Anyone who wants to ride an electric bike in the UK should be aware of the laws subject to these vehicles, so they can prevent getting into legal trouble and enjoy safe riding at all times. This includes understanding whether you require a licence for your e-bike and the maximum output power you can obtain. Keep reading as we delve into whether electric bikes are legal in the UK and when you need a licence for an electric bike.
What is an Electric Bike?
An electric bicycle is designed with an integrated electric motor to aid in your pedalling efforts. This motor derives its energy from a rechargeable battery affixed to the bicycle.To be categorised as an e-bike, the motor's purpose is to assist rather than completely drive the bike. Hence, your pedalling is necessary to activate this assistance.
The extent of power provided by the motor is adjusted according to your pedalling intensity and your chosen assistance level. Electric bikes come equipped with various modes, which allow riders to find a balance between the level of pedal assistance, the bike's range, and the overall battery life.
UK Law for E-Bikes
To comply with UK law, an electric bike should be equipped with a motor that assists while pedalling and should not exceed a power output of 250 watts. The motor's assistance must automatically cease at speeds above 15.5 mph (25 km/h). Additionally, the legal age requirement for riding such a bike is set at 14 years or above. Meeting these specifications ensures that you can use your electric bicycle legally without the need for a licence.
Licence Requirements
If your e-bike conforms to the EAPC (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle) guidelines, there's no need for a licence to operate it on UK roads. In contrast, an electric bike that includes a 'twist and go' throttle feature falls outside the EAPC regulations.This feature enables the bike to move without pedaling, classifying it as a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act.
UK Law for ‘Twist and Go’ Electric Bikes
In the UK, a 'twist and go' electric bike is one where the motor is activated by twisting a throttle, typically located on the handlebars, without the need for pedal movement. Certain 'twist and go' e-bikes, especially those designed for elderly or disabled users, fall under GB e-bike regulations. These must adhere to specific speed limits and maximum motor power assistance and require type approval by the government.
So, are throttle electric bikes legal in the UK? Legally, you cannot ride a 'twist and go' electric bike on UK public roads if it exceeds a 250w power output, as it would not be considered an EAPC. Instead, it would be classified as a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act, necessitating vehicle tax, insurance, a driving licence, and the use of a motorcycle helmet for the rider.However, this law applies only to public roads. On private land, with the landowner's permission and without public access, there are no such restrictions.
When Does Cycle Insurance Work?
Cycle insurance for an electric bike applies when it is categorised as an electrically assisted pedal cycle, complying with all the EAPC power and speed regulations as previously mentioned. E-bikes that do not adhere to these specific regulations will not be eligible for coverage under cycle insurance policies.
Additional Information on UK E-Bike Laws
The regulations mentioned are applicable across England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland with specific details as follows:
- General Bicycle Rules: Standard bicycle regulations apply, including the need for a white front light, a red rear light, and amber pedal reflectors.
- Tricycles and Tandems: These types of bicycles are acceptable under the same rules, as long as they meet the EAPC requirements.
- Legal Speed Limit: While general road speed limits don’t technically apply to bicycles, electric bikes must have their electrical assistance cut off at 15.5 mph. Beyond this speed, you can pedal as fast as you are able, but without motor assistance.
- Legality on Roads: Electric bikes, conforming to EAPC standards, are fully legal on UK roads, just like traditional pedal bicycles.
- Starting Assistance Feature: Some e-bikes offer a starting assistance function that operates without the need for pedalling. This feature is permissible as long as it only assists up to a speed of 6 km/h (approximately 3.7 miles per hour).
- Modifying E-bikes with Kits: Kits available for purchase, such as those on Amazon, that increase an e-bike's speed will render the bike illegal for road use. Additionally, using such kits may void any warranties on the bike. These modifications are not recommended.
- Riding with a Driving Ban: A common question riders have is whether they can ride an electric bike if banned from driving. When you are banned from driving, you can still ride an electric bike as long as it complies with EAPC regulations, since they are classified as bicycles, not motorbikes.
- E-bike Insurance and Security: Using a high-quality lock is crucial for e-bike insurance validity. Failure to secure the e-bike properly may invalidate your insurance policy.
FAQs
1. Can I ride an electric bike without a licence in the UK?
In the UK, you can ride an electric bike without a licence as long as the bike meets certain criteria. The electric bike must have a motor of 250 watts or less and should not be able to propel the bike when it’s traveling more than 15.5 mph. As long as the e-bike adheres to these specifications, it's classified similarly to a regular pedal bike and doesn't require a licence, registration, or insurance.
2. What licence do I need for an electric motorbike in the UK?
The type of licence required for electric motorbikes in the UK depends on the bike's power and speed capabilities. If the electric motorbike can exceed the power and speed limits of standard e-bikes (250 watts motor and 15.5 mph speed limit), it's classified as a moped or motorcycle. Therefore, you would need the appropriate motorcycle licence, which could be a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) certificate, an A1, A2, or A motorcycle licence. All this depends on the motorbike's specifications.
3. Can you ride an electric bike if you have lost your licence?
If you've lost your driving licence, you can still ride an electric bike, provided the bike complies with the standard regulations (250 watts motor and a maximum speed of 15.5 mph). Since these bikes are treated like regular bicycles, a driving licence is not necessary. However, if your electric bike is more powerful and classified under motorbike or moped categories, you cannot legally ride it without the appropriate motorcycle licence.
4. Is insurance required for electric bikes in the UK?
For standard electric bikes in the UK that conform to the defined limits of 250 watts motor power and a maximum speed of 15.5 mph, insurance is not a legal requirement. These e-bikes are treated similarly to conventional bicycles, and don’t require insurance coverage. In contrast, for electric bikes that exceed these specifications and are classified as mopeds or motorcycles, insurance becomes mandatory.
5. Do electric bikes need to be registered and have a number plate in the UK?
Electric bikes that adhere to the standard specifications (250 watts motor and a maximum assisted speed of 15.5 mph) do not require registration or a number plate in the UK. They are considered similar to regular bicycles, and are exempt from these requirements. However, if an electric bike exceeds these limits, it is classified under the same category as mopeds or motorcycles. In this case, registration with the DVLA along with displaying a number plate becomes a legal necessity.
