ELECTRIC BIKE UK LAW: This guide explains the rules and regulations for electric bikes. Find out whether your pedal assist electric bike meets EAPC regulations.
If it does, you can ride your e-bike on the road without needing a vehicle licence, road tax, or bike insurance.
There is no legal lower age limit to ride an electric bicycle in most European countries.
But, in Britain you must be at least 14 years old to ride an electrically powered bicycle on a public road.
Electric bikes which meet certain EAPC requirements do not need vehicle registration. EAPC requirements refer to an ‘Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle’.
There are several different types of electric bike pedal cycles. It can either be a 2-wheeled bicycle, a tandem, or a tricycle or electric quadricycle (having more than two wheels).
EAPC Rules: Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle
EAPC rules on bike requirements state that:
- The bike must have pedals and the rider must be able to use the pedals to propel it.
- The electric motor should not be able to propel the bike when it is travelling more than 15.5mph.
- The motor should not have a maximum power output of more than 250 watts.
EAPC approved e-bikes must also have a device which shows both:
- The power output or manufacturer of the motor.
- The battery voltage or maximum speed of the bike.
Where Can You Ride an Electric Bike EAPC?
Electric bikes meeting EAPC requirements get classed as a regular pedal bike. That means you can ride your e-bike on cycle paths and anywhere else that allows pedal bikes.
Different Types of Electric Bike Regulations
If your electric bike does not meet EAPC rules you would need to follow the process for new vehicle registrations.
That means you must have a driving licence to ride this type of e-bike. You must also wear a safety crash helmet that conforms to British standards.
This type of vehicle needs to be ‘type approved‘ to ensure its safety when ridden on public roads.
The same rule would apply if you can propel the bike without pedalling (a ‘twist and go’ EAPC).
Note: As a rule, the manufacturer or importer will have secured type approval. A type approved e bike will have a plate displaying its type approval number.
Electric Bike Law: Northern Ireland
You would need to be a moped rider with a moped licence to ride any electric bike in Northern Ireland. The e bike must have proper registration, tax, and appropriate insurance.
Registering and Taxing an E Bike
Fill in Form V55/4 to register and tax your electric bike and send it to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1BE. You would also need to send:
- A certificate proving valid e bike insurance (or a cover note).
- A document that proves your identity.
- The new vehicle registration fee paid by cheque or postal order and made payable to ‘DVLA’.
Important: Some of the rules and regulations for riding electric bikes (EAPC) changed on the 13th of May 2020 in Northern Ireland.
How to Prove Your Identity
A photocopy of your photocard driving licence is good enough to prove your identity. But, you must send two documents if you do not have a photocard licence. One photocopy should prove your name and the other should prove your address.
Documents used to prove your name can include a:
- Birth certificate
- Current UK paper driving licence (not a paper counterpart)
- Decree nisi or absolute
- Marriage certificate
- Passport
Documents used to prove your address can include a:
- Bank or building society statement from the last three (3) months
- Council Tax bill for the current year
- Medical card
- Utility bill from the last three (3) months
Current DVLA trade plate holders can use Form V959 ‘Notification of name and address check’ as proof of name and address.
Riding an Electric Bike ‘Legally’
To meet the legal requirements to ride your electric bike, you will need to:
- Display the registration mark on the back of the bike (DVLA send this to you after registering the bike).
- Meet vehicle insurance law for the ebike.
- Wear an approved motorbike helmet.
In Northern Ireland, there is no need to get an MOT for an electric bike. But, you cannot ride an electric bike on cycle paths or on the pavements.
Electric Bikes Propelled without Pedalling
The bike needs to be ‘type approved‘ to ensure its safety when ridden on public roads if you can propel the bike without pedalling (a ‘twist and go’ EAPC).
Note: As a rule, the manufacturer or importer will have secured type approval. A type approved e bike will have a plate displaying its type approval number.
ALSO IN THIS SECTION
Cyclists Highway Code: Essential reading for anyone who rides a bicycle on roads and highways.
Highway Code Rules: Essential reading for vehicle drivers, motorcyclists, and all other road users.
Motorbike Highway Code: Check the UK rules for riders on safety helmet use and pillion passengers.
Quad Bike Laws: Find out the rules for tax and registration of approved quadricycles in the UK.