electric scooter?

Would the scooter benefit from the same EV VRT exemption (€5k) as the car does?

Ive brought in bikes before and many many cars, but nothing since brexit, hence the queries.

Thanks.

Del2005

Yes it's VRT free, it was extended recently.

https://www.revenue.ie/en/vrt/calculating-vrt/electric-hybrid-vehicles.aspx

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121577839#Comment_121577839

Yeah was hoping it could be considered under the standard scheme.

Just found out the bikes are new and unregistered so that makes it a bit more complicated.

listermint

Is there not more of these available on the continent. Popularity wise... than the UK

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121577898#Comment_121577898

I haven’t check the continent yet. UK was the first logical easier place as I have seen a few brand new for £2495.

Spain would be the obvious start as they are a Silence S01 underneath.

listermint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121577908#Comment_121577908

I next to nearly discount the UK entirely now bit of a basket case for it. But VRT free definitely sweetens it.

Volume wise and choice though the continent would be up there.

Gumbo

Dealer Arnold Clark won’t sell a new bike for export. So I’m back to looking for a registered one. Makes it easier.

galwaytt

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121578817#Comment_121578817

Make sure that whatever you buy comes with an EU Type Approval Certificate - if you can't present that you won't be able to register it. This also applies to used bikes.

You should also check that you can get insurance on it - phone the companies and check the one you're looking at is on their system.

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121602379#Comment_121602379

Buying unregistered is not happening now so I’m looking at used. I’ve never needed an EU Cert for registered card or bikes before. Would I still need that for a 23 plate registered bike?

Insurance is sorted. I’m driving bikes longer than cars 😂

galwaytt

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121602433#Comment_121602433

If it's already registered in the EU somewhere, there is no issue. The only time it will come up is if it's a new vehicle, particularly from outside the EU (like the UK is now).

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121602718#Comment_121602718

It may very well be uk registered, so outside EU? Will it need it then?

galwaytt

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121602929#Comment_121602929

Possibly, yes - as UK is outside EU they don't necessarily need EWVTA - European Whole Vehicle Type Approval - anymore.

However, most stuff already is: it's just a matter of whether the seller has access to it.

Mind you, is UK still viable, with all the (extra) costs involved (Customs & VAT, Fees) ?

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121604412#Comment_121604412

For this particular scooter, yes. They had 3 new unregistered ones for £2500. They are a €7500-€8000 scooter here if Seat decide to bring them!

Miscreant

It may be VRT free due to being electric, however you may still have to pay VAT and Duty coming from the UK so be careful here.

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121618336#Comment_121618336

I will deffo have to pay vat, duty. No question there.

Alkers

Following with interest, rented one of these in Barcelona, perfect city bike.

I contacted seat Ireland about buying one and iirc they gave me a price of just shy of 7k euro.

If they're able to sell them shouldn't be any issues with type approval etc

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121618509#Comment_121618509

Seat have been really slow bringing them here for some reason. They have link son their site but they lead to nothing.

turbodiesel

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121618436#Comment_121618436

So they are VRT free.... https://www.revenue.ie/en/vrt/calculating-vrt/electric-hybrid-vehicles.aspx

But I think they have to a mileage of over 6k kms to avoid VAT.

Advert for s/hand ones on The Parking - https://www.theparking-motorcycle.eu/used-motorcycles/seat-mo

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121663094#Comment_121663094

Thanks. Yeah I’d do some creative driving in the 30 days before presenting for VRT inspection if I bought one of the newer ones with circa 100 miles on them.

May even have to put it on a treadmill 😂

The Parking ones in the EU are overpriced compared to the few for 2.5 in the UK.

turbodiesel

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121663106#Comment_121663106

There must be a grant or something included in those 2500gbp prices that are quoted. This 2022 article has them listed at 4999gbp.

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/seat/358701/new-seat-mo-electric-scooter-review

turbodiesel

This Dec 2021 says they are 5k gbp after a grant of 1.5k gbp.

https://www.moveelectric.com/e-motorbikes/seat-mo-125-electric-scooter-review#:~:text=The%20MO%20isn't%20cheap,easy%20to%20ride%20and%20own.

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121663156#Comment_121663156

I think they are just trying to get rid of them. There’s a few used, registered ones for that price too.

Wossack

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121663106#Comment_121663106

do you get the 30 days? I’ve a vague recollection they tightened that up, but could be wrong

listermint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121663433#Comment_121663433

Seems they haven't. Still 30

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121663433#Comment_121663433

Yes, still 30.