Where can I ride my ebike? Police set to crack down on anti-social cyclists

People are being reminded of the rules over riding electric bikes after reports continue about anti-social behaviour.

Cumbria police’s Carlisle Neighbourhood Policing said people were still reporting illegal and anti-social use of ebikes in the city.

The force’s Operation Denote targets the illegal use of electric bikes and off-road motorbikes.

Carlisle Neighbourhood Policing team said it will work with the roads policing unit during the summer to target such activity.

Inspector Andy Leather, of Carlisle Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Our communities continue to report issues with illegal and anti-social use of electric bikes and off-road bikes.

“While we understand there are those who use electric bikes legally, we are urging people to understand the laws and make sure their bikes are legal.

“These aren’t toys and can cause serious injury to riders or other path or road users if ridden irresponsibly.

“Those engaging in illegal activity may find their bike is seized, issued with a fine or are given a court date.”

The issues reported to officers include riding on pavements, anti-social use and concerns around public safety.

Ebikes and the law

You can ride an electric bike if you’re 14 or over, as long as it is an electrically assisted pedal cycle, or EAPC.

An EAPC must:

Have pedals that can be used to propel it.
Show either the power output or the manufacturer of the motor.
Show either the battery’s voltage or the maximum speed of the bike.
Have an electric motor with a maximum power output of 250 watts.
Not have a motor able to propel the bike when it’s travelling at more than 15.5mph.

You do not need a licence to ride an EAPC and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured.

EAPCs can be ridden on cyclepaths and anywhere else pedal bikes are allowed. They cannot be ridden on pavements.