How can I tell if my e-bike is legal?

How can you tell if your e-bike is legal? It's not as easy as you might think, so we asked our friends at Wisper Bikes to explain.

David Miall founded Wisper electric bikes back in 2005, and was a founding member of The British Electric Bicycle Association (BEBA) - you'd struggle to find someone better qualified to answer questions about e-bikes.

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"First of all, it depends on where you buy it from. If you're buying it from a bona fides electric bike shop, the likelihood is it will be legal. And the most important thing is to check the plaque that's on every legal electric bike. It will have the CE mark, the motor and the details of the manufacturer, and sometimes even the seller."

There are so many different types of e-bike on the market today that it can be tricky to know which are legal to use on the road.

While e-bikes sold on the high street are likely to conform the British law, models bought second-hand or online may originate from countries with different regulations. For example, many European countries legislate for e-bikes capable of 30 mph.

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UK law on e-bikes

If your e-bike does not have a plate detailing its specifications, then check it conforms to the following rules.

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.

It's important to remember that the 250W figure refers to the power of the motor - not the battery. The power output of the motor along with the name of manufacturer should be displayed on a plate on the bike's frame.

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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).

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Insurance for e-bikes

We cover all road-legal electric bicycles as standard. If the output of your electric bicycle does not exceed 250 W/15.5 mph, we’ll cover it under our cycle insurance at no additional cost.

We also include Cycle Rescue as standard. If your e-bike develops a mechanical fault, puncture, or even a flat battery, you can call on our breakdown team 24/7.

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.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

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