E-bikes are opening up cycling to more people than ever.

They make hills feel easier, longer commutes feel more achievable and everyday journeys feel more enjoyable. But as e-bikes grow in popularity, it’s important that riders know how to choose one that is properly safety-tested, fully road legal and suitable for UK roads.

At Cyclescheme, we’re committed to supporting safe, responsible e-bike purchases. That means helping employees access reputable cycle retailers, choose compliant bikes and understand what to look for before they buy.

That’s where E-Bike Positive comes in.

What is E-Bike Positive?

E-Bike Positive is a safety trust mark for e-bikes that have been rigorously tested and are fully UK road legal as Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles. It helps riders identify verified brands and approved retailers, so they can buy with confidence.

The scheme is co-managed by the Bicycle Association and the Association of Cycle Traders. Its aim is to give consumers, employers, insurers and other stakeholders a clearer way to recognise responsible e-bike suppliers and retailers.

To become an E-Bike Positive brand, suppliers must meet rigorous requirements around legal compliance, product safety, testing and quality procedures. These processes are independently audited by the Bicycle Association.

E-Bike Positive retailers also commit to high standards when selling, servicing, repairing and supplying spare parts for e-bikes. This includes supplying only safety-tested chargers and batteries from trusted suppliers, and only components that are documented as compatible with the e-bike.

In simple terms, the E-Bike Positive trust mark helps riders answer one important question:

“Can I feel confident that this e-bike is safe, legal and supported by responsible experts?”

Why e-bike safety matters

Credit: Matt Alexander/PA Media Assignments

A properly tested, road-legal e-bike can be a brilliant way to travel. But not every product advertised as an “e-bike” is suitable or legal for use on UK roads.

To be road legal as an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle, an e-bike must meet the following standard:

                       ✅ Must have pedals that propel the bike

                       ✅ Have a motor with max continuous rated power not exceeding 250 watts   

                       ✅ Cut off electric assistance at 15.5 mph / 25km/h

In most cases, the motor must only assist while the rider is pedalling. Riders must also be at least 14 years old to use an e-bike legally on UK roads and in public spaces.

Choosing a compliant e-bike matters because non-road-legal bikes can create serious issues for riders. They may be treated as unregistered motor vehicles if used on roads, cycle paths or in public places, which could lead to insurance problems, penalties and potential seizure by Police.

Safety is just as important. Properly tested e-bikes and batteries are designed as complete systems, with compatible chargers, clear instructions and quality checks. Lower-quality products, incompatible batteries or chargers, and poorly supported conversion kits can increase risk.

That’s why Cyclescheme believes every e-bike purchase should start with trusted advice, responsible retailers and products that meet UK requirements.

How Cyclescheme supports safe e-bike purchases

Cyclescheme gives employees access to thousands of cycle retailers across the UK, helping them choose the right bike for their commute, lifestyle and budget.

When it comes to e-bikes, our role is simple: we want to make it easier for employees to buy safely and confidently.

Through Cyclescheme, employees can:

• Choose from trusted independent bike shops, national retailers and online specialists
• Get expert advice before buying
• Access road-legal e-bikes through the Cycle to Work scheme
• Spread the cost through salary sacrifice
• Save money compared with buying directly
• Choose retailers who can support setup, servicing and aftercare

Road-legal e-bikes are eligible for the Cycle to Work tax benefits, helping employees reduce the cost of purchase through salary sacrifice.

This is especially important with e-bikes, where expert guidance can make a big difference. A responsible retailer can help employees check the bike is suitable, explain charging and storage guidance, recommend the right accessories, and support future servicing or repairs.

Before choosing an e-bike, employees should look for three things: legality, safety and support.

1. Is it road legal?

A road-legal e-bike should meet UK EAPC requirements. That means it should have pedals that propel the bike, the motor should be rated at no more than 250W, and assistance should cut out at 15.5 mph.

2. Has it been properly safety-tested?

E-Bike Positive suppliers carry out extensive testing on e-bikes and batteries before placing them on the market. This includes checks around mechanical safety, electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, user information and product quality processes.

3. Can the retailer support it properly?

Good aftercare matters. E-Bike Positive retailers commit to repairing or modifying e-bikes only in line with manufacturer instructions, supplying compatible spare parts, and refusing work where they cannot guarantee the bike can be charged and used safely afterwards.

For employees, that means peace of mind long after the bike has been collected.

Credit: Matt Alexander/PA Media Assignments