E-scooters and e-bikes

It is against the law to ride an e-scooter on public roads or pavements, including cycle lanes.

If you use an e-scooter on public roads, you risk receiving a fine, penalty points, and even having the scooter seized.

E-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEV’s), so they are treated as motor vehicles and subject to the same legal requirements, such as:

• MOT
• Licensing
• Tax
• Insurance

As e-scooters do not have number plates, signalling ability and do not always have visible rear lights, they cannot be used legally on the roads.

Whilst you can legally buy an e-scooter, the only place one can be used outside legally is on private roads with the land owners permission.

Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC)

These bikes and riders need to meet certain requirements to be used on the roads, such as:

• Electric assistance can only be provided to a maximum of 25kph (15.5mph)
• The motor used must be of no more than 250 Watts (maximum continuous rated power).
• The e-bike’s pedals must be in motion for motor assistance to be provided.
• The rider must be 14 years of age or over.
• They should not be used on the pavement.

For a comprehensive list of the standards and further information, visit Cycling UK's website.

Electric Bikes – none pedal assisted

E-bikes that do not require the user to pedal are likely to be classed as a moped or even motorbike, and have a different set of legal requirements including licence and insurance. For more information visit Cycling UK's website.