E-bikes - Stay Safe and Legal. Know Before You Ride

For riders

Electric bikes and scooter are fun- but illegal ones can land you in trouble. If your bike or scooter is too powerful, moves without pedalling, or has been modified, it could be seized by police. Riders caught breaking the law may lose their bike, face fines, get a criminal record- or even lose the right to drive later.

For parents and guardians

Many parents and guardians unknowingly buy illegal e-bikes for children - leading to police seizures and financial loss. If a bike doesn’t meet EAPC legal standards, it is classed as a motor vehicle. That means it needs registration, insurance, and a licence. The child could be breaking the law every time they ride it.

For retailers

Retailers have a key role in keeping Cheshire safe. Selling e-bikes or e-scooters that don’t meet legal standards puts customers at risk, can lead to police seizures and could damage your reputation.

By helping customers understand the law and stocking only legal and safe products you protect both your business and the community.

How you can help:

• Only stock products with a UKCA or CE mark
• Avoid selling modified or high-powered e-bikes
• Help parents understand the law before they buy
• Share safety information at the point of sale
• Train your staff to explain the legal differences between compliant and non-compliant models

Fire safety

While most e-bikes, e-scooters, and their batteries are safe, poor-quality or damaged lithium-ion batteries pose a serious fire risk.

Fires can start without warning, spread quickly, and are hard to extinguish.

Never attempt to put out a lithium-ion battery fire yourself. Call 999 immediately.

Common causes of e-bike fires

• Using incompatible or counterfeit chargers
• Charging while asleep or away
• Damaged, non-compliant, or low-quality batteries
• DIY modifications or repairs
• Storing batteries in hallways or near escape routes

Preventing bike theft

We strongly recommend that anyone with a bike or e-bike, particularly high value bikes, fits an electronic tracker to their bike and registers it on a trusted website like Bike Register. We run regular events where the public can get their bike security marked for free.

FAQs

Q. What is an e-bike?

An e-bike, or electric bike, is a bicycle with an electric motor that assists with pedalling. It allows for easier travel, especially on hills or over long distances.

What you need to know: electric bikes

Q. How fast do electric bikes go?

In the UK, e-bikes are regulated to travel of speeds of up to 15.5 mph (25 km/h).

Q. Are there UK laws I need to know when riding an e-bike?

Yes. For an e-bike to be road legal in the UK:

The rider must be at least 14 years old

The bike must have working pedals

It must not travel at speeds above 15.5 mph

The motor must not exceed 250 watts

Riding an electric bike: the rules - GOV.UK

Q. What’s an EAPC?

An EAPC (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle) is a road-legal e-bike that meets specific criteria- including having working pedals and a motor no more than 250 watts.

EAPC standards and legal requirements - GOV.UK

Q: What’s the government safety message about e-bikes and e-scooters?

The government urges riders to follow legal guidelines and safety practices, especially around charging and modifying batteries, to prevent injury or fire risks.

Government Safety Message on e-bikes and e-scooters - GOV.UK

There is more information on what's required to ride your electric bike legally on Advice on e-scooter usage | Cheshire Constabulary