Rules side by side
| United Kingdom | United States | South Korea | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treated as a bicycle when | Pedals, motor up to 250 W, assistance stops at 15.5 mph | Federal definition: pedals, motor under 750 W, under 20 mph on motor alone | Pedal and motor work together, motor stops at 25 km/h, under 30 kg |
| Throttle (twist and go) | Needs vehicle approval | Many states use classes: Class 2 has a throttle | Counts as a personal mobility device |
| Licence | Not needed for an EAPC (age 14+) | Set by each state | Pedal-assist: none (13+); throttle: moped licence or above |
Outside those limits, an e-bike is usually treated as a moped or motorcycle, with registration, insurance and a licence. In the US, many states sort e-bikes into three classes: Class 1 (pedal assist to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle to 20 mph) and Class 3 (pedal assist to 28 mph); where each class may ride is set locally.
Check your own e-bike
- Is there a throttle on the handlebar?
- What do the label and manual say about motor power and assist speed?
- Has the speed limiter been changed? Derestricting can change the legal category.
- How heavy is it with the battery (relevant in Korea)?
Should e-bike kilometres count?
Thirty kilometres on high assist is a different workout from thirty unassisted. The 2024 Compendium of Physical Activities lists e-biking by level of assistance (see MET calorie maths).
One total, a memo for the type
Daily Bike Log has no bike-type field. Add e-bike kilometres to the same total and put a note like “e-bike, high assist” in the memo. Landmarks and badges are based on total distance, whatever you rode.
Screenshots show the app in English with sample rides; dates use the year-month-day format.
FAQ
Can I ride a pedal-assist e-bike on cycle paths?
In the UK, yes, anywhere pedal bikes are allowed (not pavements). In the US and elsewhere it depends on the class and local rules.
Do helmet rules differ?
Sometimes. In Korea a throttle e-bike rider without a helmet can be fined, while bicycles and pedal-assist e-bikes have no fine. See helmet laws.
Sources: GOV.UK, Electric bike rules · 15 U.S.C. 2085, low-speed electric bicycles · Seoul Media Hub, e-bike and e-scooter rules (Korean) · 2024 Adult Compendium of Physical Activities, Bicycling
Daily Bike Log: Ride Tracker
A cycling journal where you just type the distance you rode. No GPS pairing, no sign-up, and your rides stay on your phone. Free on Android.