Are motorized bicycles legal in the uk?

Question

I have been looking on ebay for bike motors and was wondering what the legal rights in the uk are?

Answer 1

I have one but it's a grey area as regards the legalities. They have to be fitted with a restrictor as any bike that can go over 15 mph is classed as a motorised vehicle as opposed to a power assisted cycle and is therefore liable to road tax and insurance. The restrictors can be removed but no one has ever been taken to court for exceeding 15 mph on an electric bike so legally it isn't entirely clear whether you could or would be liable to prosecution. I removed the restrictor from mine which technically means I'm riding a motorbike rather than a bicycle although without the restrictor I'm still only doing about 18 mph so I'm not breaking the speed limit.

Answer 2

If they are registered with the DVLA, hold a current MOT certificate, a road fund license and the required insurance.