Legal Guide

Electric Vehicle Law

Here at E Rider, the most common questions we’re asked surround electric bike laws in the UK. With so many different electric bikes out there, from mopeds to motorbikes and of course pedal assisted electric bicycles, it’s all too easy to get confused when it comes to UK bike law. On this page, we’re going to give you all the information you need. 

We’re going to make it clear, concise and to the point to ensure you know exactly what’s required of you when purchasing the electric bike of your choice. From road legal electric bike requirements such as licenses and insurance to the legal moped age in the UK; everything you need to know is right here.

Electric Bikes

E Bikes, or pedal assisted bikes as they’re also known, do not require a license of any kind. They are limited to a top speed of 15.5mph and these bikes

• DO NOT require a license
• Riders must be a minimum of 14 years of age
• DO NOT require registration or insurance
• Helmets are not mandatory

Electric Mopeds & Scooters

If however, the bike has the ability to push past the 15.5mph limit but is still limited to 30mph, then this is usually referred to as an electric moped or scooter and will be classed as a L1e-B category vehicle. For this reason, it requires registration with the DVLA in order for it to be used on a public roadway. 

To give you a better idea, they can be thought of much like a Honda 50cc petrol moped which not only requires a number plate to be fitted and a minimum of third party road insurance but the rider must also be at  least 16 years of age. 

On top of this, riders are legally required to wear a crash helmet while possessing a minimum of a CBT driving license. If however, the driver passed their test before February 2001, then they’ll have category AM or P already on their license which is the equivalent to a CBT and are therefore not required to take a CBT test.

If the bike in question is capable of speeds over 28mph, then they’ll be classed as a L3e-A1 and must be a minimum of 17 years of age. Here’s a quick breakdown on electric moped UK law.

• Must be registered with DVLA
• Must have a minimum of third party insurance 
• Riders require a CBT as a minimum
• Bikes must have a license plate displayed
• Riders must be a minimum of 16 years of age
• If riders passed their test before 2001, they will not need to take a CBT test
• Riders must wear a crash helmet
• Riders with a provisional licence are required to display L plates and may not carry a pillion passenger

Electric Motorbikes

Electric motorbikes, while often confused with electric mopeds and scooters, are a totally different category all on their own. Electric motorbikes, classed as L3e-A1 have no top speed restriction.

This means any electric bike that’s capable of speeds past 30mph will be classed as an electric motorbike and the rider will need to be at least 17 years old. 

In terms of licenses, they must also have a provisional licence plus a CBT or have a full motorcycle license (this is advised if your motorcycle is capable of much higher speeds).

Just as is required with electric mopeds and scooters, riders must possess a minimum of third party insurance in order to ride on public highways and must, at all times, wear a crash helmet. Once again, here’s a breakdown of electric motorcycle UK law:

• Must be registered with DVLA
• Must have a minimum of third party insurance 
• Riders require a CBT as a minimum, though full motorbike license is advised
• Bikes must have a license plate displayed
• Riders must be a minimum of 17 years of age
• Riders must wear a crash helmet
• Riders with a provisional licence are required to display L plates and may not carry a pillion passenger