KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
THE CRIMINAL USE OF E-BIKES AND E-SCOOTERS IS VASTLY INCREASING
The use of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters has increased dramatically over the last few years. We are seeing daily news articles about local councils urging the police to take more action to stop people riding them, police forces promising crackdowns, and concerned local residents posting on community pages. In the last month alone, Devon and Cornwall Police, Thames Valley Police and South Wales Fire Service have all issued warnings about their use.
But why is their use concerning so many, and why are they controversial? Indeed, many comment that it’s good to see youngsters out enjoying their bikes rather than being stuck inside on screens all day.
The answer mainly lies in the law. A new poll conducted by YouGov in July found that 84% of people in the UK cannot tell the difference between a perfectly legal e-bike and one that contravenes the law. Parents are often completely unaware that their child’s new Christmas present could leave them facing six penalty points and a hefty fine. The public’s lack of knowledge about how dangerous these vehicles can be is also shocking.
What e-bikes/e-scooters are legal?
Under section 185 of the Road Traffic Act, e-scooters and e-bikes are classed as ‘motor vehicles’ and therefore require insurance, a licence and other legal requirements before they can be used on the road. Riding them unlawfully on the road may therefore amount to an offence.
But there are three exceptions to this rule where riding an electric scooter or bike can be legal:
1) EAPCs. An EAPC is an ‘Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle’ is the legal term for an e-bike that can be treated the same as a conventional pedal cycle, provided the user is age 14 or over. To be classed as an EAPC the cycle must:
a. be fitted with pedals that can propel it
b. have an electric motor with a maximum continuous rated power not exceeding 250 watts
c. cut off electrical assistance when it reaches 15.5 miles per hour (mph)
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There are other regulations to consider as well – such as their weight, and the means by which the bike is propelled. We strongly advise that if you are considering purchasing a bicycle with a motor, to carefully check that it’s fully road legal.
2) Mobility vehicles. Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs are single-seat vehicles with a battery. However, they are specifically registered and regulated as such, so there is no “getting around” the law by claiming that your e-scooter is actually a mobility vehicle.
3) Registered scooters. You can only rent an electric scooter through official electric scooter rental schemes in certain areas of the country. These rental schemes are also known as ‘e-scooter trials’ and have their own rules.
You can ride a rented electric scooter on public roads, including cycle lanes, but it is illegal to ride one on a pavement or a motorway.
These are specifically registered scooters that are insured and have registration plates – and you must also have a full or provisional licence to ride one.
Unless you fit into one of these exceptions, generally, riding an electric scooter/bike will be considered illegal.
What happens if I use one illegally?
Most commonly, riders are prosecuted for driving without insurance, which carries 6 penalty points and a £300 fine, or potentially more if the case proceeds to court. They may also face having their scooter seized and, most probably, destroyed.
At Patterson Law, we have seen several concerned parents whose children are facing prosecution for riding these scooters, completely oblivious to the fact that they are illegal. We have even seen prosecutions involving children as young as 12. In those cases, even though the children would not have a provisional licence, the DVLA would create a driving record for them and impose 6 penalty points on it.
Another point that many people don’t consider is that because these are classed as motor vehicles, any
AUGUST 2026 PHTM
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