12/10/2026
With Christmas now approaching, we want parents and carers to be fully aware of the law around e-bikes and e-scooters 🎄
We appreciate that many people may be considering buying these types of vehicles as gifts and would like everybody to be clear on the regulations around use of them. The last thing we want to do is seize vehicles which have been given as presents.
But anyone who breaks the law while using these vehicles risk losing them. And once seized they could be crushed and those responsible prosecuted ⚠️
Here are a few helpful reminders:
E-bikes:
You can ride an electric bike, or an 'electrically assisted pedal cycle' (EAPC), without a license or insurance if you're aged 14 or over. However, it MUST:
✅ Have pedals that you can use to propel it.
✅ Have an electric motor that can run continuously at a maximum power of no more than 250 watts.
✅ Have no electrical assistance once they reach a speed of 15.5mph.
If your electric bike fails to meet any of these requirements it needs to be taxed and insured as either a motorcycle or a moped. You also need a licence.
Failure to comply with those requirements will lead to prosecution
E-scooters:
❌ It is illegal to use e-scooters on the road or in public spaces, such as parks, street pavements, and shopping centres.
❌ If you use a privately-owned e-scooter in public, you risk the vehicle being seized under S.165 Road Traffic Act 1988 for having no insurance.
🤝🏻 If you own an e-scooter, you can only use it in on private land, such as in a garden. But you must have the permission of the landowner to do so.
❌ If you cause serious harm to another person whilst riding an e-scooter/e-motorbike, the incident will be investigated in the same way it would if you were riding a motorcycle or driving a car.
❌ E-scooters are illegal for use in any public space unless rented as part of an e-scooter rental trial in some parts of the UK.
Privately-owned e-scooters and many high-powered electric bikes are illegal to use on public roads, pavements, or cycle lanes.
