Legal and safety
This page gives a plain-English PowerRide summary for customers. It is not legal advice. Always check the official rules before riding.
Guidance last reviewed: 2026-08-01
Next admin review reminder due: 2026-10-30
An electrically assisted pedal cycle, often shortened to EAPC, is a pedal cycle with electric assistance that meets the UK requirements for ordinary cycle use. The exact UK configuration matters, including the motor rating, speed cut-off, pedals and controls.
For EAPC treatment, the motor must stay within the continuous rated power limit. Peak output, marketing output and controller burst figures are not the same as continuous rated motor power.
Electrical assistance for an EAPC must cut off at the required speed. A product that continues assisting above 15.5mph is not treated as an ordinary EAPC for public-road use.
An EAPC must have pedals that can propel the cycle. A powered product without functional pedals is not an ordinary electrically assisted pedal cycle.
Riders must meet the age requirement that applies to EAPCs. Parents and guardians should check the rules before allowing a young person to ride.
Throttle behaviour and non-standard controller settings can change how a product is treated. Do not assume a throttle-equipped or modified bike is compliant without checking the exact UK configuration.
A bike that does not meet EAPC rules may be treated as a motor vehicle. That can mean registration, tax, insurance, licensing and other requirements before use on public roads.
Privately owned electric scooters are not treated as ordinary cycles for public-road, pavement or cycle-lane use. PowerRide displays a prominent warning on private electric scooters.
Private electric scooters and other non-compliant powered transporters should only be used on private land with the landowner's permission, unless a specific lawful scheme or permission applies.
Where a product is treated as a motor vehicle, ordinary cycle rules are not enough. Check whether registration, vehicle tax, insurance, a driving licence, helmet rules and construction requirements apply.
Use the supplied or approved charger, inspect cables and connectors, charge away from exits where practical, and stop using a battery or charger that shows damage, swelling, overheating or unusual smell.
Before riding, check the official guidance, the product configuration, brakes, tyres, battery, charger and any local restrictions. PowerRide does not claim a product is UK road legal unless the exact UK configuration has been verified.
PowerRide is a trading name of OLILAU LTD, a company registered in England and Wales under company number 16699025.
Registered in England and Wales.
Registered office: 19 The Fairways, Mansfield, England, NG19 9EW, United Kingdom
Trading and authorised returns address: 11 Wheatcroft Drive, Ambergate, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 2NE, United Kingdom
