Electric Bike
Laws

Due to the motor on an electric bike, there are laws in place to ensure they're safely used on the roads. We've put together everything you need to know before purchasing your first electric bike.

Electric Bike Laws and Regulations in the UK

You need to be 14 years old if you want to ride an electric bike. However, you don’t need a licence nor does it need to be registered, taxed or insured. These rules apply to England, Scotland and Wales.

All Raleigh ebikes meet EAPC (electrically assisted pedal cycle) requirements. This means they are classed as regular push bikes. You can treat it just like a regular bike! You’re able to ride it on cycle paths, roads and any other places that regular bikes are allowed.

EAPC: Another Way of Saying Electric Bike

EAPC is an acronym for ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ – another way of saying electric bike. To be classed as an EAPC, a bike must meet certain requirements. It must have pedals that can be used to propel it. On the bike itself it must show either the power output or the manufacturer of the motor. Plus it must show either the batteries voltage or the maximum speed of the bike.

Requirements for an EAPC

The electric motor on the bike must have a maximum continuous power output of no more than 250 watts and should not be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph.

What if it doesn't meet the regulations?

If any bike doesn’t meet these regulations, then it is classed as a motorcycle, moped or speed pedelec, it will then need to be registered and taxed. You’ll need a driving licence and a crash helmet for these.

And what about Raleigh bikes?

Luckily all Raleigh ebikes are classed as EAPC so you don’t need to worry about registering, taxing or insuring!

Different Rules in Northern Ireland

The rules are slightly different in Northern Ireland and you do in fact need a moped licence to ride any electric bike. It will also need to be registered, taxed and insured. You do have to tax your bike, however you don’t have to pay anything.

There are regulations that need to be followed in Northern Ireland to ensure you’re riding your electric bike legally. You must:

  • Wear an approved motorbike helmet

  • Display the registration mark on the back of the bike

  • Have insurance for the electric bike

You cannot ride your ebike on cycle paths or pavements in Northern Ireland.

More Information

If you’d like to find out more about electric bike laws and regulations, then you can contact your local Raleigh stockist or take a look on the gov.uk website here.