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E-scooters and e-bikes

E-scooters and e-bikes – are you breaking the law?
A man riding an e-scooter through the city

E-scooters

Riding an e-scooter on public roads or pavements, including cycle lanes, is illegal.

If caught, you could face a fine, penalty points, or have your scooter seized.

E-scooters are Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs). They are treated as motor vehicles and must follow the same legal rules, like:

  • MOT
  • Licensing
  • Tax
  • Insurance

E-scooters lack number plates and signalling, and they often don’t have visible rear lights. This makes them illegal on roads.

You can buy an e-scooter, but you can only use it on private roads with the landowner’s permission.

A man riding an e-bike through the city

E-bikes

Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC)

EAPCs must meet certain requirements to be road-legal, such as:

  • Electric assistance is limited to 25kph (15.5mph).
  • The motor must not exceed 250 Watts.
  • The pedals must move for the motor to assist.
  • The rider must be 14 years or older.
  • They cannot be used on pavements.

For a full list of standards and more information, visit Cycling UK's website.

Electric Bikes – Non-Pedal Assisted

E-bikes that don’t require pedalling may be classified as mopeds or motorbikes. They have different legal requirements, including a licence and insurance. For more details, visit Cycling UK's website.

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