Electric Bike Law in the United Kingdom
An electric bike in the UK falls into the category of **electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs). In case if the e-bike complies with the EAPC classification, it is considered identical to a bicycle. Therefore, there are **no licenses, insurance, taxation, or registrations required, and e-bikes can be used on roads and cycle paths.
What is Considered a Legal E-Bike (EAPC)?
In order to be classified as EAPC, the following conditions should be met:
- the ability to propel the bike manually with pedals;
- the maximum output power of the motor equals 250 W;
- the motor cuts out at 15.5 mph (25 km/h);
- power supply when the rider pedals;
- information about manufacturer and maximum motor power is displayed;
In case if an electric bike meets these conditions, riders are supposed to be at least 14 years old. However, neither license nor insurance is required. EAPCs are allowed to ride on the **roads, cycle lanes, and everywhere where ordinary bicycles can be driven**, except for pavements.
When Does an E-Bike Become a Motorcycle?
If the e-bike goes against the classification of EAPC in some way, such as more powerful motors, a throttle for moving faster than 3.7 mph without pedalling or exceeding the speed limit of 15.5 mph, then it is legally considered to be a moped or a motorcycle. Thus, it is necessary to:
- register and tax the vehicle;
- possess a driver’s licence;
- have insurance and wear a helmet;
- ride on the roads and nowhere else [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules)
E-Scooter Law in the United Kingdom
Unlike bikes, e-scooters fall into a totally different legal classification. According to the current legislation, privately owned e-scooters are considered illegal in public areas (roads, pavements, parks, cycle lanes), but they are permitted on private property with the landowners' consent.
The reason is that e-scooters are considered as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act, thus they require registration, insurance, and license, which are not available for privately owned e-scooters.
Rental E-Scooters (Permitted in Trials)
The only e-scooters, which can be used on public roads in the UK, are rental e-scooters from approved trials. At the moment, rental e-scooters can be found in selected cities and regions of the UK. Users should:
- have either full or provisional licenses;
- adhere to traffic regulations;
- drive only on roads and cycle lanes (never on pavements);
- use scooters equipped with **insurance provided by the operator
Typically, rented e-scooters have a speed limit of 15.5 mph
Penalties for E-Scooter Use in Public Places
- Violating the above-mentioned conditions and using privately-owned e-scooters in public can entail:
- fines;
- penalty points on driving licenses;
- seizure of the vehicle according to Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988
Future Changes in E-Scooter Laws
According to the recent government decision, it will be possible to use privately owned e-scooters according to new safety standards, which are currently in development. These new standards could involve:
- compulsory headlights;
- speed limiters;
- prohibition of riding e-scooters on pavements;
- standard brakes
Summary
- e-bikes are legal and require no licences, insurance, or registration if they comply with the EAPC classification (maximum power of 250 W, speed limit of 15.5 mph, pedal assistance only);
- rental e-scooters are permitted to be driven with driving licenses on trial routes (roads and cycle lanes only, mandatory insurance);
- privately-owned e-scooters are currently considered illegal in public places
it is expected to make changes in the law in future and allow using privately-owned e-scooters with strict safety conditions.
