
Throttle electric bikes are legal in the UK, but there are certain rules and regulations that users must follow. Throttle e-bikes are subject to similar regulations as mopeds and motorcycles, including restrictions on power output and speed. In this article, we will explore the legality of throttle electric bikes in the UK, including the specific criteria that must be met and the approval process required.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Legality in the UK | Legal |
Licence required | Yes |
Minimum age | 14 years old |
Power output | Maximum of 4 kW |
Speed | Maximum of 28 mph |
Helmet required | Yes |
What You'll Learn
Throttle electric bikes are legal in the UK
Since January 1, 2016, only certain types of throttles have been permitted under the UK's EAPC legislation. The only permissible throttles under the EAPC rules are those that provide assistance when the rider isn't pedalling. However, the throttle assist can only go up to a speed of 6 km/h (about 3.7 mph). Once the rider exceeds 6 km/h by coasting without pedalling, the throttle must automatically disengage.
To ride a throttle-only e-bike legally in the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) must test and approve your e-bike as an L1e category 250W Low Powered Moped. This approval process ensures the bike meets safety and compliance standards set out in the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations. The approval process requires the bike be taken to a specially approved testing centre. If it meets the required standards, you’ll receive a British National Vehicle Approval certificate, printed with your bike’s frame number.
You must possess a driving licence and wear a crash helmet for safety to ride these. You're allowed to ride an e-bike in the UK if you're 14 years old or older, provided it adheres to certain criteria.
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They are subject to the same regulations as mopeds and motorcycles
Throttle electric bikes are legal in the UK, but they are subject to the same regulations as mopeds and motorcycles. This means that they must be registered, taxed, and the rider must have a driving licence and wear a crash helmet. The bike must have a maximum power output of 4 kW and a maximum speed of 28 mph. If they exceed these limits, they are classified as mopeds or motorcycles, and riders must comply with the relevant regulations.
Since January 1, 2016, only certain types of throttles have been permitted under the UK's EAPC legislation. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) must test and approve your e-bike as an L1e category 250W Low Powered Moped. This approval process ensures the bike meets safety and compliance standards set out in the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations. If it meets the required standards, you’ll receive a British National Vehicle Approval certificate, printed with your bike’s frame number.
Full-throttle e-bikes function like regular electric bicycles when the throttle isn’t engaged. You can ride an e-bike in the UK if you're 14 years old or older, provided it adheres to certain criteria.
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They are restricted in terms of power output and speed
Throttle electric bikes are legal in the UK, but they are subject to specific regulations that are similar to those of mopeds and motorcycles. They are restricted in terms of power output and speed.
The UK's EAPC legislation states that throttle electric bikes must have a maximum power output of 4 kW and a maximum speed of 28 mph. If they exceed these limits, they are classified as mopeds or motorcycles, and riders must comply with the relevant regulations. This includes the requirement to have a driving licence and wear a crash helmet for safety.
To ride a throttle-only e-bike legally in the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) must test and approve your e-bike as an L1e category 250W Low Powered Moped. This approval process ensures the bike meets safety and compliance standards set out in the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations. If it meets the required standards, you’ll receive a British National Vehicle Approval certificate, printed with your bike’s frame number.
Since January 1, 2016, only certain types of throttles have been permitted under the UK's EAPC legislation. The throttle assist can only go up to a speed of 6 km/h (about 3.7 mph). Once the rider exceeds 6 km/h by coasting without pedalling, the throttle must automatically disengage.
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Riders must be 14 or over
Throttle electric bikes are legal in the UK, but there are certain rules and regulations that riders must follow. Riders must be 14 or over, and the bikes are subject to specific regulations that are similar to those of mopeds and motorcycles. This means that they must have a maximum power output of 4 kW and a maximum speed of 28 mph. If they exceed these limits, they are classified as mopeds or motorcycles, and riders must comply with the relevant regulations.
Since January 1, 2016, only certain types of throttles have been permitted under the UK's EAPC legislation. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) must test and approve your e-bike as an L1e category 250W Low Powered Moped. This approval process ensures the bike meets safety and compliance standards set out in the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations. The approval process requires the bike to be taken to a specially approved testing centre. If it meets the required standards, you’ll receive a British National Vehicle Approval certificate, printed with your bike’s frame number.
Full-throttle e-bikes function like regular electric bicycles when the throttle isn’t engaged. Riders should also be aware that throttle electric bikes require a licence, registration, and taxation. You must possess a driving licence and wear a crash helmet for safety to ride these.
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They require a licence, registration and taxation
Throttle electric bikes are legal in the UK, but they are subject to specific regulations that are similar to those of mopeds and motorcycles. This means that they require a licence, registration and taxation.
To ride a throttle-only e-bike in the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) must test and approve your e-bike as an L1e category 250W Low Powered Moped. This approval process ensures the bike meets safety and compliance standards set out in the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations. If it meets the required standards, you’ll receive a British National Vehicle Approval certificate, printed with your bike’s frame number.
To ride a throttle electric bike, you must possess a driving licence and wear a crash helmet for safety. You must be 14 years old or older to ride an e-bike in the UK. Throttle e-bikes are restricted in terms of their power output and speed. They must have a maximum power output of 4 kW and a maximum speed of 28 mph. If they exceed these limits, they are classified as mopeds or motorcycles, and riders must comply with the relevant regulations.
Since January 1, 2016, only certain types of throttles have been permitted under the UK's EAPC legislation. The only permissible throttles under the EAPC rules are those that provide assistance when the rider isn't pedalling. However, the throttle assist can only go up to a speed of 6 km/h (about 3.7 mph). Once the rider exceeds 6 km/h by coasting without pedalling, the throttle must automatically disengage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but they are subject to specific regulations that are similar to those of mopeds and motorcycles.
Yes, you must possess a driving licence and wear a crash helmet for safety.
Throttle electric bikes must have a maximum power output of 4 kW and a maximum speed of 28 mph. If they exceed these limits, they are classified as mopeds or motorcycles.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) must test and approve your e-bike as an L1e category 250W Low Powered Moped. If it meets the required standards, you’ll receive a British National Vehicle Approval certificate, printed with your bike’s frame number.
Yes, throttle electric bikes require registration and taxation.