Legal Guide

ELECTRIC BIKE & SCOOTER - LEGAL OVERVIEW

At LeisurExpert we want you to have fun and be safe, and legal whilst doing so.

Please read below carefully, as you, the electric vehicle owner are wholly responsible for the legal and safe use of your eBike or eScooter.

In the UK laws apply to the use of electric bikes and e-scooters. 

Outlined below is a simple summary of the law, so that you know how to use your electric bike or scooter safely and legally. For more detail, however please refer to the Government website, Highway Code, road safety and electric vehicles, Electric bike rules, https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules.

Full responsibility resides with you the owner of the eBike or eScooter to ensure it is used in compliance with UK regulation. However we have created this guide to make the law as simple and transparent as possible and as always if you have any questions after reading, please email us at info@leisurexpert.co.uk or call: 0333 090 6939.

If you intend to use your eBike outside the UK, please check with the local jurisdiction regarding the rules and regulations which apply.
 

ELECTRIC BIKES

E-Bikes, sometimes referred to as EAPC – Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles, do not require insurance or a license as long as they comply with UK or local jurisdiction laws. The limit to the motor on public roads is 250W, some ebikes have settings that exceed this limit which are only to be used on private land with the landowner's permission. The speed limit for eBikes on the road in the UK is 15.5mph.

Many of the eBikes that LeisurExpert stock have been designed in compliance with UK regulations. 

To avoid any doubt, simply check the specification of your bike and look at the motor size. If the motor is capable of producing over 250W power, it is to be used only on private land with the landowner's permission. Also electric bikes that include a throttle are also not classed as an electric bike or EAPC (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle) and therefore they cannot be ridden in public spaces.

Additionally, eBikes (EAPCs) with a 250W motor:

• DO NOT require a license
• DO NOT require insurance or registration
• DO REQUIRE a minimum age of 14 years old
• DO NOT require a helmet to be worn (although we would recommend this)
• DO REQUIRE motors to be limited to 250W on public roads
• DO REQUIRE ebikes to be powered by pedal assistance and not a throttle
• DO REQUIRE the top speed to be limited to 15.5mph* on public roads

 *Please note you can travel above 15.5mph on an electric bike, this happens to be the speed the motor will not provide additional assistance, in-line with UK laws.

ELECTRIC SCOOTERS

Under current UK law, privately owned electric scooters are illegal to ride on public roads. They are only to be used on private land with the landowners permission.

There are changes to this law planned to come in the near future, although there are no fixed dates or details on the specific changes to be made.

eScooter trials are underway in a number of areas across the UK and it is expected that these trials will inform the latest Transport Bill, along with changes made by electric scooter manufacturers to comply with new legislation.

As always, if you need any further advice, please email us at info@leisurexpert.co.uk or call: 0333 090 6939.