Consultation outcome

Smarter regulation: proposed changes to legislation for electrically assisted pedal cycles

From:: Department for Transport
Published: 29 February 2024
Last updated: 28 January 2025 — See all updates

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Read the full outcome

Proposed changes to legislation for electrically asisted pedal cycles – outcome

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Detail of outcome

The consultation sought opinions on proposed changes to legislation about electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs).

The majority of main stakeholder organisations were opposed to the proposals.

We recognise that the proposals could provide benefits to some individuals and organisations. However, there is a lack of evidence to support this.

As a result, the government will not continue with the proposals at this time.

Original consultation

Consultation description

The government proposes 2 changes to the regulations on electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs or e-cycles):

to amend the legal definition of EAPCs, so that the maximum continuous power output of the electric motor is 500 watts instead of 250 watts
to allow ‘twist and go’ EAPCs to have throttle assistance up to 15.5mph (25km/h) without the need for type approval

This consultation asks:

for your views on the proposed changes
about any benefits or risks you think the changes may have

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