Electric bikes (e-bikes) are reshaping the way we travel, offering a sustainable, efficient, and fun alternative to traditional transport. Yet, as their popularity grows, so does the complexity of understanding the rules surrounding their use. From age restrictions to speed limits, UK regulations are packed with surprising details and potential pitfalls.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or considering your first electric ride, this guide will help you stay on the right side of the law!
- UK e-bike laws at a glance
- Surprising e-bike regulations in the UK
- UK laws and regulations for electric scooters
- Are e-bike modifications legal?
- Where can’t I ride an e-bike or e-scooter?
- Proposed changes to UK e-bike laws
UK e-bike laws at a glance
Generally, an e-bike must abide by the following rules to be road-legal within the UK:
- The cycle must be fitted with pedals that are capable of propelling it.
- The maximum continuous rated power of the electric motor must not exceed 250 Watts.
- The electrical assistance must be cut-off when the vehicle reaches 15.5 mph.

Electric bikes also must be clearly marked with information about the vehicle including its manufacturer, maximum speed or nominal voltage capabilities and the maximum continuous rated power or output of the motor. This depends on whether the information is displayed on a fitted plate or different marking. Plates mainly covered vehicles in use prior to April 2015, whereas the new marking typically is found on vehicles constructed to current European standards and legislation.
E-bike riders must still follow the rules and regulations set out for traditional bicycles and can be prosecuted under the 1988 Road Travel Act for dangerous, careless or inconsiderate cycling and cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The wanton or furious riding law has also been used to prosecute cyclists in extreme cases. This is defined as driving or cycling in a way that is reckless or dangerous, and causes, or could cause, bodily harm to others.
Surprising e-bike regulations in the UK
- Parents have a responsibility to ensure that children under the age of 14 stick to using their e-bikes on bridleways and private land (with the owner’s permission), as these cannot be legally ridden on roads in the UK by children within this age group. This also applies to cycle lanes, and it is a common misconception that children are legally allowed to cycle on the pavement, although this is rarely enforced for pedal cycles due to safety reasons!
- If we’re getting technical, your e-bike can have as many wheels as you like, so long as it abides by other regulatory requirements! This has been the case since the previous limit on the number of wheels an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) was removed in 2015.
- Cyclists aren’t obligated to UK-wide speed limits and that includes electric bikes. While you are limited to motor-provided assistance of up to 15.5mph, you can pedal as fast as you like provided that the rider is the sole source of the power! You must still comply with any regional speed limits, such as the cyclist bylaws in London parks, and consider the dangerous or careless cycling laws which could be cited if you are travelling at high speeds or an accident were to happen.
Other unusual regulations when going electric
- You can legally ride an electric scooter from a government rental scheme on a provisional driving licence and do not need to show L plates.
- To limit the sale of unsafe/modified electric bikes and batteries, eBay has largely banned the sale of these from private sellers, reportedly restricting sales to only “eligible business sellers” and implementing seller auditing.
- The only places in the UK that have a legal requirement to have a bell on your bike are Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. This applies to all bikes, not just the electric kind!
UK laws and regulations for electric scooters

It is against the law to ride a privately owned electric scooter on public land anywhere in the UK. The only legal way to use an electric scooter to get around is through a rental scheme. Cities currently trialling electric scooter schemes include Birmingham, Cambridge, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Norwich and Oxford. A full list can be found on the government website.
- The schemes are restricted to those who hold a category Q entitlement on their driving licence, which is included in full or provisional UK licences for categories AM, A or B. Insurance is also required however, this is covered by the rental provider.
- You must not use an e-scooter on a footpath as they are classed as motor vehicles. You also cannot travel at speeds of more than 15.5 miles per hour or carry more than one person on the scooter.
- More generalised motor vehicle restrictions such as using a mobile phone or operating the scooter while intoxicated also apply.
What will happen if I get caught using an e-scooter?
If you get caught using a privately-owned e-scooter in public, you face a fine, having your scooter impounded or even penalty points on your driving license. Points will still be held on a DVLA ‘ghost’ licence if you don’t have one.
The specific penalty depends on your location as police forces set and enforce these regulations differently. Generally, the fixed penalty notice could include a combination of fines and penalty points for having no insurance, riding without the correct license, using your mobile or riding on the pavement.
Are e-bike modifications legal?
Modifying your electric bike could actually make it illegal to use. You cannot legally ride an e-bike with changes that mean the bicycle no longer complies with UK e-bike regulations. This could include exceeding the motor power and speed capabilities or adding a throttle to allow you to ride the bike without pedalling.
Police forces across the UK have warned against modifying electric models and using imported parts that do not comply with UK regulations due to significant safety risks. “The issue that we’ve seen – most vividly from the Fire service – is that when these items are on charge, the batteries are not of good enough quality and therefore things are more likely to explode in people’s houses, making them a significant fire risk”, explains a police officer from Norfolk.
You should only ever purchase bike parts from a trusted seller and never make modifications that could impact the legality of your bicycle.
Figures released in September 2024 show an increase in the number of seizures of e-bikes illegally modified to go faster than 15.5mph. The data revealed an 83% increase in seizures in 2024 (up until 11 August) compared to the previous 12 months. The most seizures occurred in London.
Where can’t I ride an e-bike or e-scooter?

Some organisations prohibit the use of e-bikes and electric scooters on their premises, and violating these rules could result in fines or penalties. To avoid any issues, check any regulations your destination may have for e-bikes and scooters before setting off on a ride. We have listed some of the locations where restrictions are in place below!
Can you bring an e-bike or electric scooter on public transport?
In most cases, it depends on the type of transport you are planning to use and the service provider. While e-scooters have a ban across the majority of public transportation, restrictions to e-bikes are currently mostly the same as those of pedal bicycles.
- The National Rail Conditions of Travel state, “Unless prohibited by a Train Company’s individual cycle policy, electric assist pedal cycles and e-scooters may be carried on trains provided that they are similar in size to a traditional cycle or scooter”. Check what your local train provider’s policies are but it typically will request that a spot for your bike is reserved in advance and prohibit e-scooters.
- Generally, buses in the UK do not allow pedal bicycles unless they are foldable and the same rules apply to their electric counterparts.
- TfL has a strict policy for e-scooters and e-unicycles. Those who risk bringing one on the London Underground, or any TfL transport and stations, face fines of up to £1,000. E-bike riders should abide by the same rules as other cyclists, which vary depending on the specific tube line, day of the week and the time of day.
Can you use an e-bike on government property?
Although not widely known, officially, e-bikes are not allowed inside any type of property managed by the Government Property Agency (GPA), according to a position statement released in June 2024.
They must be kept in external car parks and open-air spaces, while e-scooters and modified e-bikes are banned entirely. Battery charging inside buildings is also strictly forbidden entirely, whether a bicycle battery or otherwise, with the statement warning of prosecution for abstracting electricity if this is ignored.
The stance has caused problems for those working for the government in Bristol who were told that they could no longer store their e-bikes in their usual spot in the building’s basement.
Are there any cities where I can’t ride an electric bike?
While there have been reports of potential bans coming into place across various UK cities and regions, as of December 2024, we are yet to see any enforced restrictions. Issues however appear to be related to rental companies, with London’s Brent Council recently giving operator Lime a deadline to remove all 750 of its dockless bikes if requests for improved safety measures remain ignored.
Proposed changes to UK e-bike laws

There have been discussions about potential changes to UK e-bike laws for some time, with the current EAPC regulations being introduced in April 2015.
This is likely due to the increased popularity of electric bicycles – we recently discovered that monthly searches for ‘e bike’ are up by 60% compared to 2019, the year before the lockdowns.
While proposed during the Sunak Conservative government, two key changes have been discussed:
- Amending the legal definition of EAPC classification to increase the maximum continuous rated power of the electric motor from 250 watts to 500 watts.
- Legalising throttle assistance of up to 15.5mph for ‘twist and go’ EAPCs without the need for type approval.
The changes have been suggested to increase the appeal and viability of electric bicycles to more Brits. However, there has been some concern over the potential safety risks, the increased speed capabilities if tampered with and general misuse.
Looking for an e-bike upgrade?
Whether you’re shopping for your first electric bike or upgrading your current ride, we have options for everyone, including electric mountain bikes, electric hybrid bikes and step through electric bikes.