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 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.

E-Bikes

Electric bikes, also known as electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs), do not necessitate insurance or a licence. On public roads, the motor is limited to 250W; any bike exceeding this should only be used on private land with the landowner's consent. The speed limit for electric bikes on public roads is 15.5 mph. The majority of our electric bikes comply with UK regulations.

In addition:

• EAPCs do not require a licence.
• EAPCs do not require insurance or registration.
• Riders must be at least 14 years old.
• Helmets are not mandatory, though strongly recommended.
• On public roads, motors should be limited to 250W.
• On public roads, electric bikes must be pedal-assist, not throttle-powered.
• On public roads, the top speed should be limited to 25 km/h (15.5 mph).

Check your bike's specifications and motor size. If the motor exceeds 250W or has speed assistance exceeding 15.5mph, it cannot be used on UK public roads without first obtaining type approval, insurance, tax, displaying a number plate and undergoing an MOT. In the UK, only eBikes that comply with EAPC Regulations can be used on UK public roads without tax, insurance or registration. You can find out more about EAPC Regulations here: https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules.

Electric bikes with a throttle are not considered Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs) and therefore cannot be ridden in public spaces. However, there is a workaround for those interested in select Wisper eBikes. For further information and to read our guide on throttles, please click here.

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.