Electric Bicycles
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the road categorisation is of e-bicycles that do not require the rider to manually pedal.
Answered by Simon Lightwood
If an e-bicycle complies with the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983 (as amended), it can be classed as an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC).
EAPCs can be propelled to the maximum assisted speed of 15.5 mph without the rider manually pedalling but they require approval either to assimilated EU Regulation 168/2013 (for the approval of two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles) or the domestic Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) scheme.
If an e-bicycle does not meet the EAPC regulations it will be treated as a motor vehicle within the meaning of ‘Road Traffic Act 1988’. As a result, it is subject to the requirements for approval, registration, compulsory insurance, vehicle excise duty, and annual roadworthiness testing. The rider will require an appropriate driving licence and will need to comply with the relevant helmet wearing requirements.
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