Electric Motorcycles

Rules in England, Scotland and Wales

 To ride an electric motorcycle or scooter in the UK, you will need to to undertake exactly the same training and testing as a conventionally powered motorcycle (I.C.E or Internal Combustion Engine)

The categories fall in line with the following types:

 Over 25 Kph (15.5 Mph) but no more than 45 Kph (28 Mph) this would be classified as a "moped" and could be ridden at 16 years old & with a  CBT .

 Up to 11 kW (15 Bhp) can be ridden on a CBT or  full A1  licence at 17 years of age.

 Up to 35 kW (47 Bhp but with maximum power to weight ration of 0.2 kW per Kg)  Full A2  licence once you are at least 19 years old.

 Over 35 kW or unlimited kW or Bhp. Category  A full licence , only once you reach 24 years old.

 You can ride an electric bicycle in England, Scotland and Wales if you’re 14 or over, as long as it meets certain requirements.
Please note different rules apply in Northern Ireland.
These electric bicycles 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 or the manufacturer of the motor

It must also show either, the battery’s voltage or the maximum speed of the bike

It's 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.

Other kinds of electric bike

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.

The bike must also be type approved if either:

 It does not meet the EAPC rules

It can be propelled without pedalling (a ‘twist and go’ EAPC)

This should have been done by the manufacturer or importer before you bought it. If it’s been type approved, it will have a plate showing its type approval number.