Legality of Electric Cycles

Over the last Year North Yorkshire police have seen a vast increase of electric cycles hitting the streets.

Many of these cycles are being illegally ridden for a number of different reasons mainly being the unknown or lack of information and Knowledge.

Below is some useful details showing what is legal and to who.

Riding an electric bike: the rules

You can ride an electric bike if you’re 14 or over, as long as it is an ‘electrically assisted pedal cycle’ (EAPC).

You do not need a licence to ride an EAPC and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured.

When your bike is an EAPC

An EAPC:

It can be propelled up to 15.5mph without pedalling but only if it’s been approved.

Its electric motor:

What your EAPC must show

Markings on the bike must show both:

It must also show either:

Where you can ride an EAPC

If your bike is an EAPC then you can ride it on cycle paths and anywhere else pedal bikes are allowed.

You cannot ride it on pavements.

When your bike is not an EAPC

If your electric bike does not meet the EAPC rules then it’s classed as a motorcycle or moped.

Your bike is not an EAPC if it:

If your bike is not an EAPC

If your electric bike is not an EAPC it must be registered and taxed.

You need to:

If your bike is classed as a motorcycle or moped but has not been insured, you may get a fine or your bike may be seized by the police.

Where you can ride if your bike is not an EAPC

If your electric bike is not an EAPC then you:

When your electric bike needs vehicle approval

An electric bike must be approved if either:

This should have been done by the manufacturer or importer before you bought it. If it’s been approved, it will be marked with the approval number.

Hope this information is useful to you and please be aware that if Police stop you on an illegal cycle then you may not see it again as the Police have powers to seize these cycles and have them crushed.