There are laws around the use of e-bikes and e-scooters in the UK. It is important to be aware of these before purchasing your electric bike or scooter.

To help you to use your electric vehicle safely and legally, here is a summary of the laws around the use of e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards in the UK.

 

ELECTRIC BIKES

Electric bikes are legal to use in the UK, but they must meet certain requirements to be classified as Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPC’s) and be used without a license, type approval, registration and number plate, vehicle tax, MOT or insurance on public roads, cycle lanes and bike paths.

The limit to the motor on public roads is 250 Watts, some e-bikes have settings which exceed this limit, which are only to be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

 

IMPORTANT: Check the specification of the bike and its motor size. If it can produce more than 250W of power, it cannot be used on public roads and can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

The maximum speed limit for e-bikes on public roads is 15.5 mph (25 km/h) and riders must be older than 14 years old.

On public roads e-bikes must be powered using pedal assist and not a throttle. Electric bikes that have a throttle are not classed as electric bikes or EAPC’s and therefore cannot be ridden in public spaces.

 

IN SUMMARY, ELECTRIC BIKES:

- Do not need a licence.

- Do not need insurance or registration.

- Riders must be at least 14 years old.

- On public roads, the motor should not exceed 250 Watts: E-bikes that exceed this limit in their settings are only to be used off-road on private land with the landowner’s permission.

- On public roads, the top speed should not exceed 15.5 mph (25 km/h).

- On public roads, e-bike must be powered by pedal assist and not a throttle.

- Helmets are not legally required but are recommended for your safety.

 

ELECTRIC SCOOTERS & SKATEBOARDS

E-scooters and e-skateboards are completely legal to buy and own.

They are currently illegal to use on public roads, cycle lanes, pavements or footpaths.

They can only be used legally on private land with the landowner’s permission.

The UK government has discussed new regulations to legalise private e-scooters and e-skateboards on public roads with certain restrictions, but as of now, no official law change has been made.

In a recent government consultation, the general view was to legally treat them like electric bikes. There was widespread support for legalisation and an overwhelming view that clear regulations are needed.

They are legal to ride on public roads and cycle lanes only if rented from a government-approved trial scheme. These trial schemes are available in several different UK regions, including a few select UK cities e.g. London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle and Sunderland.

Requirements of the trial schemes include:

- Riders must be at least 16 years old and hold a provisional or full driving licence.

- Speed is limited to 15.5 mph (25 km/h).

• Helmets are not legally required but are recommended for your safety.

 

 

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Last updated: August 12, 2025

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