Are electric bikes with throttle illegal?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 23, 2026
At the start of 2016 the rules were changed so that the throttle can only be used without pedalling upto 4 mph. However, so long as the pedals are moving round you can use the throttle to take you right up to the maximum speed of 15.5 mph. A lot of people think that the throttle has been out-lawed – but it has not.
Is it legal to have a throttle on an ebike?
The rules for riding an ebike in the UK and Europe are these: the bike must have a motor with a maximum power of 250Wh, it must be pedal-assist only — a throttle is only allowed for speeds up to a walking pace. The motor must stop assisting when you get over 15.5mph (that's 25 km/h).
Are twist throttle Ebikes legal?
Thankfully for us, technology has come a long way allowing for twist and go electric bikes that possess a fully integrated battery enabling it to reach speeds of up to 15.5mph without the need to pedal and what's more, they're entirely legal.
Which electric bikes are illegal in UK?
Only if the bike has a motor rated more than 250W or an assissted speed of higher than 15.5mph will you need a licence. Thankfully the law is a bit clearer for electric bicycles that have electric motors. These are most commonly referred to as EAPCs, or Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles.
Are throttle e-bikes legal in UK?
It's mainly down to the laws and regulations on electric bikes that mean we are unable to sell ebikes with throttles. In the UK, bikes with throttles are classed as a motorbike and you will need to get a licence, register the bike and tax it.
25 related questions foundAre 1000w Ebikes legal in UK?
New models of these kind are now classified under EU law under the L1e-A 'powered cycles' category that allows power up to 1000 Watts, that means that they are not classed and regulated as conventional cycles, but the exact requirement for registering them in the UK remain unclear.
Do I need a licence for an ebike?
Electric bikes (EAPC's) are an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative means of transport for drivers who are disqualified from driving. Electric bikes that meet certain specific technical requirements do not need to be registered, insured, taxed and no licence is required to ride them.
Is there an electric bike you don't have to pedal?
One of the key features that many ebikes allow is a throttle without the need for pedaling. This means that you can push a lever and ride your bicycle without pedaling. You can engage the electric motor by twist throttles or thumb throttles.
Why are electric bikes legal but not scooters?
The law treats the e-scooter very differently, at least at present. The electric scooter is a powered vehicle (technically a Personal Light Electric Vehicle), and therefore unlike the e-bike, it is classed as a motor vehicle under the road traffic legislation.
Why are e-bikes limited to 15 mph?
“E-bikes are not 'unlicensed motorbikes' as they've been labelled in some reports. “A speed of 15.5mph is just a tad too slow when it comes to being safe going through traffic.” Current laws restrict e-bikes to 15.5mph – or 25km/h – which means when you hit that speed, the engine will cut out.
How fast is a 250W ebike?
How Fast Can A 250W Electric Bike Go? It is approx 20 mph, a 250-watt electric bike can goes 20 mph (32.19 km/h) on flat ground.
Can I ride an electric moped on a car licence?
If you do have a car licence:
If your Full car licence was obtained before 1st Dec 2001, you can ride a 30mph electric motorbike without L-plates or a CBT certificate. If it was obtained after 1st Dec 2001, you must have a CBT certificate first.
How fast can an e-bike go?
Unlike MTBs or road bikes, an e-bike comes with a motor that can optimize your speed when riding. An average electric bike can be as fast as 20mph. However, electric bikes can only go as fast as 28mph and do not go more than this figure. Even the most powerful electric bikes will only limit the motor to 28mph.
Why are Escooters banned?
TfL said its review had found incidents with e-scooters had been caused by "defective lithium-ion batteries which ruptured without warning" and "led to fires that caused toxic smoke to be released". E-scooters have been banned from all public transport in London from today.
Do Gazelle bikes have a throttle?
Class 2 electric bikes are throttle-powered, meaning a rider does not have to pedal in order to ride however, the maximum speed is capped at 20 mph. Here at Gazelle, we only manufacture Class 1 and Class 3 electric bikes as we believe pedaling is essential to enjoying the ride.
How fast does a 1000w electric bike go?
How fast is 1000-watt in MPH? A 1000-watt electric bike will take you at speeds of up to roughly 35mph, varying depending on factors such as weight, terrain, and personal preference.
Do you need a helmet for electric bike?
All bicycle and electric bicycle riders 17 and under in California must wear a helmet. Like bicyclists, e-bike riders don't require a license, and their e-bikes don't need to be registered. » TYPE 2 Bikes with a top assisted speed of 20 mph that can be operated without pedaling by using a handlebar-mounted throttle.
Is Surron road legal?
The Sur-Ron comes in two guises - Off road and road legal. This being the road-legal version, it is restricted to 30mph to comply with category L1e for mopeds. Okay, so it doesn't have the highest top speed but it's plenty fast enough for blasting around town and the occasional bit of off-road fun!
Are Motorised bicycles legal in UK?
Most bicycles sold as e-bikes (or EAPCs – electrically assisted pedal bikes) are perfectly legal for use in the UK and are treated as ordinary push bikes. The e-bike must have pedals. The motor must not exceed 250W. The e-bike must not go faster than 15.5mph/25km per hour.
Are Surrons legal in UK?
Certificates Road Legal: Yes Electric moped (L1e) which requires the appropriate licence registration, insurance and road tax (currently free on electric vehicles) with a top speed of 30MPH.
Are DIY Ebikes legal UK?
Are you allowed to build up your own ebike? Yes, in principle you're allowed to build anything you want. If you want to be able to ride on public roads legally with it then, as mentioned previously, you have to conform to the Machinery Directive even as a private individual.
How fast does a 3000w electric bike go?
A 3000w electric bike averages about 46 to 48 mph on flat terrain.
What is the difference between a 250w and 350w motor?
By using a 250w motor it means that you have a legal bike that can be easily derestricted when needed. Remember the 250w Bosch motors give exactly the same assistance and torque levels as the 350w motors. In fact, a 250w motor with a dongle installed will travel at faster-assisted speeds than a 350w motor on its own.