Electric Bikes – Know the Rules

Published: 11 February 2026

Over the last three days, the Chelmsford Neighbourhood Policing Team has carried out targeted patrols in the Springfield area, particularly around Orford Crescent and Aldeburgh Way, following reports of anti‑social behaviour and the use of illegal, high‑powered electric bikes.
We continue to work with the community to identify those causing harm and to ensure the area remains a safe place for everyone.

Electric bikes and rules for riding them
You can ride an electric bike, or an 'electrically assisted pedal cycle' (EAPC), without a license or insurance if you're 14 or over.

An electric bike:
must have pedals that you can use to propel it
can have more than two wheels, for example a tricycle
must have an electric motor that can run continuously at a maximum power of no more than 250 watts
must have no electrical assistance once you reach 15.5 miles per hour (mph)

If your electric bike fails to meet any of these requirements it needs to be taxed and insured as either a motorcycle or a moped.