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Calls grow for tougher e-bike rules as safety concerns rise

Tom Phillips
Thu, 16 Jul 2026

With the number of e-bikes on UK roads on the rise, new research has revealed growing concerns about the safety, legality and compliance of certain models.

Bike insurance firm Tiger.co.uk asked 1000 people of their opinions on e-bikes, with 61% saying they thought they are too dangerous and 44% in favour of banning them altogether.

Significantly, the survey also found that 15% of respondents say they have been – or know someone who has been – in an accident involving an e-bike. 

Further to this, the BBC has also reported that e-bike injury payouts now top £110m and are pushing up insurance premiums for all.

E-Bike benefits

For most riders, electric bikes can be a great option, whether you're cycling for fun, exercise or as an alternative to a car or public transport on your commute. 

However, the rules surrounding what constitutes an e-bike appear to be causing confusion.

To be classed as an e-bike, they must be limited to 250W of power, must have pedals to propel the bike, and its motor is only allowed to provide power up to 15.5mph. 

If this is exceeded, the e-bike should be classed as a moped instead. Then it would need insurance, tax and registration, while the rider would need an appropriate licence.

Clearer rules to avoid e-bike misuse

Tiger's research found that 42% of respondents didn't know of the 15.5mph rule, while the BBC reports that significant numbers of e-bikes have been found to have adaptations that allow them to travel faster than regulations permit.

What's more, a search online reveals that it's easy to buy an e-bike that doesn't conform with regulations, as they're sold for use on private land only. 

Over 700 illegally ridden e-bikes and scooters were seized in Scotland last year, up from 49 the year before, making consumer concern about e-bike use understandable.
 
"E-bikes have the potential to be a useful and healthy form of transport, but we need tougher regulations and clearer guidance on how and when to use them," says Ian Wilson, bicycle insurance expert at Tiger.co.uk.

"The majority of those surveyed thought they were too dangerous, causing them to question if they should be banned altogether.

"Those who own an e-bike have a responsibility to make sure they have bought it from a trusted, legal source, have not modified or tampered with the speed and have all the additional legal requirements in accordance with UK EAPC regulations."

Ask HJ

Why does the DVLA not require electric bikes and scooters to be registered?

Why has the DVLA not required Electric Cycles and Scooters which can and do travel at far higher speeds than Mobility Scooters to be registered? Especially as Electric Cycles can be ridden on the pavement.
The rules for electric cycles and scooters are already in place, which can be viewed here - https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules and here - https://www.gov.uk/electric-scooter-rules but in brief, electrically-assisted pedal cycles (EPACs) must have pedals, cannot exceed 15.5mph on electric power and must be approved with the manufacturer and continuous rated power output displayed, as well as either the battery voltage or maximum speed that the motor can propel the bike. EPACs and conventional pedal cycles are not permitted to be ridden on the pavement - see Rule 64 of the Highway Code. Electric cycles that do not comply with these restrictions are classed as motorcycles or mopeds and should be taxed and insured, as well as the rider having an appropriate licence. It is illegal to ride a privately-owned electric scooter in a public place, whether that is the pavement, a cycle lane or the road. A rented electric scooter available in specific areas can be ridden on the road or cycle lanes, but not on the pavement. The fact that privately-owned e-scooters and e-bikes that are outside of the EPAC guidelines are often ridden on the roads and the pavement is a police matter.
Answered by David Ross
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