Know the difference between an e-bike and an electric ...

Know the Difference Between an E-Bike and an Electric Motorcycle

Following a series of seizures and arrests across the country, Road Safety Wales aims to clarify the distinction between electric bicycles, commonly referred to as e-bikes, and electric motorcycles, as they represent significantly different modes of transport.

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Understanding E-Bikes

An e-bike is an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC), which features an electric motor that assists riders while they pedal. By law, e-bikes cannot propel themselves independently; if they can, they are classified as motorcycles or mopeds.

To ride an e-bike, individuals must be at least 14 years old. However, a driving licence is not necessary, and e-bikes do not require registration, taxation, or insurance.

Benefits of E-Bikes

Teresa Ciano, Chair of Road Safety Wales, stated, “E-bikes are incredibly useful for local journeys within towns and cities or for longer excursions, especially when tackling the challenging hills and mountains that Wales is known for! As riders must still pedal, the health benefits of using e-bikes are substantial compared to traveling in a vehicle, making cycling more accessible to a wider community, particularly since e-bikes can now be rented in several locations across the country.”

Regulations and Compliance

If a bicycle adheres to EAPC requirements, it is treated like a standard pedal bike. This classification allows e-bikes to be ridden on cycle paths and in all areas permitted for pedal cycles.

We encourage the public to comply with existing laws to ensure the safety of all road users.

For further details, please check electric street motorcycles.

Riders must be aware that an e-bike motor should have a maximum power output of 250 watts and cannot propel the bike past 15.5mph. E-bikes that exceed these limits are not road-legal.

Although these technical requirements may appear complicated, reputable retailers can confirm whether the bike you wish to purchase is entirely road-legal.

Legal Responsibilities

Inspector Shane Underwood from Gwent Police’s roads policing unit commented, “Any electric bike that fails to meet EAPC regulations is considered a motorcycle or moped, which requires registration and taxation.”

“Riders must possess the appropriate driving licence and insurance to operate them and are required to wear a crash helmet."

“We urge individuals to ensure that their e-bikes are fully compliant with road laws, and we remind everyone that only those aged 14 and older can legally ride an e-bike.”

“We will take decisive action against anyone using an e-bike that has been modified to exceed 15.5mph, has a power output exceeding 250 watts, or can be operated without pedalling.”

Community Safety Concerns

Across the country, various incidents of anti-social behaviour and unsafe driving involving modified e-bikes, electric motorcycles, and off-road motorcycles have been observed. Road Safety Wales fully supports law enforcement in seizing vehicles being operated illegally and prosecuting riders who endanger innocent members of the community.

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