It seems like there shouldn't be a problem, right?
Take a normal bike, add an electric motor and watch your non-electric bike buddies get left behind in the dust. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. The maximum speed, battery size and even the way the electric bike works comes into play in determining whether you can legally ride your e-bike on public roads in the UK. So before you buy your e-bike, keep the follwing points in mind to ensure that you will be able to ride it on the road, without getting into trouble with the local authorities:
How old must I be to ride an e-bike?
You must be 14 or over to ride an electric bike.
What types of Electric bikes are legal?
To be legal, the electric bike must fall under the EAPC (electrical assisted pedal cycle) category of cycles. This means that electric assistance can only be given as long as you are pedalling the cycle at the same time.
However there is one notable exception.
E-bikes that can provide assistance without pedalling (‘twist and go’ throttles) can only do so up to 3.7 mph (6km/h), the reason for the speed being so low is so that the throttle is only used for starting/walking assistance, after this speed the throttle stops providing assistance and the rider will have to manually pedal to increase the speed.
Cycles that can provide electrical assistance without the rider pedalling, greater than 3.7 mph are classified as motorcycles/mopeds and are subject to their own laws.
What is the maximum legal power output?
The electric motor on the e-bike in question must be 250 watts or less to be seen as a legal e-bike
What is the maximum speed?
If pedalling at the same time - The e-bike can only provide you assistance upto 15.5 mph, beyond this speed the electrical assistance is cut off and you will have to manually pedal in order to increase the speed.
If not pedalling at the same time - The e-bike can only provide you assistance upto 3.7 mph (6 km/h), like the above, the electical assistance will be cut off once 3.7 mph has been met
What can I do if my e-bike does not meet the above requirements?
If your bike does not meet the above criteria, then you won’t be able to ride it on public roads in the UK without proper registration with the DVLA, however you may still ride it on private property with permission from the owner.
Summary
- You must be 14 years or older to ride an e-bike
- The electric motor must be 250 watts or lower
- The e-bike can only ‘help’ you up to speeds of 15.5mph - after this you’re on your own
- The e-bike will only assist you if you are pedalling at the same time, however for speeds up to 3.7 mph assistance without pedalling can be given