Electric Bike and e-Scooter Licensing

E-bikes and e-scooters have the potential for a significant positive impact. They are environmentally friendly, provide a green solution to the inner city and other forms of travel, and can be a healthier alternative to driving in a car for short journeys.

Manufacturers, importers and distributors of electric bikes and scooters will need to consider the regulatory aspects of their products before taking them to market. These cover the power output of their product, advertising restrictions, and the method of testing required to ensure the product is compliant.

In addition to businesses, individual consumers need to ensure they use the products in accordance with the law. Electric bike and e-scooter riders will need to meet insurance requirements and legal requirements regarding drug and alcohol limits when on the road.

Unfortunately, there is a lack of guidance on what a compliant product looks like. Coupled with a heavy-handed approach to using prosecution powers, this means there is significant uncertainty among economic operators and consumers who want to promote e-bikes and e-scooters.

JMW’s specialist regulatory team can help individuals and manufacturers, importers and distributors of electric bikes and e-scooters cut through the red tape to check if their products comply with current legislation.

To speak to us about any regulatory aspects of electric bikes and scooters, contact us today on 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online enquiry form to request a call back.

How JMW Can Help

Various UK authorities have been placing manufacturers and distributors of such products under scrutiny to ensure that the relevant regulations are being complied with. These authorities have also been making sure that manufacturers and distributors of e-bikes of certain power are correctly adhering to the rules surrounding advertising, registration, type approval, and insurance.

Different rules apply to different levels of power, and these businesses need to be aware of the method of establishing how this is regulated.

JMW can advise businesses on what requirements apply to their products and the best ways to meet them. We can also advise on any criminal or alternative proceedings brought by the relevant authorities. Given how new this subject is, it is important that the authorities responsible for enforcing the regulations understand their limitations and the rights of both electric bike and e-scooter users, and the businesses involved in producing and distributing them.

We can also help individuals who have been threatened with prosecution for their use of an electric bike or e-scooter, as well as those who have become involved in an e-bike or e-scooter incident.