UK E-Bike Law

UK E-Bike Rules and Road Legal Guide

This guide will help you understand what makes an electric bike legal to ride on UK roads, cycle lanes, and public spaces. If you're considering buying an e-bike or already own one, it's important to know the regulations that apply.

What is a road-legal electric bike?

In the UK, electric bikes that meet certain conditions are treated the same as conventional bicycles. This means you can ride them on roads and cycle paths without a licence, tax, insurance, or registration. These bikes are officially known as Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs).

To be road legal in the UK, an electric bike must:

Have pedals that can be used to propel the bike

Have a motor with a maximum continuous rated power of no more than 250 watts

Not provide electric assistance when travelling more than 15.5 mph (25 km/h)

Only provide assistance while the rider is pedalling (not via throttle only)

Be ridden by someone aged 14 or over

What is not allowed on UK roads?

If an e-bike exceeds 250 watts or provides assistance beyond 15.5 mph, it is legally considered a moped or motorcycle. This means it must be registered with the DVLA, insured, taxed, and the rider must hold a valid driving licence. These vehicles also require number plates and are not allowed on cycle lanes or footpaths.

Throttle-only electric bikes that do not require pedalling may also fall outside legal EAPC definitions unless they were manufactured before January 2016 and meet specific transitional rules.

What happens if I ride a non-compliant bike on public roads?

If your bike does not meet EAPC standards and you're using it on public roads or paths without the proper registration or licence, it may be seized by police and treated as an unregistered motor vehicle. Riders could face fines or prosecution.

Can I modify my e-bike to go faster?

Many e-bikes can be ‘derestricted’ to remove the 15.5 mph speed limit. However, doing so makes the bike illegal for road use. It may only be ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission. If used on public roads, it must be registered, insured, and comply with all motorcycle requirements.

Checklist when buying an electric bike for UK road use:

Confirm the motor is 250W or less

Confirm the assistance cuts off at 15.5 mph

Ensure it does not operate on throttle only

Check the age requirement – riders must be at least 14 years old

Purchase from a trusted UK retailer who understands the regulations

What about electric scooters?

Privately owned e-scooters are currently not legal to use on UK public roads, cycle lanes or pavements. Only rental e-scooters operating under government trial schemes are permitted.

Final note

Laws and regulations can change. If you're unsure whether your electric bike is road legal, it's important to check the most up-to-date information directly from the UK government website.

If you’re unsure, it’s important you visit the GOV website:
https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules