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Penalty points for parents whose kids ride illegal e-bikes
February 17, 2025
E-bikes are booming in popularity, offering a greener, more convenient way to get around. But while they’re often marketed as safe and easy-to-use alternatives to cars, not all e-bikes are created equal; if your child is caught using one that's illegal, you could end up with a £300 fine and six penalty points
In the UK, road-legal e-bikes, known as electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs), can be ridden by anyone aged 14 or over. These bikes must meet specific requirements: the motor must not exceed 250 watts, and it should cut out at speeds above 15.5 mph. Crucially, they must also be pedal-assist only – meaning the motor provides power only when the rider is pedalling.
But faster, more powerful models are increasingly finding their way onto the roads, and many parents are unwittingly allowing their children to ride them, unaware of the legal risks. These souped-up e-bikes are not classified as bicycles under UK law. Instead, they are considered electric mopeds or motorcycles, which means they are subject to the same regulations as petrol-powered equivalents.
Fines and penalty points for illegal e-bikes
Allowing a child to ride an illegal e-bike isn’t just risky – it could also prove expensive. If stopped by the police, the bike can be seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 for having no insurance. There’s also a potential £300 fine and six penalty points on the rider’s licence.
For under-18s, these penalties don’t simply vanish. They can be passed on to the parents, which could result in costly insurance premiums and legal headaches. Worse still, any points accumulated before a full driving licence is obtained will carry over, potentially leading to an automatic ban under the New Drivers Act.
Part of the problem is confusion over which e-bikes are road legal. Many retailers fail to make the distinction clear, with some even marketing high-powered models as suitable for road use. This leaves parents unwittingly buying what they think is a safe, fun mode of transport, but is in fact an illegal vehicle.
We've made the case for a certification mark for e-bikes similar to the red tractor logo used by the food industry. Meanwhile, parents need to be vigilant. Before buying an e-bike for a teenager, it’s essential to check the specifications. If it has a throttle that works without pedalling, or a motor that exceeds 250 watts or assists beyond 15.5 mph, it’s not road 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.
"First of all, it depends on where you buy it from. If you're buying it from a bona fide 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.
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.
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).
Cargo bikes and UK law
In the UK, there are no legal restrictions on the wheel count, weight, or size of cargo bikes and trailers, which offers flexibility in terms of design and use. With regards to cargo e-bikes, the same power, speed and throttle restrictions apply as described above.
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 and 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.
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.
Information correct at time of publication.
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