Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether an e-bike that complies with EU pedelec regulations with a throttle used to provide a degree of assistance will be exempt from type approval; and what the procedure will be for type approval for throttle-controlled e-bikes.

Any electric cycle that can be propelled by the use of a throttle has to comply with type approval in accordance with EU Regulation 168/2013. Electric cycles with a maximum motor power of 250 Watts and a maximum assisted speed of 15.5 mph, that provide assistance only when the rider is pedalling are excluded from the requirement to comply with type approval.

A manufacturer may obtain type approval in accordance with EU regulation 168/2013, and its Delegated Regulations, from a Type Approval Authority of an EU member state. A manufacturer producing an individual cycle may obtain approval from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. The UK Type Approval Authority is the Vehicle Certification Agency.