Officers in Stafford have recently seized a number of illegal electric bikes and are continuing to target electric bikes that are being used in a dangerous and irresponsible manner. 

If you are planning on getting an electric bike or giving one as a gift it is important to understand the laws around different types to prevent buying the wrong type that can not be used on public roads. 

An electric bike can only be used if you’re 14 or over and as long as it meets certain requirements.

An EAPC (electrically assisted pedal cycles’) must have pedals that can be used to propel it.

It must show either:

It must also show either:

Its electric motor:

You do not need a licence to ride ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs). It does not need to be registered, taxed or insured.

Electric bikes that do not meet the EAPC rules need to be registered and taxed. The rider will need a driving licence and must wear a suitable crash helmet. They will also need to ‘Type Approved’ and displaying a plate with its approval number. 

Electric bikes that do not meet these criteria or do not need to be pedalled to propel them are likely to be illegal to be used on public roads. Any person using a none EAPC electric bike on public roads may have the bike seized and could be reported for no licence or insurance. 

Electric bikes, just like normal pedal bikes should not be ridden on pavements unless they have signs or markings designating them as shared use. 

Between sunset and sunrise, all bikes must show red light to the rear and white light to the front. A red reflector should also be displayed to the rear. 

E-scooters are still illegal to be used on public roads and can be seized.