Riding an electric bike: the rules

You can ride an electric bike if you’re 14 or over, as long as it is an ‘electrically assisted pedal cycle’ (EAPC).

You do not need a licence to ride an EAPC and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured.

When your bike is an EAPC

An EAPC:

  • must have pedals that can be used to propel it
  • can have more than 2 wheels, for example a tricycle

It can be propelled up to 15.5mph without pedalling but only if it’s been approved.

Its electric motor:

  • must have a ‘continuous rated power’ output of no more than 250 watts
  • must not be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling at more than 15.5 miles per hour (mph)

What your EAPC must show

Markings on the bike must show both:

  • the continuous rated power output
  • the bike manufacturer

It must also show either:

  • the battery’s voltage
  • the maximum speed the motor can propel the bike

Where you can ride an EAPC

If your bike is an EAPC then you can ride it on cycle paths and anywhere else pedal bikes are allowed.

You cannot ride it on pavements.

When your bike is not an EAPC

If your electric bike does not meet the EAPC rules then it’s classed as a motorcycle or moped.

Your bike is not an EAPC if it:

  • can be propelled at more than 15.5 miles per hour (mph) by the motor
  • has a continuous rated power output higher than 250 watts
  • does not have pedals that can propel it

If your bike is not an EAPC

If your electric bike is not an EAPC it must be registered and taxed.

You need to:

If your bike is classed as a motorcycle or moped but has not been insured, you may get a fine or your bike may be seized by the police.

Where you can ride if your bike is not an EAPC

If your electric bike is not an EAPC then you:

  • can only ride it on the road
  • cannot ride it on cycle tracks or cycle lanes

When your electric bike needs vehicle approval

An electric bike must be approved if either:

  • it can be propelled up to 15.5mph without pedalling, for example, a ‘twist and go’
  • it does not meet the EAPC rules

This should have been done by the manufacturer or importer before you bought it. If it’s been approved, it will be marked with the approval number.

If it has not been approved, you can apply for Motorcycle single vehicle approval (MSVA).

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