The Law - E Bikes and Scooters
E - Bikes - Licencing, Tax & Insurance
You can ride an electric bike if you’re 14 or over, as long as it meets certain requirements.
These electric bikes are known as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs). You do not need a licence to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured.
What counts as an EAPC
An EAPC must have pedals that can be used to propel it.
It must show either:
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the power output
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the manufacturer of the motor
It must also show either:
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the battery’s voltage
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the maximum speed of the bike
Its electric motor:
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must have a maximum power output of 250 watts
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Should not be able to propel the bike when it's travelling more than 15.5 mph
An EAPC can have more than 2 wheels (for example, a tricycle).
Where you can ride an electric bike
If a bike meets the EAPC requirements, it’s classed as a normal pedal bike. This means you can ride it on cycle paths and anywhere else pedal bikes are allowed.
Other kinds of electric bike
Any electric bike that does not meet the EAPC rules is classed as a motorcycle or moped and needs to be registered and taxed. You’ll need a driving licence to ride one and you must wear a crash helmet.
Getting vehicle approval for your electric bike, an electric bike must be typed approved, if either:
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it can be propelled without pedalling (a ‘twist and go’ EAPC)
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it does not meet the EAPC rules
This should have been done by the manufacturer or importer before you bought it. If it’s been type approved, it will have a plate showing its type approval number.
e-Bike approval information - gov.uk
What is an E-Scooter?
Electrical scooters (also known as e-scooters) come under the category of “powered transporters”; this covers a range of personal transport devices which are powered by a motor.
E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988 (external website). Which means the rules that apply to motor vehicles, also apply to e-scooters including the need to have a licence, insurance and tax.
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Anyone using a rental e-scooter on a public road or other public space, has to comply with the relevant road traffic legislation or they face potential prosecution.
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To rent an e-scooter you must be at least 16 years old, hold the correct driving licence (Category Q or P/M) & create an account with the rental company.
E-Scooter Trials - Transport for Greater Manchester (external website)
For more information on how to hire an E Scooter visit Lime (external website)
It's not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters, which means it's illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces. If you're using a private e-scooter you risk the vehicle being seized under S.165 Road Traffic Act 1988 for no insurance.
If you cause serious harm to another person whilst riding an e-scooter the incident will be investigated in the same way it would if you were riding a motorcycle or driving a car.
Find out more
Advice on E-scooter usage (external website)
National Fire Chief Council on E-bikes & E-scooters Fire Safety Guidance (external website)
Government Safety Messages on E-Bikes & E-Scooters (external website)