Motorcycle and E-Bike Definitions
Motorcycles fall into three categories, all of which require registration and road tax, and the rider needs to hold a valid licence and motor insurance. Once a motorcycle is three years old it also requires an MoT certificate, which has to be renewed annually. These conditions apply to petrol and electric motorcycles alike.
An e-bike is a two-wheeled, pedal-assisted vehicle with an electric motor, which must disengage when the bike reaches 15.5 mph. Any e-bike that moves without pedal assistance or uses electric power to exceed 15.5 mph is technically a motorcycle, which would require registration, road tax and a licenced rider with insurance.
Motorcycle Categories:-
Moped
Licence Class: AM
Minimum age: 16
Maximum speed: 30 mph
Prerequisite: Provisional licence with CBT or car licence passed before Feb 2001
Light Motorcycle - A1
Minimum age - 17
Test prerequisite: Provisional with CBT
Maximum continuous power - 11kW (15.5 hp)*
*Peak power can be greater than 11kW, which generally only applies to electric motorcycles. These can be capable of producing up to 45kW (60hp). Click
here for examples.
Standard Motorcycle - A2
Minimum age: 19
Test prerequisite: Provisional with CBT or an A1 licence holder for two years
Maximum continuous power - 35kW (47 hp)
*Peak power can be greater than 35kW, which generally only applies to electric motorcycles, which can be capable of producing up to 52kW (70 hp). Click
here for examples.
Unrestricted Motorcycle - A
Minimum age: 21
Test prerequisite: A2 licence holder for two years or 24 years old with a provisional licence and CBT**
Maximum continuous power - Unlimited
**Direct Access
Anyone of twenty-four years old and above can apply for a full A licence without having to hold an A1 or A2 licence, but they will still require a provisional licence and a valid CBT.
CBT Validity
A CBT expires after two years so must be retaken for a rider to remain licenced.
Test Components
A1, A2 and A licences involve a theory and a practical test.