Middle aged couple

Electric Bike Buyer's Guide

Buying an e-bike

There are four kinds of electric bike you can buy in the UK: 

  1. the electric motorbike; 
  2. the electric moped / twist-and-go; 
  3. the pedelec (pedal electric cycle); 
  4. the s-pedelec (speed pedelec).

Choose a pedelec - the only electric bike that doesn’t need to be registered, taxed or insured.

Pedelecs are defined by EU regulations and should show a CE mark, together with EN15194 written on a sticker somewhere on the frame. The sticker should also specify the maximum weight (usually 120kg), the maximum speed (25km/h) and the maximum continuous power output of the motor (currently 250W). 

As it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to certify that the bike and its components meet these regulations, the name and address of the manufacturer should also be written on the sticker. If you want to use an electric bike on public roads and pathways, check that it has a sticker like the one here.

Electric motorbike

Electric Motorbike

Electric motorbikes use a powerful electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. These electric bikes are classed as L3e-A1 and can have motors ranging from 4kW to 33kW rated power with no speed restriction. Riders must be 17 or over and have passed a CBT (compulsory basic training) course, which is renewed every 2 years.

Electric moped

Electric Moped

Electric mopeds provide power using a throttle, like a moped and are limited to a maximum speed of 45km/h (28mph). These bikes require type approval and are classed as mopeds (either L1e-A for motors up to 1kw, or L1e-B for motors up to 4kw). They also need to be registered with the DVLA but are exempt from road tax and congestion charges. Riders must be 16 or over and have passed a CBT course.

Pedelec

Pedelec

Pedelecs provide additional power as you pedal, up to a maximum speed of 25km/h (15.5mph). You do not need a licence to ride a pedelec as they are treated like normal pedal bikes; pedelecs don’t need to be registered, taxed or insured. The only condition is that you must be over 14 years old to ride a pedelec.

S-pedelec

S-pedelecs

S-pedelecs provide additional power as you pedal up to a maximum of 45km/h (28mph). These bikes are classed as mopeds and need to be registered with the DVLA.

Although it is legal to sell these e-bikes, the retailer should make it clear that it is the responsibility of the owner to register and insure it.