 Are they legal? |
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Are electric bikes legal ?
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One of the first questions people ask (after how fast and how much!) is whether electric bikes are legal on UK roads.
As long as an electric bike sold in the UK meets the following criteria, then you can enjoy riding one without needing Tax, MOT and a helmet:
| For an electric bicycle:
- The rider is aged 14 or older
- The maximum continuous power rating does not exceed 200W
- Assisted top speed is limited to 15.5 mph ( 25 kph )
- Maximum kerbside weight of 40kg
However just to confuse matters, under European leglislation we in the UK are able to enjoy a maximum of 250W for a bicycle.
For an electric tandem:
- The rider is aged 14 or older
- The maximum continuous power rating does not exceed 250W
- Assisted top speed is limited to 15.5 mph ( 25 kph )
- Maximum kerbside weight of 60kg
For an electric tricycle:
- The rider is aged 14 or over
- The maximum continuous power rating does not exceed 250W
- Assisted top speed is limited to 15.5 mph ( 25 kph )
- Maximum kerbside weight of 60kg
For more detailed information on the UK/European legislation you can read the DfT Factsheet towards the bottom of this page.
Q. Does my bike have to have Pedals ?
A. Yes, pedals have to be fitted and working for your bike to remain classified as a bicycle.
Q. Do I need to wear a helmet ?
A. No, you are not required by law to wear a helmet and that includes a cycling helmet as well as a motorcycle one.
Q. Do I need to have a Driving Licence ?
A. No, unlike motorcycles a licence is not required to ride a Pedelec / Electric Bike.
Q. Does my bike need to have an annual MOT ?
A. As above, your bike is classed as a bicycle no MOT is required.
Q. Do I need to have insurance ?
A. Insurance is not required on a pedelec but you may want to consider insuring your bike against theft. There are a few policies that will cover cycles - see the Directory for details.
Q. Can I go faster than 15 mph ?
A. Yes, you are able to travel faster than 15 mph, provided that the motor does not assist you past this point. Therefore if you are travelling down a hill, you can achieve a much greater speed but the motor will not be assisting you.
Q. Can I use the throttle without pedalling ?
A. This is where UK law differs slightly from the European legislation. Currently in the UK you are allowed to use your bike in pedal assist mode *and* throttle only.
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Dft Factsheet - Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs) in Great Britain
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 | The factsheet from the Department for Transport (DfT) outlines
the current situation regarding electric bikes and UK/European
legislation. |
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