Contemplating buying an Electric bike, …do you know the law?

E-bikes (electric bikes) are ‘officially’ known as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs).

Probably the most important requirement to note is that you can only ride an electric bike on a public road (as opposed to riding on a private road or riding on private land) provided you are at least 14 years of age or older and provided your e-bike complies with UK law.

Whilst you do not need a licence to ride an EAPC, neither does the e-bike need to be registered; nor do you pay excise duty; or need to have compulsory third-party insurance for use on the road, (although it is recommended that all cyclists have some form of insurance, especially to cover the event of an accident which causes damage or injury to a third party) you do need to ensure that, at all times, your riding is road-legal.

What exactly is an EAPC?

Fundamentally an EAPC is an electrically ‘assisted’ propelled bike, as opposed to an ‘electrically driven’ bike …and therefore the bike must have pedals which are used to propel it (referred to as having ‘pedal assist’) The pedals must be turned by the rider to enable the electric power (let’s call this the ‘propulsion boost’) to be delivered. There is a common misconception that EAPCs are solely propelled by an electric motor by using a fitted throttle. This is not so.

However, it is permissible to have a throttle fitted to a bike, if the bike was purchased from 2016 or thereafter. The throttle mechanism can only used to assist the rider when starting to move-off without the need to pedal. Electric throttle propulsion is limited up to a maximum speed of 6km/h (3.7 mph). These 

so called ‘twist and go’ throttles are designed to help people who have difficulty starting-off on their bike (maybe due to a previous injury sustained or disability) The throttle must cut off at 3.7mph if the rider isn’t then pedalling - otherwise the bike is not an EAPC (as defined).

How exactly are EAPCs propelled? 

EAPCs are propelled by either a Hub Motor located within the front or the rear wheel, (becoming, in effect, the actual hub of the wheel itself) or by a Mid Drive Motor which is located by the cranks at the bottom bracket of the bike and effectively forms a part of the frame between the positioning of the pedals.

Note; an EAPC can have more than 2 wheels (for example, a 3 wheel tandem or a tricycle) but the kerbside weight of the bike (which includes the weight of the battery but not the rider) must not exceed:

40 kilograms if it is a bicycle or

60 kilograms if it is a tandem bicycle or tricycle.

An EAPC must always have pedals to propel it and the electric motor cannot have a maximum power output which exceeds 250 watts. Fundamentally the restriction is that the motor cannot provide propulsion at a speed in excess of 15.5 mph (or 25 km/h).

Effectively The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency in the UK ensures that all vehicles including EAPCs are safe to use and comply with UK type approval for use on public roads Type approval is usually given during the bike manufacturing process, but can be sought after manufacture, for instance where an individual seeks type approval for a specific vehicle. A type approved EAPC will have a plate or sticker affixed on it which shows its type approval number. If the EAPC bike isn't UK type approved then it becomes illegal to sell it or to ride it.

So where can you legally ride your e-bike?

Provided your bike meets the EAPC legal requirements then it is classed as a normal pedal cycle, meaning you can ride it anywhere where pedal cycles are allowed.

What if your e-bike does not comply with the EAPC rules?

If your e-bike is capable of being propelled electrically above the 15.5mph or 250w limit, then it is classed as a speed pedelec, or s-pedelec and it is legally a motorcycle or moped and not a bicycle. Also if your e-bike isn’t type approved it will be classed as a motorcycle or moped.

If classed as a speed pedelec, or s-pedelec or as a motorcycle or moped

you will then need it to be registered with the DVLA and also taxed and insured for road use. You will also need to obtain the relevant driving licence to ride it and you must wear a crash helmet when doing so.

What is the legal speed limit for an electric bike in the UK?

Technically road speed limits do not apply to bicycles. So, in theory, there is no absolute maximum speed limit for an electric bike in the UK - as long as the electric assistance automatically cuts off at 15.5mph, you can cycle as fast as you can pedal and that can be in excess of the 15.5mph speed limit for the electric motor.

Can you ride an electric bike when disqualified from driving?

Yes you can …as an EAPC compliant e-bike is not classed as a mechanically propelled vehicle.

Finally don’t confuse an e-bike with an e-scooter!!

Electric privately owned scooters are currently illegal in the UK, unless they are being ridden as part of a rental scheme trial which is in operation in a number of towns and cities in the UK and implemented by the government (i.e. when you rent or hire the scooter at a price rate per minute). Privately owned scooters can only be ridden on private land.

For free initial legal advice in relation to any driving or cycling matters contact our motoring department on 01606 59 21 59.