EAPC Bill Explained: Could Powerful E-Bikes Be Banned From Sale?
Every few months, a headline pops up claiming the UK is about to “ban e-bikes”. Most of them are wrong. But one of them points at something real: a bill in Parliament called the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Bill.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
What is it?
On 27 January 2026, Labour MP Julie Minns, who represents Carlisle, introduced the bill in the House of Commons. Parliament’s bill page lists it as a Private Members’ Bill under the Ten Minute Rule.
That’s a fancy way of saying a backbench MP gets about ten minutes to make a case for a new law.
What would it do?
The bill’s long title is the clearest guide. It aims to stop the marketing, sale and supply of two things:
- Electrically assisted pedal cycles that fall outside the class set out in the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983
- Equipment that can convert a normal pedal cycle into one of those bikes
In other words: shops and websites would not be allowed to sell bikes and conversion kits that go beyond the legal e-bike limits.
Why does that matter?
Right now, the law mostly bites on the rider. GOV.UK explains that an e-bike must have a motor of no more than 250W continuous power and must not be propelled by the motor above 15.5mph. If it doesn’t, it’s classed as a motorcycle or moped. That means registration, tax, insurance and a licence.
The bill would go after the seller too. That’s the point: stop powerful bikes reaching people who then ride them illegally.
Does it ban normal e-bikes?
No. Legal e-bikes are the thing the bill wants to protect.
The Department for Transport said the same thing in a written answer on 27 May 2026. It said only e-bikes that meet the 1983 regulations are legal on the roads, and that the Government has no plans to ban them.
Will it become law?
Probably not on its own. Ten Minute Rule Bills are mostly used to start a conversation, and many never go beyond a first reading. We couldn’t find evidence of this one moving further, so check the Parliament page for the latest.
Even so, the idea hasn’t gone away. The Crime and Policing Act 2026 already changed police seizure powers, as GOV.UK’s guidance circular explains. Pressure on illegal e-bikes is rising.
What should you do now?
- If you own a legal 250W e-bike, nothing changes.
- If you’re shopping, check the markings and the spec. Our guide to what makes an e-bike legal shows how.
- If you’re tempted by a conversion kit, ask yourself where you’ll ride it.
We’ll update this page if the bill moves.
Sources: Parliament — Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Bill · legislation.gov.uk — Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations 1983 · GOV.UK — Riding an electric bike: the rules · Written question HL156, answered 27 May 2026, at questions-statements.parliament.uk