What type of licence do I need to ride an electric motorcycle or scooter?

For a moped or scooter restricted to 28mph

16 Year Old

You must hold a provisional licence, complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course and have insurance. 

17 Year Old +

If you do not hold a full driving licence or if you passed your driving test after 1st February 2001 then the same rules apply, you will need to hold a provisional licence, complete a CBT course and have insurance.

• Bikes must be ridden with 'L' plates
• You cannot take passengers
• CBT is valid for 2 years and then must retaken if you have not gained a 'full' licence

If you have a full car licence issued before 1st February 2001 and have appropriate insurance.

• Bikes can be ridden without ‘L’ plates
• You can take passengers
• CBT is not required (although it is advisable to provide you with the necessary riding skills)

For a motorcycle or scooter not restricted to 28mph

17 Year Old +

You can ride an electric motorcycle or scooter with up to 11kW power output (125cc equivalent) after completing the CBT (retaken every 2 years), with ‘L’ plates and no passengers.  You can also take the A1 Motorcycle Licence which will allow you to ride without ‘L’ plates.

19 Year Old +

​You require an A2 Motorcycle Licence to ride an electric motorcycle or scooter up to 35kW power output, without ‘L’ plates and with the ability to carry a passenger. After holding an A2 licence for 2 years, you can take another practical test to gain your unrestricted A Motorcycle Licence.

24 Year Old +

You can gain a full A Motorcycle Licence by either:

• Taking the Direct Access route by completing the CBT, Theory Tests and a practical test
• If you have held an A2 Motorcycle Licence for 2 years, you can take another practical test

You will then be allowed to ride any motorcycle or scooter without ‘L’ plates and carry a passenger.  
 
If you have a full car licence issued before 1st February 2001 and have appropriate insurance, you can ride an electric motorcycle or scooter up to 11kW power output after completing the CBT (retaken every 2 years), with ‘L’ plates and no passengers.  

You can see full licence requirements on the government's licence website.

LICENCE REQUIREMENTS