E-bikes and the law

An electric cargo bike is considered an e-bike and needs to fulfil the same requirements. For families exploring electric cargo bike options, it can be helpful to read our article on e-bike motor and battery options.

Do I need a licence to ride an e-bike?

You do not need a licence to ride an e-bike as long as it meets the specific criteria for Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs). These e-bikes, which only provide motor assistance while you pedal, with a motor output capped at 250 watts and a speed limit of 15.5 mph, are legally classified as bicycles. This means riders of these e-bikes don’t need a driving licence, and there’s no requirement for registration or insurance.

If an e-bike exceeds the standard power or speed limits or can be ridden without pedalling (often called ‘twist and go’ bikes), it’s classed as a motor vehicle. These require a valid driving licence, registration, insurance, and tax, and the rider must follow all regulations that apply to mopeds or motorcycles.

Some of these bikes that are not classed as Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs) are sometimes referred to as:

• (speed) pedelecs
• twist and go

But some are also being referred to as 'e-bike' or 'cargo e-bike' even though they are not legally classified as EAPCs.

One of the great benefits of e-bikes in the UK is that they do not require registration or tax. As long as your e-bike qualifies as an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC, meaning it has a motor output of 250 watts or less, provides assistance only while pedalling, and stops assisting at 15.5 mph, it is treated as a standard bicycle under UK law. This means there’s no need for a licence, vehicle tax, or registration, making e-bikes an affordable and straightforward option for family transport.

However, if your e-bike exceeds these specifications or can be powered without pedalling (as with certain high-powered or “twist-and-go” or "speed pedelec" models), it is classified as a motor vehicle. In these cases, you’ll need to register the moped or motorcycle with the DVLA, insure it, and pay vehicle tax, just as you would with any other moped or motorcycle.

E-bikes for children: what’s allowed?

The UK law states that e-bike riders must be at least 14 years old, even for smaller, child-friendly models. This can be confusing since there are e-bikes marketed specifically for children. Legally, however, children under 14 are not permitted to use e-bikes on public roads or cycle paths, as the motor assistance classifies them differently from regular, non-motorized bicycles.

For more in-depth advice on this topic including why this age limit exists in the UK, read our article “Are kids e-bikes legal in the UK?”