If you’re asking “are ebikes legal uk”, the short answer is: yes — as long as your e-bike meets the UK’s EAPC rules (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle). If it doesn’t, it’s treated more like a moped/motorbike in the eyes of the law, which changes what you need to ride it legally.
Shop compliant options: browse our road-legal e-bikes (UK legal e-bikes).
Quick summary (plain English rules)
- Legal e-bikes in Great Britain are usually classed as EAPCs.
- An EAPC must have working pedals, be 250W continuous rated, and the motor assistance must stop at 15.5mph.
- Throttle bikes (“twist and go”) can be legal, but rules depend on how the throttle works and whether the bike has the required approval.
- If it’s not an EAPC, it’s classed as a moped or motorbike and you may need registration, insurance, tax, a licence and an approved helmet.
- This guide is for Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). Northern Ireland rules can differ.
Key specs at a glance (what to check)
- Pedals: must be able to propel the bike.
- Motor: maximum continuous rated power of 250W.
- Assist limit: motor assistance must cut off at 15.5mph.
- Markings: the bike should show the rated power + manufacturer (and other required markings).
- Throttle: check what it does without pedalling and whether the bike is approved if required.
What makes an e-bike an EAPC in Great Britain (250W / 15.5mph / pedals)
In Great Britain, an e-bike is treated like a normal pedal bike (an EAPC) if it meets the core rules:
- Pedals that can propel it (not just footrests).
- 250W maximum continuous rated power (this is a rating, not “peak power”).
- Motor assistance cuts off at 15.5mph (you can ride faster, but the motor shouldn’t keep assisting beyond that speed).
If you want a quick way to shop compliant setups, start with our road-legal e-bikes collection or browse all models in shop e-bikes.
Throttles (“twist and go”) and what that means
Throttles cause the most confusion. A throttle that can propel the bike without pedalling can be legal in some cases, but there are extra rules around approval for certain “twist and go” styles (especially on newer bikes).
If you’re considering a throttle model, read this first: e-bike throttles in the UK.
Simple rule of thumb: if an e-bike can be propelled by the motor up to 15.5mph without pedalling, it may need specific approval to be used on the road.
What happens if it’s not an EAPC (DVLA/insurance/helmet implications)
If your e-bike does not meet the EAPC rules, it’s classed as a moped or motorcycle. That can mean you may need to:
- Register and tax the vehicle
- Have insurance
- Hold a valid driving licence for the class of vehicle
- Wear an approved motorcycle helmet
It can also affect where you’re allowed to ride — for example, non-EAPC bikes should not be used like normal bicycles on cycle lanes/tracks.
Buying checklist (how to avoid non-compliant builds)
- Check the rating: look for “250W continuous rated” on the spec plate/marking.
- Check the assist limit: motor assistance should stop at 15.5mph.
- Avoid “off-road mode” claims: if it can push you beyond 15.5mph under motor power, it’s unlikely to be EAPC-compliant.
- Throttle behaviour: confirm what the throttle does without pedalling and whether the bike is approved if required.
- Keep documentation: manuals, compliance info and purchase records are useful if you ever need to prove what you bought.
Helpful pages:
Examples of road-legal style e-bikes (250W)
If you want to sanity-check what a typical road-legal style spec looks like, here are two examples from our range:
FAQs
Are e-bikes legal in the UK?
Yes — if your e-bike meets the EAPC rules (pedals, 250W continuous rated motor, assistance cuts off at 15.5mph). If it doesn’t, it’s treated as a moped/motorbike with extra legal requirements.
Do I need insurance or a licence for a legal e-bike?
Not for a compliant EAPC. If your bike is not an EAPC, it may need registration, insurance, tax, and an appropriate licence.
How old do you have to be to ride an e-bike in the UK?
For EAPCs in Great Britain, you must be at least 14.
Are throttle e-bikes legal in the UK?
Some are, but it depends on how the throttle works and whether the bike has the required approval when applicable. Always check the model details carefully.
Can I ride a legal e-bike in cycle lanes?
If your bike is an EAPC, you can ride it where normal pedal bikes are allowed (including cycle lanes/tracks). If it’s not an EAPC, different rules apply.
What markings should a legal e-bike show?
EAPCs should show key information such as the motor’s continuous rated output and the manufacturer. Check the bike’s plate or durable markings.
Explore more
Official guidance: for the source rules, see GOV.UK guidance on EAPCs and e-bike rules. Riding an electric bike: the rules and EAPC standards and legal requirements.
