Amending electrically assisted pedal cycle regulations
Proposed changes to regulations to make the differences clearer between an electrically assisted pedal cycle and an electric moped.
The specification of Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs), for use in Great Britain, is currently regulated by The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983. These regulations concern the specification and performance limits for EAPCs. The introduction of revised harmonised European construction rules for powered two wheel vehicles in 2002, and the recent introduction of a European standard for EAPCs created a mismatch between the European requirements and the current GB Regulations, causing confusion for both industry and consumers. The changes to legislation proposed in this consultation will address the mismatch and, in the main, provide a simplification of existing legislation.
The department’s objective in amending the 1983 Regulations is to find a solution that is in line with the government’s commitment to better regulation and simplification of legislation. The changes should maintain the level of safety provided for under the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983 whilst ensuring consistency with the European approach.
Statement on next stepsA summary of responses to the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) consultation is provided in our ‘Consultation response’ document.
The Department for Transport has considered the responses to this consultation and supports a move to harmonise power limits (from 200 Watts to 250 Watts) with similar provisions in place across the EU - allowing consumers access to a wider range of electrically assisted cycles.
The department will develop regulatory proposals to update power limits and consider including other amendments, for example on weight limits once EU discussions on a much wider group of 2, 3 and light 4-wheeled vehicles conclude. The outcome of these discussions could have implications for our EAPC rules and it would therefore be unhelpful to make amendments at this time which might need to be repealed subsequently.
Consulation documents