E-Bike laws in England, Scotland and Wales differ from those in Northern Ireland.  Electric bikes are known as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs). No licence is required to ride one and neither does it need to be  registered, taxed or insured.

England, Scotland and Wales

You can ride an electric bike (EAPC)  if you are 14 years old or older and it meets certain requirements.
These requirements are : –

  1. It must have pedals and these must be capable of propelling it. .
  2. It must show either the power output of the motor or the manufacturer of the motor.
  3. It must also show either the battery’s voltage, the maximum speed of the bike.
  4. The electric motor must have a maximum power output of 250 watts and the e-bike should not be able to travel more than 15.5mph when using the motor.

Other points : –

  • An EAPC can have more than 2 wheels.
  • EPAC’s are classed as normal pedal cycles and so can be legally ridden anywhere a normal cycle can be.

Any e-bike that does not meet the EAPC rules above is classed as a motorcycle / moped and would need to meet the relevant legal requirements i.e it needs to be registered and taxed, you need a driving licence to ride one and you must wear a crash helmet.

Rules in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, you need a moped licence to ride any electric bike. The bike must also be registered, taxed and insured.