What are the UK electric bike laws?
What is an e-bike?
An e-bike (or electric bike) is an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC), with a rechargeable battery and a motor that helps you pedal.
They’re often heavier than normal pedal cycles, but come in the same varieties – hybrid, road and folding e-bikes, or electric mountain and e-cargo bikes, including tricycles.
Whichever type of e-bike you choose, it must meet the same rules and regulations to legally ride on public roads or cycle paths in the UK.
What are the UK electric bike laws?
For an electric bike to be legal in the UK, it must
- Come with a pedal-assist motor
- Have a maximum power output of 250 watts
- The electrical assistance must cut off when it reaches 15.5mph / 25kmph
- It cannot be ridden by anyone under the age of 14.
Do you need a licence to ride an e-bike?
As long as your e-bike meets EAPC regulations (i.e. it is an electrically assisted pedal cycle), you do not need a licence to ride it on UK roads.
If you have an electric bike with a ‘twist and go’ throttle (that can be propelled without pedalling), this does not comply with EAPC rules and is considered to be a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act. This means it requires registration with the DVLA, including vehicle tax and insurance unless it has been ‘type approved’ by the government.
If you’re not sure whether your e-bike is subject to the Road Traffic Act, this guide on the government website covers all e-bike regulations in Great Britain.
What does maximum 250w assistance mean?
Confusingly, the 250 watts of assistance refers not to the battery or motor itself, but to the maximum power output of electrical assistance that kicks in when you pedal.
To comply with EAPC regulations, the assistance will cut out when it reaches 15.5mph or 25kmph.
What if my e-bike has a throttle, or has a higher maximum output than 250w?
Under UK law, you won’t be able to legally ride a twist and go electric bike that’s not restricted to 250w power output on UK public roads, as it wouldn’t be classed as an EAPC. It would instead require vehicle tax and insurance under the Road Traffic Act, and the rider would need a driving licence and motorcycle helmet.
This is the law for public roads. There are no restrictions on riding on private land with landowner’s permission, provided there is no public access.
Can you insure an e-bike under cycle insurance?
Cycle insurance is valid on e-bikes as long as they are classed as an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC), and meet all EAPC power and speed regulations set out above. Any e-bike that falls outside of these regulations will not be valid for cycle insurance.
Bikmo offers a 25% discount* on e-bike policies over regular cycles, as well as a 10%* saving for Cycling UK members on full insurance policies.
Why dedicated Bikmo cycle insurance?
It’s worth checking your home insurance policy, as it may not provide the cover you require, such as:
- Maximum value – the maximum insured bike value can be as low as £500
- Away from home – there’s also often an ‘abandonment clause’ that classes bikes as ‘abandoned’ after only a few hours cycling away from home
- Personal accident cover – is usually not included
At Bikmo, we believe you shouldn’t have to stress about unexpected mishaps. That’s why our award-winning cycle insurance policies can cover:
✅ Accidental damage or theft of your bike
✅ Injuries and medical expenses
✅ Worldwide cover as standard, with bike box cover, emergency hire and much more
Plus, Saddle Skedaddle members benefit from
- 5%* saving on cycle insurance policies
- 10%* discount on our travel insurance policies
- 25%* saving on e-bike premiums compared to regular bikes
- 50%* discount on additional bikes in your household – so the whole family can be insured
Enjoy every ride knowing you’re protected, even when the roads let you down. 🚴♂️✨
Why Bikmo?
🚴♀️ Tens of thousands of riders insure with Bikmo
⭐ Bikmo holds the prestigious Feefo Platinum Service Award for great service
🌎 Bikmo is a B Corp and 1% for the Planet certified, meaning we give 1% of our annual revenue back to good causes focussed on the environment.
For more information on e-bike regulations in Great Britain, visit the government website. If you’re unsure about any of the rules above in relation to your bike or in general, we’re here to help!
Information correct as of 10/10/2022
*Minimum premium £3.73/mo and policy wording applies. Terms and conditions apply. This promotion is provided by Bikmo Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ref: 745230.
