Factsheet

Consumer Advice - Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCS) in Great Britain

Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (an “EAPC”)
In GB, the EAPC Regulations1 apply to certain bicycles, tandem bicycles or tricycles fitted with pedals by means of which they are capable of being propelled. For the regulations to apply, the motor assistance must be provided by an electric motor and not by an internal combustion engine. The electric motor must not be able to propel the machine when it is travelling at more than 15mph. Furthermore, the vehicle must also meet the following requirements:
Maximum kerbside weight (including batteries but without rider) shall not exceed
- Bicycle: 40 kg - Tandem Bicycle: 60 kg - Tricycle: 60 kg
Maximum continuous rated power output of the motor shall not exceed
- Bicycle: 200W - Tandem Bicycle: 250W - Tricycle: 250W
An EAPC which complies with the above is not considered to be a motor vehicle within the meaning of The Road Traffic Act 1988. As a result, it is not required to be registered, pay vehicle excise duty (road tax) or be insured as a motor vehicle. No EAPC may be ridden by anyone under the age of 14 years.
The Pedal Cycles (Construction and Use) Regulations2 also specify requirements for EAPCs. These include a requirement to display a plate showing the manufacturer, the nominal voltage of the battery, and the continuous rated output of the motor.
Vehicles outside the scope of the GB Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations
A vehicle is not covered by the above exemption if it is outside the scope of the EAPC Regulations. This may be due to the motor power output, speed up to which power can be provided, weight, or that it does not have pedals by means of which the machine can be propelled. Consequently, it will need to be registered, insured and is subject to Vehicle Excise Duty (display a tax disc); the rider will need an appropriate driving licence and will have to wear an approved motorcycle safety helmet.
The requirements applicable to EAPCs outside the scope of the 1983 EAPC Regulations vary. Certain types, for example, those whose power exceeds 250 Watts may require either a
1 The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983 SI 1983/1168
2 The Pedal Cycles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1983 SI 1983/1176
European Certificate of Conformity (issued by the manufacturer as part of the “type approval” procedure) or an individual pre-registration assessment; others may be registered directly with DVLA.
Power assistance (Twist and Go)
A vehicle is not exempt from having either a European Certificate of Conformity or an individual pre-registration assessment if it is fitted with pedals and a motor that can provide power assistance at any time without the rider pedalling, or if the motor is not cut off automatically when the vehicle reaches 25km/h. However, if it is within the scope of the EAPC Regulations (see above), it still does not require registration, licensing or insurance.
‘Off Road’ Assistance
We are aware of some electric cycles that have a switch offering a temporary increase in top speed – often advertised as an ‘off road’ facility. When the switch is pressed the vehicle can be propelled by the motor at a speed greater than 15 mph. Vehicles with this feature fitted, in our opinion, do not comply with the GB EAPC Regulations. Vehicles and riders must comply with the appropriate motor vehicle requirements i.e. registration, driver/rider licensing, insurance, use of an approved helmet etc
Other legislation
EAPCs may also need to comply with:
The Electrical Equipment designed for use within certain Voltage Limits Directive 73/23/EEC (as amended) (commonly known as the Low Voltage Directive)
and
The Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 89/336/EEC (as amended).
Confirmation should be sought via the Department of Business Innovation and Skills www.berr.gov.uk or via local Trading Standards Departments http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/advice/consumer-advice.cfm
Access to the Regulations and Directives
(a) The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983 – Statutory Instrument (SI 1983 No.1168),
The Pedal Cycles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1983 - Statutory Instrument (SI 1983 No. 1176),
The Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002 - Statutory Instrument 2002 No.2742
and their amendments are available from The Stationery Office (see below).
(b) Directive 2002/24/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 March 2002 relating to the type-approval of two or three-wheel motor vehicles is also available from The Stationery Office and is published on the EUR-Lex European Legislation website:
http://eurlex.europa.eu/Result.do?T1=V1&T2=2002&T3=24&RechType=RECH_consolidated&Submit=Search
The address of the Stationery Office is:
TSO Orders/ Post Cash Dept, PO Box 29, Norwich, NR3 1GN
(Telephone: 0870 600 5522, Virtual Bookstore: www.tso.co.uk).
Further Information
If you require any further information regarding the Regulations covered by this fact sheet, please contact the DfT at the address below:
Transport Technology and Standards 3
Department for Transport
Zone 2/04 Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DR
Tel: 020 7944 2078
Fax: 020 7944 2196
Email: TTS.enquiries@dft.gsi.gov.uk
Statement
This fact sheet provides our view of the current situation but should not be taken as definitive legal advice as this is a matter for the courts.