- E-bikes are magic! They allow you to push the boundaries and open up a whole new world!
- E-bike are legal to use on UK roads – when limited to an assisted speed of max. 15.5mph (with a max. 250W motor)
- Always check local laws before use
- Why not pop along to our store for a test ride – there’s one for everyone!
If you, like me, are in the e-mobility hype, there must be some questions that you wondered at some point. The truth is the laws are a bit vague when it comes to e-bikes in particular; confusing, to say the least. I get it, it’s not for everyone, and the confusing aspect of it makes a huge number of people miss the beauty of riding an e-bike, with all the benefits that it gives you.
However, the simple reality is that the future is eco-friendly, and now more than ever, due to external circumstances we can’t control, we are in need of these type of transports. The mass amount of articles and news with puzzling information makes it all look so complicated and- let´s say it- illegal, it leaves no doubt in my eyes that what we need here is clarification. But don’t sweat it, we’ll talk through it: here is everything you need to know about the e-bike status.
The shoulds and should not’s
Let’s get this out of the way. For most electric bikes, you do not need a license of any kind. Only if the bike has a motor rated more than 250W or an assisted speed of higher than 15.5mph will you need a licence. 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.
But, what counts as an EAPC? An EAPC must have pedals that can be used to propel it. It must show either the power output or the manufacturer of the motor It must also show either the battery’s voltage or the maximum speed of the bike. Its electric motor must have a maximum power output of 250 watts and should not be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph. An EAPC can have more than 2 wheels (for example, a tricycle).
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.
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.
When it comes to looking to buy the perfect e-bike, you should always take into account laws and legislations. It is extremely important that you keep up to date with this, since it’s ever changing, not clear and there’s a lot of misinformation going around. If you are looking to buy your first e-bike, or upgrade the one you have you can visit our website, onboards.co, to see our wide range of products that are, indeed, suitable for everyone, and that are always within the law.