What Makes an Electric Moped Road Legal?

Electric mopeds are becoming increasingly popular as a cleaner, quieter and more effective way to get around. However, there is often confusion about whether they are road legal.

So what do you need to consider in order to take your newly bought electric moped on the road worry free? Here is a quick and digestible guide on how to make electric mopeds road legal in the UK:

1) Vehicle Classification

Most road-legal electric mopeds in the UK fall under the L1e category. Mopeds in this category:

• Have a maximum speed of 28mph or less
• Are completely powered by an electric motor rather than pedal assisted
  
  

2) Mandatory Road-Legal Equipment

Depending on the model or manufacturer, an electric moped may come with a variety of features and accessories. However, at a minimum, an electric moped must be fitted with all required safety equipment, including but not limited to:

• Headlight
• Rear tail light
• Brake light
• Front and rear indicators
• Reflectors
• Horn
• Front and rear break
  
  

3) DVLA Registration & Number Plate

Just like any other road legal vehicle in UK, electric mopeds must be registered with the DVLA. This includes:

• Vehicle registration
• Issued V5C logbook
  
• Displaying a number plate

Note: The moped must also have a VIN or chassis number and usually requires a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from the manufacturer.

4) Insurance

It is illegal to ride an electric moped on UK roads without insurance. Click here for info on common insurers of electric mopeds,.

5) MOT

Like petrol mopeds, Electric mopeds require an MOT after 3 years, every year, to check if the vehicle is still roadworthy and compliant with safety standards. For more information about MOT testing, check this blog.

6) Licensing Requirements

To ride an electric moped in the UK, you will need:

•  CBT Only (with Provisional Licence)
  • You must complete CBT (Compulsory Basic Training).
  • Your provisional licence must be renewed every 2 years along with the CBT.
  • You must display L-plates. 
  • Passengers are not allowed.
    

     

•  CBT + Full UK Driving Licence
  
  
  • If you already have a full UK driving licence, you still need to complete CBT initially, but it does not need to be repeated as long as you keep your licence.
  • No L-plates required.
  • Passengers are allowed.
    
    
•  Full UK Driving Licence Issued Before 1 February 2001
  
  
  • If your full UK driving licence was issued before 1 February 2001, you can ride a moped without completing CBT.
  • No L-plates required.
  • Passengers are allowed.

• Motorcycle Licence (AM, A1, A2, or A)
  
  
  • If you hold a motorcycle licence, you can ride a moped without CBT.
  • Passengers are allowed.
  • No need to repeat training.
    
    

7) Helmet & Road Rules

• Anyone using UK roads has a responsibility to ride safely and electric moped riders are no exception. If you’re riding an electric moped, you must:
• Wear an approved motorcycle helmet
• Follow standard UK traffic laws
• Ride on public roads (not on cycle lanes and pavements)
• If there is anything you think we might have missed, comment down below!
  
  For any inquiries just email hello@fatwheelscoot.com.