Electric Bikes:

You can ride an electric bike on UK roads if you’re 14 or over if the e-bike meets
certain requirements.

These electric powered 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:

·       the power output

·       the manufacturer of the motor

It must also show either:

·       the battery’s voltage

·       the maximum speed of the bike

Its electric motor:

·       must have a maximum power output
of 250 watts

·       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).

Where you can ride

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.

 

E-Scooters:

Electric powered scooters are legal to purchase in the UK,
however it is currently only possible to drive them on private roads.

Whilst the UK is running a pilot scheme for e-scooters on
public roads, these trials are for rental scooters, however the UK government
is looking into legalising e-scooters on a permanent basis, so watch this
space.

 

E-Skateboards:

In the UK, the situation is almost identical to e-scooter legislation.

Electric powered skateboards are legal to purchase in the
UK, however it is currently only possible to drive them on private roads.

As with the e-scooter trials, we’ll be keeping a very close
eye on what the government does next. It seems logical to allow people to
travel using electric assisted vehicles on UK roads, much in the same way they
do electric assisted bicycles.