Electric Bicycle Laws "Distilled"
Electric Bicycle Laws are somewhat confusing. This short article clarifies the current position of the UK laws and regulations on ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’. Type certification is required by all road vehicles, however for bikes, the manufacturer can get one certificate for an entire production run of one model. Electric bikes are excluded, but there are a couple of conditions.
In order to gain exemption from taxes, insurance, the need for a license plate and other legal requirements for cars, mopeds and motorbikes, every electric bike under power is limited to 15mph.
The rider can of course go faster simply with a bit of extra peddling, but for most cyclists (who won’t cycle that fast anyway) 15mph is plentiful, particularly when crossing a city.
In order to differentiate between a powered vehicle and a hybrid – electric bikes can be powered by human peddling and motor, unlike a motorbike for example – the use of a pedal torque sensor to deactivate the motor when the rider isn’t pedaling also dictates the legal stance taken.
Also, riders have to be at least 14 years old to ride one. Still, that makes it a practical solution for older kids wanting to ride to school.
You can view the original Department for Transport ‘Electricaly Assisted Pedal Cycles’ Guidelines [October 2005] document here. (You'll need a free PDF reader too) |
But the short Government guidelines can be summarized below.
| Power of motor (Watts) | Maximum powered speed | Pedal Sensor | Legal Status*
I'm not a lawyer -- this shouldn't be used as legal advice. Please consult a law professional. |
| 200W | 15mph | With |
|
| 200W | 15mph | Without |
|
| 250W | 15mph | With |
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| 250W | 15mph | Without |
|
| More than 250W | More than 15mph | Either |
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