The law around e-bikes and e-scooters can be confusing but not knowing the law can land you in bother with the Police and the Courts.
E-BIKES
An ebike can be ridden by anyone over the age of 14 providing it is deemed an “electrically assisted pedal cycle” (EAPC).
To be deemed an EAPC the following must apply:
- The bike must have pedals which can be used to propel it.
- The electric motor must not be able to propel the bike more than 15.5mph.
- The electric motor must not have a continuous rated power output of over 250watts.
If you bike does not meet the EAPC rules then it is classed as a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and requires the following:
- It must be registered and taxed.
- You must have a valid driving licence.
- You must wear a motorcycle helmet.
- You must have insurance.
Failing to do so could result in a number of offences which carry fines, penalty points and potentially disqualification from driving.
If it is not an EAPC then treat it like a moped or motorbike in terms of your obligations.
E-SCOOTERS
The rules around e-scooters are very different. You can buy one. You can own one. But it is illegal to ride a privately owned e scooter in public, for example on pavements, on roads or in parks.
An e-scooter is a motor vehicle under the Road Traffic Act 1988 but they cannot be insured and so they cannot legally be driven in public.
Can I ride my e-scooter to school or work?
No.
What about if I wear a helmet, hi-vis and have lights?
Still no.
Can I ride my e-scooter on private land?
Yes but you can only ride a privately owned electric scooter on private land with the permission of the landowner.
Does this mean I can ride it on a caravan site?
No. Even though caravan sites and holiday parks are private property, most enforce blanket bans because they are shared public-access areas.
What about e-scooters rental schemes in towns and cities?
These rental schemes are also known as ‘e-scooter trials’ and have their own rules. You can ride a rented e scooter on public roads, including cycle lanes, but not on pavements or a motorway. You must be at least 16 or 18 (depending on the operator) and hold a valid full or provisional UK driving licence.
Failing to follow the rules above can result in you e-scooter being seized as well as criminal offences which carry fines, penalty points and potentially disqualification from driving.
