Advice
Are e-bikes legal in the UK?
E-bikes are legal in the UK, as long as you are 14 or older and meet Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) rules
Words by: Auto Trader
Published on 24 February 2023 | 0 min read
There can be lots of issues with counterfeit electrical goods which don’t meet British or European standards. Although it is tempting to look at cheaper alternatives it is vital you buy your e-bike and e-bike battery from a reputable seller who makes sure that the e-bike meets Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) requirements,. fulfils the Construction and Use regulations, complies with European standard EN15194 and contains a CE mark, which will tell you that it has passed the relevant directive’s standards.
If you are buying separate components it is important you should check that they are compatible. It is fine to ask the person selling you an e-bike for proof of any of these things above if you are unsure about anything.
If you are buying separate components it is important you should check that they are compatible. It is fine to ask the person selling you an e-bike for proof of any of these things above if you are unsure about anything.
What are the rules around EAPCs?
- Pedals: EAPCs must use pedals to propel the bike
- Power limit: the electric motor must be limited to 250 Watts
- Maximum speed: the motor should only provide assistance when the rider is pedalling and should cut out when the bike reaches 15.5 mph
- Age: to ride an EAPC you must be at least 14 years old
- Lighting: just like regular bikes, an e-bike must be equipped with lights and reflectors.
Do I need a licence to ride an e-bike?
You don’t need a licence to ride an e-bike and it doesn’t need to be registered, taxed or insured.
It is not a legal requirement to have insurance for an e-bike in the UK, but it is highly recommended for riders to have insurance in case of accidents or damage to the bike.
It is not a legal requirement to have insurance for an e-bike in the UK, but it is highly recommended for riders to have insurance in case of accidents or damage to the bike.
Where can you ride an e-bike?
Providing an e-bike meets the EAPC requirements, it will fall under the same traffic laws and regulations as a standard pedal bike. That means you will be able to ride the e-bike on cycle paths and roads. Bikes aren’t allowed on pavements or footpaths, and this is no different for e-bikes.
Considering buying an e-bike?
You can browse lots of different e-bikes on Auto Trader bikes here.
E-bikes fire safety: Everything you need to know
The Bicycle Association has put together some excellent advice on e-bikes and fire safety, although we’ve summarised their advice below for your convenience. The fire safety risk that an e-bike presents can be split into groups of circumstances that loosely fit into 'very safe*' and 'may present fire risk'. We've summarised the advice on fire safety in our E-Bikes Buyers Guide.
*The Bicycle Association says that products with all these characteristics present, in the body’s understanding and based on information currently available, low levels of fire risk for responsibly users who use them according to the instructions – but this can only be indicative. You can read the full terms and conditions on the body’s website.
*The Bicycle Association says that products with all these characteristics present, in the body’s understanding and based on information currently available, low levels of fire risk for responsibly users who use them according to the instructions – but this can only be indicative. You can read the full terms and conditions on the body’s website.