Electric bikes (electrically-assisted pedal cycles)

What counts as an electric bike (EAPC)

An electric bike (EAPC) motor:

• must have a maximum power output of 250 watts

and

• must not be able to propel the bike when it's travelling more than 15.5 mph (25kph)

An electric bike (EAPC) can have more than two wheels (for example, a tricycle).

Using an electric bike (EAPC)

markings on the bike must show both:

• the power output and manufacturer of the motor

and

• the battery’s voltage or maximum speed of the bike

You must 14 or older to use an EAPC.

EAPC owners/ riders should consider the need for insurance that covers areas such as: 

• damage
• theft
• personal injury and liability

Owners of EAPCs in Northern Ireland do not need to:

• register, license and insure EAPCs before use on public roads, cycle paths and anywhere else pedal bikes are allowed  
• hold a driving licence 

or

• wear a motorcycle helmet - though using an appropriate helmet is highly recommended

Other kinds of electric bikes 

Any electric bike that does not meet the EAPC rules is classed as a motorcycle or moped and needs to be registered, taxed and insured.

You’ll need a valid driving licence to ride one and you must wear a motorcycle helmet.

Type approval

The bike must also be type approved if either:

• it does not meet the EAPC rules
• it is an EAPC that can be propelled without pedalling

This should have been done by the manufacturer or importer before you bought it.

If it’s been type approved, it will have a plate showing its type approval number.

Guidance on type approval for a ‘twist and go bikes’ can be found at this link:

• European type approval for certain electrically-assisted pedal cycles (EAPC) 

If you need to type approve your ‘twist and go bike’, you should contact the Vehicle Certification Agency.

More details on type approval in general can be found at this link:

• Vehicle approval