Electric Bike, Motorcycle and Scooter Laws in the UK
What Licence Do You Need?
One of the most common questions we're asked is about what licence is needed for different vehicles
While the full details are written below, we've written a simple, visual infographic with the key points.
Click on the image to download and please feel free to share!
EAPCs, Speed Pedelecs and Electric Motorbikes
For those looking to get a new electric bike in any form, there’s a lot of confusion in the marketplace surrounding current UK laws however the legislation is fairly clear. We've tried to clarify and simplify the main points below.
For the sake of clarity and terminology, this is how we refer to different electric light vehicles:
1. Kick Electric Scooter (PLEVs)
Usually small, two wheeled devices that weigh under 20kg. Increasingly popular in cities for commuting to work.
2. Electric Bikes
Electric Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs) that are usually “normal” Bicycles but with an electric motor to assist with speeds up to 15mph
3. Electric Motorbikes
Large and powerful motorbikes that go above 30mph
4. Electric Scooters and Electric Mopeds
Many people call scooters and mopeds the same thing. We try and stick to mopeds to mean larger, faster vehicles that are similar to their 50cc or 125cc petrol counterparts.
What bike can I ride with a full car licence?
If you passed your licence before 1st February 2001, you can ride a scooter / moped up to 50cc / 4kW without L plates. If you want anything with more power, you will need to take your CBT.
The Super Soco TC can be purchased restricted to 28mph, and then the rest of the power de-restricted once you have provided CBT evidence.
Anyone who gained their licence after 1st February 2001, will need to take Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).
The CBT is usually around £100 and can be achieved with a range of local dealers. It opens up the options for a wide range of vehicles, including electric motorbikes, scooters and our speed pedelec range. We highly recommend undergoing the CBT for safety and confidence when riding.
1. Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs)
The battery technology advances in recent years gave way to the popular craze of "hoverboards" and other similar small electric scooters and light vehicles that have electric motors attached.
As far as UK law goes, these are not currently legal for use on UK highways and roads.
However, the government are currently reviewing legislation, fast tracking plans to trial them in cities. Originally planned for 2021, the trial has been brought forward to June 2020. For now, they are focusing on hire-schemes rather than ownership, but we hope this changes in the coming months.
IThere are a large amount of quite serious and high quality electric scooters available that are popular in European cities as alternatives to bikes or mopeds. In France, for example, these low-speed mobility devices can be used in cycle lanes.
Often these light vehicles are able to quickly get to speeds of 15mph or more which has raised concerns over safety. For now at least, they are only legal to be used for recreational use on private land and parks but we're seeing an increasing amount used for commuting.
Can I ride an electric bike without a licence? Do I need a licence to ride an electric bike?
For most electric bikes, you do not need a licence of any kind. Only if the bike has a motor rated more than 250W or an assissted speed of higher than 15.5mph will you need a licence.
Thankfully the law is a bit clearer for electric bicycles that have electric motors. These are most commonly referred to as EAPCs, or Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles.
For the full information, please see the Government website here.
The main limitations on what constitutes an ebike or EAPC are:
- No more than 250W Continous Motor Output
- Does not propel more than 15.5mph*
- Over 14 years of age
- Pedals must be in use for assistance to be provided
What this means in reality is that the motor will only assist you up to 15.5mph, and then after this it will cut out and you need to keep on pedalling to gain more speed. For city commuting this is fantastic, as it really helps you propel away from lights quicker and can give cautious riders more confidence.
Are electric bikes legal in the UK?
Again, yes electric bikes are. However there are still restrictions on modifications and only the above bikes are legal on the road without registration.
It’s important to note new bikes since 2015 with a “twist and go” throttle function cannot go more than 3.7mph (6km/h). They do not qualify to be an EAPC, as there are no pedals involved.
Any electrically assisted vehicle that falls outside of this category must be registered, taxed and requires a licence.
Folding Ebikes
Electric Cargo Bikes
Commuter Electric Bikes
Electric Mountain Bikes - eMTB
30mph Electric Bikes - Speed Pedelecs
Any ebike that is capable of a speed in excess of 15.5mph or has a motor rating above 250w is generally referred to as a as a speed pedelec, or s-pedelec. In the UK these bikes are classed as L1e category road vehicles and require registration with DVLA for use on the public highway.
This means the bike must have European certificate of conformity and be type approved as a L1e road vehicle.
To use on the public highway these bikes must be registered with the DVLA (have a number plate fitted), have a minimum of third party road risk insurance, the rider must wear a motorbike style crash helmet, and must have appropriate driving licence (a CBT, more info in the next section).
There are some pedal bikes (EAPCs) that can achieve the higher speeds. Notably, our Stromer bikes and some of the QWIC Performance Speed bikes will assist up to 28mph and have motors above 250w motors.
You can see all of our Speed Pedelecs here.
However, they will require DVLA registry and licence plates. Some of the bikes will come supplied with mirrors, horns and plate lights in recognition of their elevated status.
These bikes are classed as road vehicles and therefore cannot be used on cycle paths, cycle lanes etc. They are subject to all the same laws that a motorcycle or moped would be.
When we sell any of these vehicles it will be clearly stated on the invoice / description that this is a L1e category vehicle. We will provide you with the documentation required for you to register the bike with the DVLA. However, it is the riders / buyers responsibility to ensure that they comply with the legislation.
Additionally, if required we can supply the bike registered for you.
After speed pedelecs, the next category will generally be electric mopeds restricted to 28mph (45kmh). These can be thought of in a similar way to a Honda 50cc petrol moped. As a moped, they can be ridden by any rider 16 or over who has either passed a CBT course or has category AM or P on their existing driver licence. These are classed as L1e-B, which is the same as a Speed Pedelec (L1e-B).
Our NIU, Govecs and Super Soco bikes fall into this category.
Car drivers who passed their test before February 2001 generally will have this category AM or P already on their licence, or have a full motorcycle licence, and are not required to take a CBT course (please double check that this is the case).
Electric scooters / motorbikes that are capable of speeds in excess of 28mph / 45kmph are classed as L3e-A1. There is no speed restriction however you must be 17 or above and have passed a CBT course OR have a full motorcycle licence.
Please see full licence requirements on the government website here.
4. Electric Motorbikes - Over 28mph
Electric scooters / motorbikes that are capable of speeds in excess of 28mph / 45kmph are classed as L3e-A1. There is no speed restriction however you must be 17 or above and have passed a CBT course OR have a full motorcycle licence.
Please see full licence requirements on the government website here.
EAPC without Registration
Up to 15.5mph
Most of our electric bikes range do not need licensing as they comply as an EAPC that assists only to 15.5mph.
RD11 Performance 15.5mph
Need Registration
Up to 28mph
Some of the fastest QWICs are designed to replace the car and therefore are capable of speeds up to 28mph. These are classed as Speed Pedelecs. We can supply these models either unregistered and with the paperwork required for registration OR fully registered with the paperwork and numberplate, ready to ride.
RD11 Speed Performance 28mph
Disclaimer
The information has been provided as a guide only, however please ensure you make your own research and checks to confirm full compliance.
