There are a number of Regulations which relate to ebikes to ensure that they are road legal. These are known as the EPAC Regulations (Electrically Power Assisted Cycle)
The regulation that is most commonly disregarded is the motor size. Any ebike with a motor rated over 250 watts is illegal. The way that the 250 watts is measured is complex, and is defined as the power that the motor will deliver continuously under load. Some legal 250watt motors may be capable of delivering up to double their nominal wattage over a short period. Further, performance improves as designs progress and innovative higher torque motors and higher voltage motors become available.
Further restrictions are:
- The maximum speed under power is 25Kph (15.5mph)
- The bike may not be powered at more the 6kph (4.5mph) without the pedals being turned
- The EPAC must also be legal as a bike. EG. It must have a bell and reflectors front and back.
Age Restriction
In the UK, you must be over 14 Years old to ride an EPAC on the public highway. This includes cycle paths and other lanes in which it is otherwise legal to use an EPAC
Twist & Go throttles
Some EPACs which have Twist & Go Throttles up to 15MPH, but are otherwise 100% compliant as EPACS can be tested as “Low Powered Mopeds”. Low Powered Moped Regulations are in some respects stricter than the EPAC regulations. For instance, Front and Rear Lights are required. As there are no bikes Type Approved in this category, each individual bike has to be tested by VOSA, and an individual certificate issued. This process takes about 6 weeks to get an appointment. There are very few Centres in the UK that do this work and the cost is approximately £200.
Any ebike that does not comply with these limiting regulations is classified as a Moped and with it all the legal restrictions for compliance and use apply.
There are many thousands of illegal electric bikes on UK roads.
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