Do you need a licence for an electric bike?

Do you need a licence for an electric bike?

The latest figures show that there are around 550,000 electric bikes in the UK. With such a rise in popularity, it’s important that those of you thinking about buying an electric bike or an electric scooter understand the requirements of owning and riding one in the UK.

We will look at whether you require a driver licence for electric bikes in the UK, including the different types of electric scooters and bikes, and the different legal implications. There are different levels of motorised assistance with e-scooters and e-bikes, with licences only required for those vehicles that go over a certain speed.

 

Do You Need a Licence for an Electric Bike?

If your e-bike is built within the design specifications of the EAPC guidelines (a maximum speed of no more than 15.5 mph or a motor of 250 watts or less), then you do not require a driver licence. ‘Twist and Go’ throttle electric bikes, that are popular in many UK cities, fall outside the regulations relating to EAPC, and therefore fall under the Road Traffic Act guidelines.

 

What Licence Do You Need?

Most of the electric bikes and electric scooters that you see as part of our range do not require a UK licence due to the power of the motors and the maximum speeds that they can reach. However, there are some exceptions.

Some of the faster models that we have that can reach maximum speeds of up to 28 mph, are classed as Speed Pedelecs. Any motorised vehicle that can reach speeds higher than 15.5 mph or have a motor higher than 250 watts must be registered with the DVLA, insured for the road, and only ridden by those over the age of 17 with a full driver licence.

 

1. Kick Electric Scooter (PLEVs)

As it currently stands, kick electric scooters (PLEVs) are not legal to be used on public roads and highways. A PLEV is a Personal Light Electric Vehicle which is propelled by the rider manually kicking the ground to propel the scooter forward, but it also employs an electric motor.

By law, you are only supposed to use PLEVs on private land. The speeds that these electric scooters can reach exceed that of 15 mph, which would mean they require a UK driver licence.

 

2. Electric Bikes (EAPCs)

An electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) is generally designed to go no higher than 15.5 mph in speed and to have a motor rated no higher than 250 watts. Anything that is higher than this for either point will require a licence. You must be 14 years of age or older to ride an EAPC.

In practice, what this means is that once an EAPC reaches 15.5 mph, the motor will cut out and the rider must pedal to maintain that speed. It provides a safety net for cautious riders in busy urban locations.

 

3. Electric Motorbikes

Electric scooters and motorbikes that can reach speeds higher than 28 mph are classed as L3e-A1. You must be aged 17 or over to ride these e-scooters and either have a full motorcycle licence or have passed a CBT course.

 

4. Electric Scooters and Electric Mopeds

Electric mopeds and electric scooters are the next category of electric bike where you need to consider if you need a licence to ride them in the UK. Electric mopeds are generally restricted to 28 mph and can be ridden by any person over the age of 16 who has passed a CBT course or that has a category AM or P attached to their driver licence.

Any driver who passed a test with a car before February 2001 will have AM or P already on their licence, or if they have a full motorcycle licence may not be required to take a CBT course. We would always advise that you check this before heading out onto the road though.

Click here to find out the full licence requirements.

 

Licence Requirements

The licensing requirements for e-bikes are only applicable to those that can reach a maximum speed that can reach in excess of 15.5 mph, or it has a motor rating that is above 250 watts. These types of e-bikes are referred to as a speed pedelec and are legally classed as L1e category road vehicles in the UK.

This means that they must be fully registered with the DVLA for use on public highways. To be used on the road, you must have a number plate fitted, have third party road risk insurance, and the rider must wear a safety helmet at all times.

 

Additional Information on UK E-Bike Laws

Here is some additional information relating to the question of whether or not you require a licence to ride an electric bike in the UK. For any person over the age of 14, it is legal to ride an electric bike as long as it is an EAPC (electrically assisted pedal cycle). In these cases, an EAPC does not require a driving licence, it doesn’t need to be registered, taxed, or have insurance.

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 licence to ride an EAPC, and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured. We’ve gone into what makes an EAPC above, but what must you have visible on your EAPC?

  • There must be markings that show both the continuous rated power output and the bike manufacturer.

  • It must also display either the voltage of the battery or the maximum speed that it can reach once it is being propelled by the motor.

  • You can ride an EAPC on cycle paths and any location where it is permissible for electric bikes to be ridden. You must not ride electric bikes on pavements and public pathways.

For a bike that is not an EAPC (those bikes with a motor that propels to a higher maximum speed than 15.5 mph), you must:

  • Tax and register it as a vehicle with the DVLA.

  • Get a valid UK driving license.

  • Insure it as a motor vehicle.

  • Wear a helmet at all times to meet British safety standards.

You must only ride an electric bike that is not an EAPC on the road, and NOT on cycle tracks, cycle lanes, or public pavements and pathways.

 

FAQs

What’s the Penalty for Riding an Illegal E-Bike?

There is a potential £300 fine for riding an illegal e-bike. This would be any electric scooter or bike that has a motor over 250 watts and can reach maximum speeds that are higher than 15.5 mph.

Can I Ride an Electric Bike without a UK License?

As long as the electric bike fits within a certain specification it is legal to ride it without the need for a UK licence. To be fit to ride without a UK licence it must have a motor that is no more than 250 watts. It must also travel at no higher than 15.5 mph when it is at maximum speed. When it fits within these restrictions, an electric bike is classified in a similar way to a regular pedal bicycle, which does not require any insurance, registration with the DVLA, or a driving licence.

Do I Need to Register my E-Bike with the DVLA?

When asking the question ‘Do I need a bike licence for an electric motorbike?’ you might also be wondering if you need to get in touch with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Electric bikes that adhere to the standard specifications of the vehicle do not require the owner/user to get in touch with the DVLA to register it as a vehicle.

The standard specification is a 250 watts motor and a maximum assisted speed of 15.5 mph. This is because electric bikes with this specification are deemed to be the same as regular bicycles, which are exempt from licensing regulations. If an electric bike exceeds these limits though, in terms of the power of the motor or a higher maximum speed, they will then be legally classed as mopeds or motorcycles.

These are classed as requiring a licence from the DVLA and also need a number plate displayed on the vehicle.

Can I Ride an Electric Scooter if I am Banned from Driving?

No, if you have a driving ban, you are also banned from driving an electric scooter that is considered to be a motor vehicle for use on public roads. Operating a non-EAPC compliant electric bike could lead to a fine of £5,000, an extension of your driving ban, up to six penalty points on your licence, or a prison sentence up to 12 months.


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