E-Bike and E-Scooter Legal Information
In the UK, regulations govern the use of electric bikes and e-scooters. We've consolidated this information to ensure you're informed before buying your electric bike or scooter. Here's a straightforward summary of the laws, helping you understand how to safely and lawfully use your electric bike or scooter.
Please Note: This shortened 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. You can find government sources here and here.
E-Bikes
An Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) is the legal term for an e-bike or e-cycle that may be treated in the same way as a conventional pedal cycle, provided the rider is at least 14 years old. EAPCs do not necessitate insurance or a licence.
Although many products are marketed as ‘e-bikes’ or ‘e-cycles’, not all of them fall within the legal definition of an EAPC.
To qualify as an EAPC under the EAPC regulations, the cycle must:
- be fitted with pedals capable of propelling it
- have an electric motor with a maximum continuous rated power output of no more than 250 watts
- stop providing electrical assistance once the cycle reaches 15.5 miles per hour (mph)
EAPCs that meet these requirements do not need to be registered, insured, or taxed (Vehicle Excise Duty).
If a cycle does not comply with the EAPC regulations, it is considered a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and the Road Traffic Act 1988. In such cases, the vehicle must be registered, insured, and taxed. The rider is required to hold a valid driving licence and wear an approved motorcycle safety helmet. If the bike is classified as an EAPC, a helmet is not mandatory, though strongly recommended.
Motor vehicles first used after January 2016 will need to be type approved or individually approved before they can be registered. Check with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you think your vehicle was first used before January 2016 and has not been registered.
Throttles
Pedal cycles that provide electrical assistance without the use of pedals are usually referred to as ‘Twist and Go’. ‘Twist and Go’ cycles are classified as EAPCs as long as they meet the EAPC regulations. Please note that ‘walk assist’ functionality (where the speed doesn’t go above 3.7 mph) is outside the scope of type approval, and is road legal.
Under assimilated European law, any ‘Twist and Go’ EAPC placed on the market or put into service after 1 January 2016 must comply with a set of technical requirements before being permitted on the road.
This compliance is usually demonstrated through ‘type approval’ at the manufacturing stage.
Where a ‘Twist and Go’ EAPC has not been type approved, importers and individuals may apply for a Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA). For MSVA purposes, ‘Twist and Go’ EAPCs are categorised as 250W LPM (Low Powered Mopeds).
Approval is required for manufacturers, importers, or individuals who are introducing new vehicles to the market or producing a new ‘Twist and Go’ EAPC.
Wisper EAPCs
Riders interested in a type approved 'Twist and Go' EAPC should refer to our Wisper collection.
When you order an eligible Wisper full-throttle eBike, we arrange for it to be tested by the DVSA and approved as an L1e category 250W Low Powered Moped. This process can take 2-8 weeks, as the bike needs to be inspected at an approved MVSA centre for Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) tests.
These tests ensure that the eBike complies with current Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations. After the test, we receive a British National Type Approval certificate, which is specific to your bike’s frame number. This certificate is valid for the bike's lifetime and doesn’t require renewal, unlike an MOT.
When not using the throttle, the bike functions like a standard eBike, with no impact on regular EAPC features.
E-Scooters
Privately Owned E-Scooters
Under current UK law, privately owned electric scooters are not permitted for use on public roads, pavements, or cycle lanes. They are classified as “powered transporters” under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and are therefore subject to the same legal requirements as motor vehicles. These include:
- Insurance
- Vehicle registration
- Vehicle tax
- A valid driving licence
- Construction and use compliance (including lights, brakes, etc.)
As privately owned e-scooters do not meet these criteria, their use is restricted to private land, and only with the landowner’s permission.
Use of a privately owned e-scooter in public spaces may result in:
- A fixed penalty notice of up to £300
- Six penalty points on the user’s driving licence
- Possible seizure of the vehicle under s.165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988
There is currently no legislation in force that legalises or regulates the use of privately owned e-scooters on public infrastructure, though future reform has been signalled.
Rental E-Scooters
In contrast, rental e-scooters are legally permitted for public use but only within designated Government-approved trial areas. These trials fall under the scope of the Department for Transport’s rental e-scooter trial programme, which has been extended until May 2028.
Legal use of rental e-scooters is subject to the following requirements:
- Maximum speed limited to 15.5 mph (25 km/h)
- Minimum rider age: 16 years
- Possession of a valid full or provisional driving licence (category Q entitlement)
- Use only within designated trial zones and operating hours
- Third-party insurance is provided by the rental operator
Rental scooters are geofenced and programmed to cease operation outside approved boundaries.
Enforcement
Police enforcement varies by region, though several forces (including those in Kent, Hampshire, and South Yorkshire) have adopted a zero-tolerance approach, involving the immediate seizure of illegally used scooters.
Inconsistent messaging has been observed in some jurisdictions. For example, Police Scotland has received criticism over unclear public guidance, particularly regarding insurance and licensing expectations for users of privately owned e-scooters.
Anticipated Legislative Developments
As of August 2025, no dedicated legislation has been introduced to legalise or formally regulate privately owned e-scooters. Previous legislative expectations tied to the Future Transport Bill were not fulfilled; focus shifted instead to the Automated Vehicles Bill, which does not cover micromobility devices.
It is anticipated that any future framework will align the regulation of e-scooters with existing rules for electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs), potentially introducing:
- A statutory speed limit
- Maximum motor power limits
- Mandatory insurance or registration
- Defined safety and construction standards
- Local authority powers to restrict or authorise use in certain areas
Until such time as primary legislation is passed and supporting regulations are enacted, the use of privately owned electric scooters on public roads remains unlawful.
It is the purchaser's responsibility to adhere to all relevant UK laws, both national and local, when riding their electric scooter. The most up-to-date information can be found from the government website here.
For further assistance, please reach out to us at info@bikeyardonline.co.uk.
