Electric bikes: The Rules

In Great Britain, if you’re 14 or over you don’t need a licence to ride electric bikes that meet certain requirements, and they don’t need to be registered, taxed or insured.

Electric bikes meeting the requirements are called "Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles" (EAPCs). They can be 2-wheeled bicycles, tandems or tricycles.

EAPC requirements

the bike must have pedals that can be used to propel it
the electric motor shouldn’t be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15mph
the bike (including its battery but not the rider) must not be heavier than 40 kilograms (kg) if it’s a bicycle, or 60kg if it’s a tandem or tricycle
the motor shouldn’t have a maximum power output of more than 200 watts if it’s a bicycle and 250 watts if it’s a tandem or tricycle
the bike must have a plate showing the manufacturer, the nominal voltage of the battery, and the motor’s power output

Where you can ride an EAPC

If a bike meets the EAPC requirements it’s classed as a normal pedal bike. This means you can ride it on cycle paths and anywhere else pedal bikes are allowed.

30Mph Electric Mopeds

Every electric bike which is not meeting the (EAPC) criteria and is restricted to 30Mph is regarded as a 50cc petrol moped and to drive one you will need to:

- Own a driving license

- Register the vehicle with DVLA

- Get apropriate insurance

- Tax the vehicle, although electric bikes are tax fee so this will be £0.00

- MOT the vehicle once its 3 years old

- Wear a crash helmet

The great news is that electric mopeds are congestion charge exempt! That means that they are a perfect urban trasport vehicle.

If you don’t have a car licence:

Electric mopeds with the top speed restricted to 30Mph can be ridden by anyone aged at least 16 with a provisional moped licence and a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) certificate. These riders have to wear L-plates and cannot carry a pillion. To ride without L-plates, they must take a further practical and theory test. CBT costs £70-£100, and includes both off-road and on-road riding and training. The pass certificate is valid for two years, or if you pass the car test in the meantime, lasts forever.

If you do have a car licence:

If your Full car licence was obtained before 1st Dec 2001, you can ride a 30mph electric motorbike without L-plates or a CBT certificate. If it was obtained after 1st Dec 2001, you must have a CBT certificate first.

Source: www.gov.uk, Zettie Bikes