Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent steps she has taken to help ensure that privately owned electric bikes comply with the law.

All e-cycles, whether privately owned or part of a rental scheme, must comply with the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle Regulations 1983. The Department has published extensive guidance on this on gov.uk, which it recently updated. It also works with the cycle industry to ensure that retailers make clear to their customers what is, and what is not, a legal e-cycle. Where the requirements set out in the EAPC Regulations are not met in full, the e-cycle is classed as a motor vehicle and needs to be approved and registered with the DVLA, as well as being taxed and insured. Enforcement of these requirements is a matter for the police.