Are Electric Bikes Legal
Are Electric Bikes Legal
Cycles UK only stocks Legal Electric bikes that meet government legislation from world-famous brands such as Cannondale, Trek and Specialized. We have shops in Essex, Kent, London and Hertfordshire. All Electric bikes on our website are available to buy Click and Collect through our stores. Most are also available for home delivery. All the Electric bikes we sell are available through Cycle to Work schemes. We also have a range of finance options for you to choose from. Including 0% finance and buy now pay later deals. So you can rest assured when you purchase an electric bike from us, it will meet the government legislation set out below.
UK and EU law (EN15194) around legal electric bikes was merged in April 2015 and is potentially subject to change following Brexit.
Firstly you will need to be over 14 to ride an electric bike. We call electric bikes are Electrically assisted pedal cycles' (EAPCs). They do not need a licence to ride, and they do not need to be registered, taxed or insured. They can be ridden in the same locations as a non-electric bike.
What is classed as an EPAC?
It must have pedals that propel it. It must show either:
- the power output
- the manufacturer of the motor
- the battery's voltage
- the maximum speed of the bike
Its electric motor:
- must have a maximum power output of 250 watts
- should not be able to propel the bike when it's travelling more than 15.5mph
Throttles
When the EU and UK laws were merged in 2016, the legislation around bikes with throttles became two-tiered.
Bikes with throttles that get you up to full speed without pedalling at all are restricted to a max speed of 3.7 mph; the throttle should cut off after that speed. Alternatively, if you pedal simultaneously using the throttle, then the electric motor can assist up to the general limit of 15.5mph. Applying the rules listed above for EPAC bikes will show if your bike is legal to ride without a license.
If you brought a throttle electric bike before January 1st, 2016, that does not meet these guidelines but does meet the rulings before January 1st, 2016. Then it is classed as an EPAC bike and does not require registration or tax, but you may be required to prove the date of purchase, manufacture or import to avoid a fine or prosecution for riding without a license.
If your bike doesn't meet these requirements because it is more powerful than 250W, or if it assists you when you're riding more than 15.5 mph etc. – it will need to be registered, insured and taxed as a motor vehicle. You will also need a driving licence and must wear a motorcycle helmet. These bikes can only be ridden on the road.
