Can I carry a passenger on my e-bike?

Some e-bikes are built to carry passengers. Cargo bikes are often equipped with bench seating, weather protection and even seat belts so children can be carried in comfort and safety, but what about standard models?

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“You can on an electric cargo bike. There are electric bikes built with children’s seats on the back. There will be a weight limit – up to75kg normally for two children, and they are perfectly safe and yes, it is legal to carry passengers on the back. However, having two adults on one bike is questionable, and I think that would be down to the police officer who stopped you.”

David Miall, CEO Wisper Bikes

Is it legal to carry a passenger by bicycle?

The powered assistance provided by e-bikes makes is easier to carry a pillion, but what does the law say? According to the Road Traffic Act, two people are not allowed to ride on a single bike (even if it’s a BMX with ‘stunt pegs’) unless the cycle is ‘constructed or adapted for the carriage of more than one person’ – i.e. a tandem or a bike with approved equipment such as properly fitted child seats.

If you do carry a passenger on a bicycle not constructed or adapted for the purpose, you are breaking section 24 of the Road Traffic Act, as is your passenger (unless they are under the age of 10 and therefore below the age of criminal responsibility). The maximum penalty for this offence is a fine of £200.

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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The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

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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