My AccountYes – if you want to ride an electric motorbike or moped in the UK, you will need a driving licence and motorbike insurance. However, what you can ride depends on what type of licence you already hold and whether you’re willing to take additional tests.
In this post we will explain the UK laws surrounding electric motorbikes and mopeds, including what you can ride with just a car driving licence and when you need specific motorcycle qualifications.
What is an Electric Motorbike?
When we talk about electric motorbikes or mopeds, we’re talking about vehicles that are essentially standard motorbikes or mopeds, but with electric engines in place of petrol or diesel-powered combustion engines.
We are not talking about electric bikes – or e-bikes – that use electricity to give a bit more power to your pedalling. Nor are we talking about e-scooters.
What Does Code 79(3) on your Driving Licence Mean?
Under UK driving licence rules, the DVLA may include Code 79(3) on your licence if you’re entitled to drive motor tricycles with a car licence. It’s important to understand that this does not qualify you to ride two-wheeled motorcycles. If you want to ride a motorcycle, you’ll need to complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and pass the relevant motorcycle tests to obtain the correct licence category.
UK Motorcycle Licence Categories and Age Requirements
Before we look at what you can ride with different licences, here are the UK motorcycle licence categories:
AM Licence (Mopeds up to 50cc)
- Minimum age: 16 years old
- What you can ride: Mopeds up to 50cc (or electric equivalent up to 4kW) with maximum speed of 28mph
- Requirements: CBT only (no theory or practical test required)
If you passed your driving test before 1st February 2001 you do not need to take a CBT course to ride a moped up to 50cc.
A1 Licence (Light Motorcycles)
- Minimum age: 17 years old
- What you can ride: Motorcycles up to 125cc (or electric equivalent up to 11kW)
- Requirements: CBT, theory test, and practical test
A2 Licence (Medium Motorcycles)
- Minimum age: 19 years old
- What you can ride: Motorcycles up to 35kW power output
- Requirements: CBT, theory test, and practical test (or upgrade from A1 after 2 years)
A Licence (Full Motorcycles)
- Minimum age: 24 years old (direct route) or 21 years old (progressive route)
- What you can ride: Any motorcycle with unlimited power
- Requirements: CBT, theory test, and practical test (or upgrade from A2 after 2 years)
What Can You Ride With Just a Car Driving Licence?
If you already hold a full UK car driving licence (category B), you have automatic entitlements for mopeds only:
Electric Mopeds (50cc equivalent)
- What you can ride: Electric mopeds with a maximum speed of 28mph (45km/h) and power up to 4kW
- Additional requirements: You still need to complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course
- Licence categories: Your driving licence automatically includes category AM
- Important note: This entitlement only applies if you passed your car test before 1 February 2001, OR if you’re 21+ when you passed your car test
Important: Even with a full car licence, you cannot ride any electric motorbike more powerful than a 50cc equivalent moped without taking additional motorcycle tests.
When Do You Need Specific Motorcycle Licence Categories?
For anything more powerful than a basic electric moped, you’ll need to take dedicated motorcycle tests to obtain the appropriate licence category:
A1 Licence (Light Motorcycles)
- What you can ride: Electric motorbikes up to 11kW power output
- Age requirement: 17 years old minimum
- Requirements:
- CBT certificate
- Motorcycle theory test
- Practical motorcycle test (A1)
- Also covers: 125cc petrol equivalents
A2 Licence (Medium Motorcycles)
- What you can ride: Electric motorbikes up to 35kW power output
- Age requirement: 19 years old minimum
- Two routes to obtain:
- Direct route: Take theory and practical A2 tests (age 19+)
- Progressive route: Hold A1 licence for 2 years, then take practical test only
A Licence (Full Motorcycles)
- What you can ride: Any electric motorbike with unlimited power
- Age requirement: Varies by route
- Two routes to obtain:
- Direct route: Take theory and practical A tests (age 24+)
- Progressive route: Hold A2 licence for 2 years, then take practical test (from age 21)
After passing your motorcycle test, your driving licence will be updated to include your new motorcycle entitlement.
Understanding CBT Requirements
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is the first requirement for all motorcycle and moped riding, even if you have a full car licence:
- Duration: One day course (typically 6-8 hours)
- Validity: 2 years (must be renewed if you haven’t passed your full test)
- Covers: Basic controls, on-road riding, safety awareness
- Cost: Usually £100-£150
- Note: CBT is not a test – it’s training, but you must demonstrate competence
Electric Motorbike Power Categories Explained
Unlike petrol bikes measured in cc, electric motorbikes are categorised by power output:
- Up to 4kW: Equivalent to 50cc moped (AM licence category)
- Up to 11kW: Light motorcycle category (A1 licence)
- Up to 35kW: Medium motorcycle category (A2 licence)
- Over 35kW: Full motorcycle category (A licence)
What Happens If You Ride Without the Correct Licence?
If you are caught riding an electric motorbike or moped without a valid licence, or with an unsuitable licence, you could face serious consequences. These include an on-the-spot fine, up to six penalty points on your licence, and potentially a court summons, or even disqualification from riding. Additionally, the police have the authority to seize and destroy your vehicle.
Additional Requirements for Electric Motorbikes
Beyond licensing, you’ll also need:
Insurance
- Mandatory for all electric motorbikes and mopeds used on public roads
- Third-party minimum required by law
- Specialist electric vehicle policies may offer better coverage
Registration and Tax
- Electric motorbikes must be registered with DVLA
- From 1st April 2025 electric motorcycles are subject to vehicle tax rates.
Safety Equipment
- Approved motorcycle helmet (mandatory)
- Protective clothing recommended
- High-visibility gear advised
Summary: Quick Reference Guide
| Vehicle Type | Minimum Age | With Driving Licence | Without Driving Licence |
| Electric moped (≤4kW) | 16 | ✓ Can ride (with CBT) | Need AM licence + CBT |
| Electric motorbike (≤11kW) | 17 | ✗ Need A1 licence | Need A1 licence + CBT + tests |
| Electric motorbike (≤35kW) | 19 | ✗ Need A2 licence | Need A2 licence + CBT + tests |
| Electric motorbike (unlimited) | 21-24 | ✗ Need A licence | Need A licence + CBT + tests |
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