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E-Bikes (Electric Bikes) Rules of Using

Riding And Owning An Electric Bike (E-Bike)

 

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 license 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 pedaling 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:

  • get a valid driving license to ride one.
  • motorcycle helmet must be worn that meets British safety standards.
  • insure your vehicle.

    • 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 pedaling, 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).

     

    Thank you for taking the time to read this information, this is aimed to educate owners and riders to make sure that when riding one of these bikes that is done safely around the public and on roads and also legally to prevent your bike from being seized, getting a fine or more serious actions depending on the offence committed at the time.

     

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    Message Sent By
    Edward Richardson
    (Nottinghamshire Police, Police Community Support Officer, Carlton Police Station Gedling South)
    Neighbourhood Alert Cyber Essentials