E scooters E bikes

Agreed on 30 September 2026. Updated on 30 September 2026

E-bikes

A legal electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) must:

Have pedals capable of propelling it.
Have a motor with a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts.
Stop providing electrical assistance above 15.5 mph (25 km/h).
Be ridden by someone aged 14 or over. [gov.uk], [gov.uk]

A compliant EAPC is essentially treated like an ordinary pedal cycle. The rider does not need a driving licence, insurance, registration or vehicle tax, and it may be used on roads and cycle routes where ordinary cycles are permitted, but not on pavements. [gov.uk], [gov.uk]

An e-bike that can be motor-propelled above 15.5 mph, has a continuous rated motor output over 250W, or otherwise fails the EAPC requirements is generally treated as a motorcycle or moped. This brings requirements including registration, tax, insurance, the appropriate driving licence and an approved motorcycle helmet. It cannot simply be ridden as a bicycle in cycle lanes/tracks. [gov.uk], [gov.uk]

A “twist-and-go” throttle requires a little more care because certain approved EAPCs can provide assistance without pedalling. GOV.UK explains the specific type-approval requirements that apply to these machines. [gov.uk]

E-scooters

Privately owned e-scooters are illegal to ride in public places, including roads, pavements and parks. They can only be ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission. A rider in public could receive a fine and penalty points, and police may seize the scooter. [gov.uk], [gov.uk]

Authorised rental/trial e-scooters are different. They can be ridden on permitted roads and cycle lanes within trial areas, but not on pavements or motorways. The rider needs an appropriate full or provisional driving licence, and third-party insurance is provided through the rental operator. [gov.uk], [gov.uk]

For Bristol specifically, the West of England rental scheme remains part of the government’s e-scooter trial, and the national trials are currently due to continue until May 2028. [westofengl…-ca.gov.uk], [gov.uk]