Are Throttle Electric Bikes Legal in the UK? Your Questions Answered

If you're an adrenaline junkie in the market for an electric bike, you may have come across throttle-powered e-bikes. These models feature a throttle and electric motor that assist your ride - making it easier to cruise through busy UK city streets or explore the countryside with minimal effort. 

But before you hit the road, it’s important to understand the legalities surrounding these bikes. The UK has specific rules and regulations for throttle electric bikes, and staying compliant is key. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about throttle e-bike legality in the UK - including whether you need a license to ride one.

UK Electric Bike Laws: What Makes an E-Bike Legal?

Wondering whether electric bikes are legal in the UK? The answer is yes - but only if the e-bike meets specific legal requirements. In the UK, electric bikes that comply with the law are classified as Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs).

To ride one legally on public roads, you must be 14 years of age or older, but the good news is that no licence, tax, insurance, or vehicle registration is required - making EAPCs a convenient and eco-friendly transport choice.

Legal Requirements for EAPCs

To be considered a legal EAPC in the UK, the electric bike must:

• Be fitted with pedals that can be used to propel the bike.
• Display either:
  1. The motor’s power output or the manufacturer’s name.
  2. The battery voltage or the bike’s maximum speed.

For more information on e-bike regulations in the UK, please click here. 

Electric Motor Specifications

The motor on an EAPC must meet the following criteria:

• Have a maximum continuous rated power not exceeding 250w
• Stop providing assistance when the bike reaches a speed of 15.5mph (25km/h).

These rules apply not only to standard two-wheeled electric bikes but also to electrically assisted tricycles and other approved variants.

Throttles

Contrary to popular belief, throttles on electric bikes aren’t outright banned in the UK. However, their use is subject to specific legal conditions.

Standard throttles on e-bikes are legal in the UK but can only operate without pedalling up to 6km/h or 3.7mph, typically for “walk start” assistance. To go faster, the rider must pedal, and the throttle can assist up to 15.5mph.

It is possible to purchase an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) with a throttle that can provide electrical assistance without the use of pedals, up to 15.5mph, as long as it is 'type approved'.

Curious about full throttle options? Check out our guide to the best full throttle electric bikes – including top models, legal tips, and what to consider before buying.

Where Can You Legally Ride an Electric Bike in the UK?

If your e-bike meets the EAPC (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle) criteria, it’s treated just like a regular bicycle. This means you’re allowed to ride it on cycle paths, bike lanes, and roads - anywhere standard pedal bikes are permitted.

Browse our range of road-legal electric bikes here to find models that meet UK standards.

Can You Ride an E-Bike If You’re Banned from Driving?

Yes - but only if your e-bike fully complies with EAPC regulations. If it doesn’t, and you ride a non-type approved throttle-powered model without the required licence or registration, you could be prosecuted for multiple offences - potentially facing:

• Heavy fines
• An extended driving ban
• Even imprisonment

Risk of Bike Confiscation

According to Section 59 of the Police Reform Act, police can issue a formal warning if you're riding in a way that causes alarm, distress, or annoyance. In some cases, they also have the legal authority to seize your e-bike.

Conclusion

Electric bikes in the UK aren’t just a passing trend - they’re a sustainable, cost-effective, and health-friendly way to travel. As rules and regulations continue to evolve, it’s important for both new and experienced riders to stay informed. Understanding the legal requirements around e-bikes helps ensure every journey is both safe and hassle-free.

Common FAQs About Electric Bike Laws in the UK

1. Is it illegal to ride an electric bike on UK roads?

No, it's not illegal - as long as your e-bike meets EAPC (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle) rules. If it does, you can ride it on roads, bike lanes, and anywhere regular bicycles are allowed.

2. Are throttles allowed on e-bikes in the UK?

Throttle e-bikes can be legal, but it depends on how they work. Walk-assist throttles are still allowed on EAPC bikes - but only for speeds up to 6 km/h (3.7 mph). Throttles that can propel the bike up to 15.5mph without pedalling can be legal as long as the bike has been 'type approved'.

3. What is the legal speed limit for electric bikes in the UK?

The motor must cut out at 15.5 mph (25 km/h). You can go faster by pedalling, but the motor cannot assist beyond this limit. E-bikes that provide assistance above this speed are not road legal and are classed as motor vehicles under UK law. If you're curious about high-speed models for off-road use or private land, take a look at our fastest electric bikes in the UK.

4. Are 500W electric bikes legal in the UK?

No. The maximum legal maximum continuous rated power for EAPCs is 250 watts. A 500W e-bike is considered a moped or motorcycle, which means it needs to be registered, insured, taxed, and ridden with a licence and helmet.

5. Do I need a licence to ride an electric bike in the UK?

If your e-bike meets EAPC standards - 250W motor and 15.5 mph speed limit - you don’t need a licence, tax, registration, or insurance. For more powerful bikes, motor vehicle laws apply, so a full driving licence is required.

Browse our full range of throttle e-bikes today.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations may change, and it is the responsibility of riders to ensure compliance with current UK legislation. For official and up-to-date legal guidance, always refer to government sources or consult a legal professional.