What are the latest rules re Scooters and Electric bikes with a throttle

[rosalan]

Although, in theory, only hired scooters are legal in the UK, the majority of Europe seem to be tolerant to their general use, even by small children travelling two up at high speed. The UK may find by default that the same will happen here.
If scooters are permitted to travel way beyond the 15mph with a throttle, why are bikes not permitted a throttle unless built before 2016?
…. or have the rules changed?

 

[Realist]

Some bikes do have a throttle but restricted to speed.

 

[TOAD on Tour]

As far as I am aware, rules still the same, I.e. only those cities hiring out approved scooters as part of the government scheme can be used in public. The scheme has also been extended to 2024. I think most European countries where they are legal require insurance etc. whether everybody is abiding by that is probably another debate. We looked in to this and ended up getting a couple of folding ebikes, would’ve preferred zipping about on the scooters, but I know it’d be me that gets pulled over!!!!

 

[pappajohn]

If and when scooters are legalised they will have to conform to the same specification as leccy bikes
Max 300watt motor and 15mph.
The only difference will be the hand throttle.

 

[dulvil]

My e bike has a throttle and I’ve been seen by lots of police. They don’t bother me because I’m only usually going 3/4 mph as the wife’s walking the dogs. I don’t ride like a prat usually

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[Folkranger]

My bike power cuts off at 25kph. I don't really want to faster but when the power cuts it seems so hard to pedal all of a sudden. Would be better with a slope off on the power.

 

[Verteuil Man]

If it has a hand throttle it is considered to be the same as a motorcycle.

 

[DonA4000]

I have a uk legal ebike 250w motor restricted to 15.5 mph and has a throttle that is restricted to 4 mph, comes in handy if your having to push the bike up a steep hill

 

[Pausim]

The power has to be pedal assist. A throttle is allowed but it should only operate whilst you are pedalling and cut out when you are not.

 

[rosalan]

This debate has still got some way to go I feel. As there is such a fast growing market for throttle controlled scooters, legal or not, with speeds far exceeding legal permitted speeds. If scooters can use a throttle up to at least 15mph legally, on fairly precarious small wheels, it makes none sense that bikes should be restricted.

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[teddybear]

Sense has nothing to do with lawmakers