Regulations, legislation and standards
< Back | Last revised: 19th March 2018
Disclaimer
The information below summarises the relevant regulations for electric bikes as far as we (The ACT) understand at the time of writing. We believe that the below is an accurate interpretation of what the law states, however we cannot accept liability for any information that is incorrect or has since become out of date. We also cannot police any retailers who conduct any illegal activity either through choice or through ignorance of the law.
"Ultimately the interpretation of the law is a matter for the courts based on individual facts of any particular case. You are therefore advised to consult the relevant legislation and, if necessary, seek independent advice on specific legal questions." [1]
Key points
- E-bikes that meet the current EAPC regulations, minus a few exceptions, are treated as normal bicycles. The basic requirements are:
- Any other e-bikes that do not meet the EAPC regulations are subject to type approval and any associated registration, tax and licencing.
We are awaiting government confirmation in terms of how e-bike regulations may be affected by the exit from the EU. To read all that we know so far please visit EU Exit updates for e-bikes.
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EAPC Regulations |
Pedal Cycles Regulations |
Type approval |
"Twist and Go" cycles |
Northern Ireland |
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EAPC Regulations |
Pedal Cycles Regulations |
Type approval |
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"Twist and Go" cycles |
Northern Ireland |
Last revised: 19th March 2018
The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (Amendment) Regulations 2015
The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (Amendment) Regulations 2015
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The current EAPC regulations which came into force on 6th April 2015 detail the requirements that an e-bike needs to satisfy for it to be classed "as not being a motor vehicle within the meaning of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and the Road Traffic Act 1988." [2] This basically means that e-bikes that meet these requirements are, minus a few exceptions, treated and therefore share the same laws, rights and access as regular pedal bicycles in Great Britain (different rules apply in N. Ireland, see here) and do not need to be type approved, registered, licensed, taxed or insured.
The requirements are:
- the cycle must be fitted with pedals that can be used to propel it;
- the electric motor must not exceed a maximum continuous rated power of 250W; and
- the electric motor must not offer electrical assistance beyond a speed 15.5mph (a conversion of the 25kph limit used in Europe), and therefore cut-off when the cycle reaches this speed.
A full version(s) of these regulations can be found on Legislation.gov.uk - The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983 // (Amendment) Regulations 2015
E-bikes that are classified as EAPCs also need to meet other relevant regulations and standards before they can be used or sold for use on a public road, such as;
- The Pedal Cycles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 (detailed in this guide); and
- The Road Vehicles Lighting (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (the requirements for EAPCs are no different to normal pedal cycles and so aren't detailed in this guide).
Section 32 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 also restricts EAPCs from being "driven on a road" [3] by anyone under 14 years of age.
