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What the EAPC plate on an e-bike must show

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In short

An e-bike that counts as an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) in Great Britain should carry a plate showing three things: the manufacturer, the motor's continuous rated power, and either the battery voltage or the maximum speed at which the motor assists. On a road-legal bike those figures will be 250 W or less and 15.5 mph (25 km/h) or less. The plate is usually fixed to the frame near the bottom bracket or on the down tube.

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A close-up of a bicycle wheel and frame with a bottle in an urban setting at night
Photo: João Saplak on Pexels

The EAPC plate is a small label that tells you, and anyone who checks, whether an e-bike is built to the UK rules. Many owners never notice theirs. If you are buying new or second-hand, converting a bike or simply want to be sure your bike is legal, the plate is the first thing to look at. This guide explains what it must show, where to find it, and what to do if it is missing. It is general information, not legal advice, so check gov.uk for the official wording.

The three details the plate must show

gov.uk lists the plate as one of the EAPC requirements. It must show the manufacturer, the power output and either the battery voltage or the maximum speed of the bike. In practice, the power output means the motor's continuous rated power, and the speed means the speed at which assistance cuts out.

EAPCMAKERYour maker LtdManufacturerRATED POWER250 WContinuous rated powerBATTERY36 VBattery voltageMAX ASSIST15.5 mph (25 km/h)Max assisted speed
An EAPC plate must show the maker, the continuous rated power and the battery voltage or the maximum assisted speed.
DetailWhat a legal EAPC showsWatch for
ManufacturerThe bike or motor maker's nameA blank or unbranded label
Continuous rated power250 W or less350 W, 500 W, 750 W or more
Battery voltageOften 36 V or 48 VVoltage alone does not decide legality
Maximum assisted speed15.5 mph or 25 km/hHigher figures, or no figure at all
EAPC plate details and what to expect

Where to find the plate

On most factory-built e-bikes, the plate is a riveted metal tag or a tough sticker on the frame. Common places are the underside of the down tube near the bottom bracket, the seat tube just above the motor, or the chainstay. On mid-drive bikes it may sit near the motor housing. Some bikes carry the details on the motor itself, with a separate frame label.

Look closely in good light, because road dirt can cover the label. If you cannot find it, check the manual or the maker's website, which may show the plate's location for your model.

Reading the numbers correctly

The power figure on a plate should be the continuous rated power, not peak power. A motor rated at 250 W can briefly deliver more on a steep start, which is normal and does not make it illegal. A listing or plate that quotes only peak watts is not enough to judge the bike.

Voltage is just the battery's nominal voltage. A 48 V battery on a 250 W motor can be fully legal. If the plate shows voltage rather than speed, check the assist cut-off in the display settings or manual. Our 36 V vs 48 V guide explains why voltage does not set the legal limit.

Buying second-hand: plate checks

A plate is a useful check when buying used, but it is not proof the bike has not been modified. Derestriction dongles and changed display settings can lift the assist speed while the plate still says 25 km/h. Ask the seller whether the bike has been altered, check the speed limit in the settings menu if you can, and walk away if the seller seems keen on the bike being faster than it should be.

Also check the battery, charger and frame number. A stolen bike is a risk too, so ask for proof of purchase. A good lock helps keep your own bike yours; see our e-bike lock guide.

  1. 1

    Find the plate and read the maker, power and voltage or speed.

  2. 2

    Confirm the power is 250 W or less.

  3. 3

    Check the display's speed limit setting is 25 km/h or 15.5 mph.

  4. 4

    Ask whether any dongle or settings change has been made.

  5. 5

    Ask for proof of purchase and the original charger.

Conversion kits and missing plates

Converted bikes rarely come with a plate. If you fit a 250 W kit and set it up within the rules, adding a durable plate or label with the kit maker's name, the rated power and the voltage or assist speed is a sensible step. Engraved metal plates fixed with rivets or strong adhesive last longer than paper labels. See are e-bike conversion kits legal in the UK for the full set-up checklist.

If a factory bike has lost its plate, contact the maker or the shop. They may be able to supply a replacement or confirm the details in writing.

Note:This page is general information, not legal advice. If you are unsure whether a bike meets the rules, check gov.uk before riding it on the road.

Frequently asked questions

Is it illegal to ride an e-bike without an EAPC plate? The plate is one of the listed EAPC requirements, so a bike without one may not meet the rules. Check gov.uk and fit a plate if needed.

What does 250 W on the plate mean? It is the motor's continuous rated power. It is the figure the UK rules use, not peak power.

Does the plate need to show 15.5 mph? It must show either the maximum assisted speed or the battery voltage, alongside the maker and the power.

Can I check a bike quickly? Yes. Use our UK e-bike law check with the figures from the plate and the settings menu.

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