What are the UK Electric Bike Laws: For students living in the UK, it’s a great idea to have an e-bike. You can commute to your college easily and explore your city and nearby surroundings. Electric bikes are environmentally friendly too. However, there are things you must know before you start riding an e-bike on the UK roads. You must know what is the maximum driving speed that is permitted for e-bikes and whether a driving licence is required or not.
In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about the UK law for electric bikes. So, let’s get started!
This Blog Includes:
What are Electric Bikes?
An electric bike (e-bike) is an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) and comes with a rechargeable battery and a motor that helps in pedalling. Electric bikes are heavier than normal pedal cycles and come in different varieties such as e-cargo bikes, hybrid, folding e-bikes, electric mountain, etc.
Whatever the type of your e-bike you are using in student accommodation in United Kingdom, it must meet the electric bike laws in the UK for you to be able to ride it on public roads and cycle paths.
Also Read: If you are planning to move to the UK, then you must read Cheapest Cities to Live in the UK for International students
UK Electric Bike Laws
You must meet the following laws and EAPC regulations to be able to ride an e-bike in the UK:
- You must be over 14 years of age to ride an e-bike in the UK.
- The bike must come with a pedal-assist motor and have a maximum power output of 250 Watts.
- The electrical assistance of the bike must be cut off when it reaches 15.5 mph/ 25 Km/h.
Your e-bike must meet these conditions for you to be legally allowed to ride it on cycle paths and anywhere else that bikes are normally allowed.
Do You Need a Licence for an E-Bike?
As per the electric bike laws in the UK, you don’t need a licence to ride an e-bike. Riders are also not required to register or pay any vehicle tax for owning an e-bike. As long as your bike complies with the EAPC regulations (i.e., electrically assisted pedal cycle), you don’t need to worry about having a licence.
What if My Electric Bike Doesn’t Meet the Regulations?
If your e-bike does not meet the EAPC regulations – either because its motor is more powerful than 250 W or if the bike assists you when you’re riding more than 15.5 mph – then you’ll need to get your bike registered and taxed as a motor vehicle. In such a scenario, you’ll also need to have a driving licence and wear a helmet. So both for safety and regulatory reasons, it is better that students take an e-bike meeting EAPC regulations.
Further Read: If you are planning to study abroad, then you must read Places to Study Abroad in Europe
FAQs on Electric Bike Laws in the UK
Yes, electric bikes are legal on UK roads as normal pedal bikes are.
It is legal to ride an electric bike in the UK without a licence, provided it meets certain conditions:
-The bike must be a pedal assist.
-The bike must have a maximum power output of 250 watts, with a speed restriction of 15.5mph
Generally, most electric bikes with a throttle can go up to 20-28 miles per hour (32-45 kilometres per hour) on flat terrain.
If your bike meets EAPC regulations (i.e., it is an electrically assisted pedal cycle), then you don’t need to register, pay vehicle tax, or get your bike insured.
The speed limit for an e-bike as per EAPC regulations is 15.5 mph or 25 Km/h.
This blog was about the prevailing laws for electric bikes in the UK. It’s a great idea to have an e-bike, this will help you visit the beautiful places in your city and also experience outdoor adventures in the UK.
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