The laws around E-bikes can be confusing as there a different laws relating to different classes of E-bikes so we thought it would be worth addressing and clearing up the legalities.
E-bike law varies depending on the jurisdiction and the specific regulations in place. In many countries, e-bikes are legal, but there are usually certain rules and regulations that govern their use. These rules often include specifications related to the maximum power output of the motor, the speed at which the motor assists the rider, and whether or not the e-bike is considered a regular bicycle or falls under a different category, such as a moped or motorcycle.
In this blog post we’ll be looking at the rules, regs and legalities of e-bikes in the UK only.
What Are the Different Classes of E-Bikes?
In general there are three main classes of e-bikes:
Class 1 e-bikes: These are pedal-assist e-bikes or Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPC) that provide assistance only when the rider is pedalling. They have a maximum motor-assisted speed of 15.5mph, which is the maximum legal speed in the UK for a Class 1 E-bike. Also, the motor on a Class 1 E-bike should not exceed an output of 250 watts. It doesn’t mean you can’t go faster than this, but the motor should cut out at this point, meaning that any additional speed is created by man-power alone or momentum (downhill!). This class of e-bike is treated similarly to regular bicycles and are allowed on bike lanes and paths. All of the e-bikes that we sell at RideOn fall into this category.
Class 2 e-bikes: These e-bikes are equipped with a throttle that can activate the motor without pedalling. Using a full-speed throttle on an e-bike is illegal on UK roads, unless, you bought your bike with the throttle before Jan 2016. The law changed after this date to make them illegal. However, starting assistance throttles which cut out at 3.7mph are OK. These are considered an advantage since they get you from a standing start to moving quickly, such as pulling out of a junction or getting started on a hill. If you’re considering buying a E-bike with a throttle or adding a throttle to a E-bike you already own, you need to check the laws in your country.
Class 3 E-Bikes: These e-bikes are pedal-assist like Class 1 E-bikes, but they can achieve higher motor-assisted speeds, typically up to around 28 mph. Since the law in the UK only allow speeds of upto 15.5mph on the roads, Class 3 E-Bikes are not permitted for use on UK roads. Well, that’s not entirely true – you can ride them on the roads, but you would have to register it with the DVLA, have a driving license, insurance and legally you’d have to wear a helmet as it is a technically a moped.
Do you have to tax, license or insure an E-bike?
As long as your E-bike complies with the government’s regulations around EAPC, you are not required to tax, license or insure your E-bike.
However, since E-bikes are an expensive investment, there are many benefits to insuring it, especially if it were to get damaged or stolen so this maybe an option you’d wish to consider. You may also wish to add your bike to the national Bike Register an official database used by the police to help recover stolen bikes.
What is the highway code surrounding the use of E-bikes?
E-Bike riders are subject to the same Highway Code rules and regs as those who ride traditional bikes and can ride on roads, cycle paths and anywhere else bikes are allowed. The Discerning Cyclist have summarised the Highway Code for cyclist really well here and we would recommend that you read up on it before the rubber meets the road.
How old do you have to be to ride an E-bike?
You have to be 14 years or over to legally ride an e-bike in the UK. If you’re 14 and wish to hire an e-bike from us at RideOn, you’re booking must include somebody else who is aged 18 or over.
Do you need to wear a helmet?
As with traditional bikes, there is no law that enforces riders to wear a helmet. That said, we would always recommend wearing one on any bike and we never let our bike- hirers go out without one! Your head houses a very important organ and wearing a helmet quite simply could save your life.
Summary
To conclude, here’s a helpful summary, highlighting the key points around UK law and E-bikes.
An EAPC or E-bike must:
- have pedals that can be used to propel it
- show either the power output or manufacturer of the motor on the bike itself
- also show the battery’s voltage or the maximum speed of the bike
- have a maximum power output of 250 watts
- not have a motor that’s able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph. Only man-power and momentum can increase speed beyond this legal limit.
Other important information:
- If an E-bike has a throttle, it cannot propel the bike beyond 3.7mph
- E-bikes are subject to the same cycling laws as traditional pedal bikes
- E-bikes can have more than 2 wheels
- You must be at least 14 years old to ride an E-Bike.
So, if you’re considering purchasing an e-bike, it’s a good to know the laws and regulations in your country to ensure that you’re aware of any restrictions or requirements that might apply to E-bike use. Hopefully this article has cleared up a few things if you were unsure. If you have any concerns or queries, our friendly team at RideOn are always happy to chat to you too, so please feel free to pop into any of our stores or drop us a line at [email protected]