Electric bikes, Are they legal?

An electric bike or e-bike is known as an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC). Electric bikes or e-bikes have been growing in popularity in recent days, but many people are still unaware of the regulation and what exactly counts as legal.

In Great Britain, an e-bike is treated as an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) if it has pedals, is powered with less than 250 watts of electrical assistance, and speeds up to 15.5 mph (25kph). An e-bike is classed as a moped or motorcycle if powered with more than 250 watts of electrical assistance or speed of over 15.5 mph (25 kph) when propelled.

License, Insurance, Registration, Road Tax, and MOT

You need to be 14 years of age to ride an e-bike on public roads. You can ride e-bikes on public roads without a driving license, insurance, and registration with the DVLA. There is no road tax and you do not need to have an MOT every year. There is no legal requirement to wear a helmet or protective gear. However, it is highly recommended that you wear a helmet for your own protection.

If you do have an electric bike with more than 250 Watts of power or a speed of 15.5 mph (25kph), it needs to be registered with the DVLA and insured to ride on public roads. However, like dirt bikes and similar off-road motorbikes, you can ride them on private land with the landowner's permission.

How to Tell if my Electric Bike Fits Regulations?

Most e-bikes in the UK are built to comply with electrical bike regulations. To see if they comply with the European standard, look for the CE conformity mark on the bicycle. This means it has passed the relevant tests and is certified as an e-bike.

Another method to tell is by looking at the bike’s specifications. For example, if it uses more than 250 watts of power, or states it can travel faster than 15.5 mph (25kph), then it may break regulations. There also should be no power assistance without pedaling.

Cyclist Road Rules

The Highway Code has new guidance on shared spaces with cyclists. Cyclists passing those at higher risk on the road hierarchy, such as pedestrians and horses, should slow down while doing so.

Cyclists are advised to ride in the centre of their lane while on roads. This is for improved visibility and to prevent unsafe passes by vehicles. However, this advice does not extend to fast- moving roads where cyclists cannot maintain the same speed as drivers.

Still, cyclists should always maintain a distance of at least 0.5 meters from the curb on busy or fast-moving roads.

Motorists are advised to leave at least 1.5m of space when overtaking cyclists. This is not mandatory but helps to keep cyclists safe.

At a junction, cyclists should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross. Cyclists have priority over traffic waiting to turn when going straight through a junction.

At roundabouts, motorists should give priority to cyclists. Drivers and motorcyclists should not attempt to pass cyclists during a roundabout. Cyclists may stay in the left-hand lane during the roundabout.

Finally, clearer rules on cycling lanes have now been established. It is advised to use them when it makes your journey safer and easier, but it is not mandatory. It depends on individual riders.

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Electric bikes, Are they legal?

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