Update from North Yorkshire Police: E‑Bike Law and Safety

North Yorkshire Police are sharing important information to help residents understand the rules around electric bikes (E‑bikes) and ensure they are being used safely and legally. This update is based on the official leaflet provided by the force.

What is a legal E‑bike?

Under UK law, a road‑legal E‑bike is classed as an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC). As the leaflet explains:

“If your bike meets the EAPC rules, it is treated the same as a normal bicycle.”

To qualify as an EAPC, a bike must:

• Have working pedals that move the bike forward
• Have a motor with no more than 250W continuous power
• Stop providing assistance at 15.5 mph (25 km/h)
• Be ridden only by those aged 14 or over

If your bike meets these requirements, you do not need a licence, insurance, registration, or tax.

What is not a legal E‑bike?

If a bike does not meet EAPC rules, it is legally treated as a moped or motorbike. The leaflet highlights that this includes bikes that:

“Can move on the throttle alone… have motors stronger than 250W… [or] provide assistance above 15.5 mph.”

Riders of non‑compliant bikes must have:

• A valid driving licence
• DVLA registration
• Insurance
• A motorcycle‑standard helmet

Police also warn that illegal E‑bikes used on roads or cycle paths can be seized.

Buying an E‑bike safely

Before purchasing, North Yorkshire Police advise checking:

• The bike has working pedals
• The motor is 250W or less
• Assistance cuts out at 15.5 mph
• It is clearly advertised as EAPC‑compliant

The leaflet notes that some online sellers incorrectly claim illegal bikes are “road‑legal”.

Where you can ride

Legal EAPCs can be used on:

• Roads
• Cycle lanes
• Shared‑use paths
• Private land (with permission)

They cannot be ridden on pavements unless marked for shared use.

Need advice or want to report concerns?

If you are unsure whether your E‑bike is legal, North Yorkshire Police encourage you to speak to an officer or refer to the leaflet.

To report illegal E‑bike use:

• Call 101
• Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111