Choosing and safely using e-bikes

Choosing and safely using e-bikes

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, make cycling easier and more accessible, but it's important to follow the rules and stay safe.

An e-bike is legally defined by the Government as an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC), a bicycle (bike) with a motor that only provides power when you are pedalling. The motor must not propel the e-bike on its own.

It's important to make sure that:

• before you buy it, your e-bike is legal for use on public roads, cycle routes and signed shared-use paths
• when riding an e-bike, as with a normal bicycle, you're considerate of other people using those public roads, cycle routes or land

UK e-bike rules

• must be an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC)
• the motor must only provide power when you are pedalling
• maximum speed: 15.5 miles per hour
• maximum power output: 250 Watts
• legal for use by riders aged 14 and over
• no licence, tax, or insurance needed
• ride on public roads, cycle tracks and signed shared-use paths
• not allowed on pedestrian-only footways or on public footpaths that are not signed for shared-use
• follow the Highway Code and be considerate of other people

For more information, please see the Government's rules on e-bikes.

Buying an e-bike

• start by reading a buyer guide, such as this one from the Walk Wheel and Cycle Trust (WWCT)
• buy from a reputable retailer
• ensure it meets UK safety standards
• consider buying a complete e-bike that has a fully-compatible battery and charger included
• use genuine batteries and chargers - fakes can cause fires

Conversion kits

E-bike conversion kits are products that turn a conventional, unpowered bicycle (bike) into an e-bike.  However, these kits are retro-fitted to bikes not originally designed or tested for adaptation to e-bikes:

• buying a complete e-bike with a fully-compatible battery and charger may be a safer option than a conversion
• ensure that the bike you intend to fit it to is in good condition, able to take the additional weight and that the brakes have sufficient stopping power
• check that it complies with the Government's rules on e-bikes and with current UK safety standards
• buy from an established retailer with a good reputation
• ensure that an appropriately trained professional carries out any e-bike conversion - anyone installing a conversion kit is legally-responsible for ensuring that the e-bike is safe to use
• use genuine batteries and chargers - fakes can cause fires 

Charging safely

Lithium-ion batteries that provide power for e-bikes can catch fire if misused:

• follow manufacturer's instructions
• do not charge while asleep or away
• do not obstruct escape routes
• avoid charging in communal areas  
• keep away from flammable materials
• install smoke or heat detectors in storage areas

If a battery fire occurs: Get out, stay out, call 999.

Recycling used batteries

Discarded batteries including lithium-ion batteries are a major cause of fire.

Never put batteries in household waste bins or recycling bins. 

Take old batteries to licensed recycling centres. More information about recycling centres in West Berkshire is available here.