What Electric Motorcycle Can I Ride?
Unknown to most people the basic principles behind the legalities of riding an electric motorcycle are infact no different to that of riding an ICE (internal combustion engine) motorcycle, all of which are listed at the bottom of this page. The only real difference is that, unlike internal combustion engine (ICE, or petrol engine) motorcycles which are rated on peak power, electric motorcycles are rated and homologated on continuous power.  The continuous power of an electric motor, for licence validation, is measured over a set period of time. Peak power is not factored so although for example one of our electric motorcycles continuous power may be restricted to 11kw (15bhp) the same as a 125cc motorbike, it could peak at more like 45kw (60bhp) which is more like a 500cc motorcycle.
Also never forget that the power rating (kw or bhp) of an electric motorcycle is almost irrelevant to the MASSIVE torque delivery that even the smallest of our electric motorcycles can produce which is many times higher than most ICE bikes. The fact is we have many customers used to riding big 1000cc sports bike who quite happily have made the move to owning 11kw variants of some of our range!Â
Electric Scooters and Electric Mopeds
Electric Mopeds and Scooters are often put in the same category, to avoid confusion we will explain about Electric Mopeds, these are often large vehicles which are fast and the perfect urban travel companion. Electric Mopeds and very similar to their ICE (Internal Compustion Engine) sister.
Electric Motorbikes
Electric Motorbikes are the pinnacle of electric bike travel, they are large and robust, with massive battery capacity and even better speeds. They travel at faster than 30mph and therefore it is important that you know the laws before you jump on and ride away.
Electric Scooters and Electric Mopeds
Generally electric mopeds are restricted to 28mph (45kmh). These are seen in the same way as a 50cc petrol moped. As a moped, they can be ridden by any rider 16 or over who has either passed a CBT course or has category AM or P on their existing driver licence. These are classed as L1e-B.
Car drivers who passed their test before February 2001 generally will have this category AM or P already on their licence, or have a full motorcycle licence, and are not required to take a CBT course (please double check that this is the case).
Electric scooters / motorbikes that are capable of speeds in excess of 28mph / 45kmph are classed as L3e-A1. There is no speed restriction however you must be 17 or above and have passed a CBT course OR have a full motorcycle licence.Â
Please view full licence requirements on the government website here.
Electric Motorcycles
Electric Motorbikes / Mopeds that are capable of getting to speeds in excess of 28mph are classed as L3e-A1. There is no speed restriction however you must be 17 or above and have passed a CBT course OR have a full motorcycle licence.Â
Please see full licence requirements on the government website here.
E-Rider Training
Electric Vehicles are becoming more and more popular every single day and there are many people who will chose an electric motorcycle or moped for their first bike. This is why we are leading the way with our E-Rider Training, allowing you to learn to ride on our electric motorbikes and getting your CBT using us and our electric supply.Â
Motorcycle Laws UK
50cc (4kw)
16 year old plus requires just a *CBT (compulsory basic training) every two years. The Theory Test Pass Certificate is valid for 2 years. Ridden with L plates no passengers. Can take new AM license allowing riding without L plates. Top speed 28mph restriction
 If you have a full car licence issued before 1st February 2001. Allows to ride without L plates and can carry a passenger without taking your CBT.
*Average CBT costs £120 and take a day to complete
125cc (11kw)Â
17 year old plus requires just a CBT (compulsory basic training) every two years. The Theory Test Pass Certificate is valid for 2 years. Ridden with L plates no passengers. Can take A1 license allowing riding without L plates.
If you have a full car licence issued before 1st February 2001. Requires CBT to ride with L plates no passengers.
500cc (33kw)
19 year old plus requires A2 Motorcycle Licence You are then allowed to ride any A2 category motorbike or scooter without L plates and to carry a passenger.
After holding an A2 Motorcycle Licence for 2 years, you can take another practical test and get an unrestricted A Motorcycle licence (see below).
 Full license
At 24Â you can get an A Motorcycle Licence, allowing you to ride any motorcycle or scooter of any size or power. There are two ways to qualify for an A Motorcycle Licence:
One, if you have held an A2 Motorcycle Licence for 2 years, you can take another practical test.
If you haven’t held an A2 licence for two years and if you are aged 24 or over, you can take the Direct Access route to an A Licence by completing CBT, Theory tests and a practical test.
You are then allowed to ride any motorbike or scooter without L plates and to carry a passenger.
