E-bikes - know the law
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are becoming increasingly popular and many are legal to use on UK roads and cycle routes.
However, not everything sold or described as an "e-bike" is legally classed as one.
Some high-powered or modified electric bikes are treated as motor vehicles under UK law and cannot legally be ridden like an ordinary bicycle.
How do I know if an e-bike is legal?
A legal electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) must:
- have pedals that can be used to propel it.
- have an electric motor with a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts.
- stop providing electrical assistance when the bike reaches 15.5mph (25km/h).
The motor should assist the rider rather than power the bike beyond the legal limit.
Some e-bikes can have a "walk assist" or similar feature which provides limited assistance without pedalling at low speed. This does not automatically make the bike illegal.
What if it is more powerful or faster?
If an electric bike does not meet the EAPC requirements, it may legally be classed as a motorcycle or moped rather than a bicycle.
That means requirements such as registration, vehicle tax, insurance, an appropriate driving licence and an approved motorcycle helmet may apply.
If those requirements are not met, it cannot legally be ridden on a public road.
It may also be illegal to use it on cycle paths and other places where motor vehicles are prohibited.
What about throttles?
A throttle does not necessarily mean an e-bike is illegal, but the rules are more complicated.
On most EAPCs, a throttle cannot simply power the bike at normal riding speeds without the rider pedalling. There are limited exceptions, including certain approved bikes and low-speed assistance.
If you are buying an e-bike with a throttle, particularly one advertised as being able to travel without pedalling, check that it complies with UK EAPC rules before you buy it or use it in public.
Modified and high-powered e-bikes
Be particularly careful with bikes that have been modified after purchase.
Changing the motor, controller, battery or software to increase the bike's power or remove its 15.5mph assistance limit can mean it is no longer legally an EAPC.
A bike being capable of travelling faster than 15.5mph is not itself the issue – you can pedal a legal e-bike faster. The electric motor must stop assisting you once you reach 15.5mph.
Be cautious about bikes advertised as:
- 500W, 750W, 1,000W or higher
- capable of high speeds under motor power
- "derestricted" or "unlocked"
- having the 15.5mph limiter removed
- being suitable for "off-road use only".
These may be available to buy, but being able to buy one does not mean you can legally ride it on a public road or cycle path.
Check before you buy
Before buying an e-bike, check the manufacturer's plate or markings. These should show the manufacturer and continuous rated power of the motor, as well as either the battery voltage or maximum speed at which the motor can propel the bike.
You can check these details against the official GOV.UK electric bike rules.
If you're buying online, ask the retailer to confirm that the bike meets UK EAPC requirements before you buy it.
Still not sure?
If a bike needs vehicle approval - for example, certain "twist and go" bikes - this should normally have been dealt with by the manufacturer or importer and an approved bike should carry an approval number.
For queries about vehicle approval you can also contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), 1 Unity Square, Nottingham, NG2 1AY or visit the DVSA contact page.
Already have an e-bike and want to check it's legal?
If you already own an e-bike, check the plate or permanent markings on the bike.
These should show the manufacturer and the motor's continuous rated power, as well as either the battery voltage or the maximum speed at which the motor can propel the bike.
Check these details against the official GOV.UK electric bike rules. A legal EAPC must have working pedals, a motor with a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts, and electrical assistance must stop at 15.5mph.
If the markings are missing, you cannot find the information you need, or the bike has been modified, derestricted or fitted with a different motor, controller or throttle, don't assume it is legal.
Check the model and specification with the manufacturer or a reputable e-bike retailer and ask them to confirm whether it complies with UK EAPC requirements.
A bike that has been modified so its motor exceeds 250W or continues assisting above 15.5mph is no longer treated as an ordinary e-bike under the EAPC rules.
E-bike or e-scooter?
The rules are different.
A legal EAPC can be ridden on public roads and cycle routes in much the same way as an ordinary bicycle.
Privately owned e-scooters cannot be legally ridden on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes.
Whatever you are buying, check the law first. A vehicle being widely available online or in shops does not necessarily mean it is legal to use in public.
