Are e-bike throttles legal in the UK?

The short version: pedal assist, plus a 6 km/h start

To count as an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC), a bike's motor should assist only while you pedal. The exception is a start or walk assist function that can move the bike up to 6 km/h without pedalling. That is a brisk walking pace, useful for pushing a heavy bike up a ramp or getting going at a junction.

Once you pass 6 km/h, you need to be pedalling for the motor to help, and the help must stop at 15.5 mph (25 km/h). The motor must also have a maximum continuous rated power of 250 W.

Why twist-and-go bikes are treated differently

A bike that you can ride along without pedalling, using only a throttle, behaves more like a small moped than a bicycle. Since 2016, such bikes have needed type approval under the regime for light motor vehicles before they can be used on the road. Very few bikes sold online have that approval, which means they cannot be registered and should not be used on public roads.

gov.uk states that an electric bike that does not meet the EAPC rules is classed as a motorcycle or moped. That brings registration, tax, insurance, a suitable driving licence and a motorcycle helmet.

Older bikes bought before 2016

Some older twist-and-go e-bikes were treated differently under earlier rules, and owners of those bikes are often unsure where they stand. The safest course is not to assume. Check the current gov.uk guidance, and keep any paperwork showing when the bike was bought and what it was sold as.

If you are buying second-hand, be wary of a seller who says a full throttle is fine because the bike is old. The burden is on the rider to be sure the bike is legal.

Note:Rules on older throttle bikes are a grey area for many riders. Check gov.uk rather than relying on a seller's description, and treat this page as general information rather than legal advice.

Throttles on conversion kits

Many hub and mid-drive conversion kits include a thumb throttle. Whether a converted bike stays within the EAPC rules depends on how the whole system is set up, not just the throttle. The motor needs a 250 W continuous rating, the controller must cut assistance at 15.5 mph, and any throttle should be limited to 6 km/h without pedalling.

Some controllers let you set a throttle speed limit or a walk mode in the display menu. Others do not, in which case leaving the throttle disconnected is the simplest way to stay within the rules. Your kit's manual explains the settings, which vary by brand. See our guide on whether conversion kits are legal in the UK for the full checklist.

1. 1

   Confirm the motor is rated at 250 W continuous on the label or in the paperwork.

2. 2

   Set the controller's speed limit to 25 km/h (15.5 mph).

3. 3

   Set any throttle or walk mode to a maximum of 6 km/h, or leave the throttle unplugged.

4. 4

   Make sure the pedal sensor is fitted so assistance only comes in while you pedal.

5. 5

   Fit a plate or label with the maker, power and voltage or speed details.

What a throttle can still do for you

A 6 km/h walk assist is more useful than it sounds. It takes the strain out of pushing a heavy cargo or fat-tyre bike up a slope, through a car park or onto a train platform, and it can steady a start on a hill with a child on the back. For most riders, a well-tuned torque or cadence sensor removes the need for a full throttle anyway. Our torque vs cadence sensor guide explains how each feels when pulling away.

If you want a bike that is ready for the road out of the box, choose one sold as a UK EAPC with a 250 W motor and 25 km/h assist limit, such as those in our electric hybrid bikes guide.

Compare 250 W pedal-assist hybrids →

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a throttle on a UK e-bike? Yes, as a start or walk assist up to 6 km/h without pedalling. A throttle that powers the bike faster without pedalling usually takes it outside the EAPC rules.

Is a thumb throttle on a conversion kit legal? Only if the system is set up so the throttle stops at 6 km/h and the rest of the bike meets the EAPC rules. Otherwise unplug it for road use.

What happens if I ride a twist-and-go e-bike on the road? It is treated as a moped or motorcycle. Without registration, tax, insurance and a licence you could face penalties and the bike could be seized.

Where do I check the current rules? Start with the gov.uk electric bike rules page, and use our UK e-bike law check to run through the main tests.