Are e-bike retrofit kits legal and safe?

Retrofit e-bike kits are a increasingly popular, particularly for those on a tight budget. These kits allow a regular bicycle to be converted into an e-bike at a fraction of the cost of a fully assembled bike.

However, these kits come with notable risks. Not least because quality varies wildly across brands. Some of the cheaper models scrimp on the waterproofing of components and make do with lower-specification batteries. There are also safety concerns surrounding DIY installations because the high torque produced by the electric motor can strain every aspect of a bike not designed for this type of modification. Moreover, many of the kits sold online do not conform to the regulations governing e-bikes in the UK.

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UK law on e-bikes and retrofit kits

If your cycle has pedals, and an electric motor no bigger than 250 watts that cuts out at 15.5mph (25 km/h), then it’s an EAPC (electrically assisted pedal cycle) - also known as an e-bike, or pedelec. Information about the power output of the motor along with the name of manufacturer should be displayed on a plate on the bike's frame - although this is not always the case.

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If your retrofit motor e-bike conforms to these regulations then you should have no trouble getting insurance for it.

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If the e-bike conforms to these rules, you can ride it on the road or cycle paths - anywhere a conventional bicycle can be used. It also means you won't find it any trouble to insure.

For example, here at the ETA, we charge no extra for insuring an electric bicycle and include £2m third party cover and protection against battery theft as standard. Oh, and if you break down we'll arrange for you and your electric bike to be taken to a repair shop, railway station or home (within a 25-mile radius).

Are retrofit e-bike kits safe and legal?

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It very much depends on the power of the kit. Unfortunately, he e-bike retrofit kits aren’t regulated, so they’re legal to sell, and legal to buy, but once they’re fitted to a bike it can go into a grey area. I don’t think the police are very interested, particularly, in kits. We don’t sell kits because of the inherent dangers involved. Kits are fine if they are going on a bike that is strong enough to take a kit, but the problem is that a lot of people will buy a kit that is a powerful piece of machinery and put it on a bike that is, quite frankly, not strong enough to take the extra weight or the extra speed. So, take the advice if you’re buying a kit from a proper bona fide bike shop. Speak to the people there and they will tell you whether your bike is strong enough.

David Miall, CEO, Wisper Bikes

Insurance for e-bikes

Our e-bike insurance includes everything you’d expect, like theft, accidental damage and vandalism cover – plus a few things you might not. For example, we have a no-quibble battery theft policy, zero devaluation for life, and if you break down on your electric bike, or run out of battery, you can call us 24/7 and we’ll arrange a rescue. Whether you ride a tricycle, folding, mountain or cargo electric bike, our comprehensive policy has you covered.

Every ETA cycle insurance policy includes the following as standard:

• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
• Cycle Rescue (breakdown cover for your electric bicycle and you)
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)

Read a full list of everything we include as standard.

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