MotoEbikes electric motorbike licence advice

Licence guide

Electric motorbike licences, made clear

Understand CBT, A1, A2 and full A licence routes before choosing your electric motorbike.

Reviewed by MotoEbikes electric motorbike specialists

Guide overview

What this licence guide covers

This guide explains the main UK motorcycle licence routes for electric motorbike riders, including CBT, A1, A2 and full A. It is designed to help you understand the route before choosing a bike.

Direct answer

What electric motorbike can I ride?

The electric motorbike you can ride in the UK depends on your age, licence entitlement, CBT status and the bike’s category or power. CBT is often the first step. A1 covers light motorcycles up to 11 kW from age 17. A2 covers motorcycles up to 35 kW from age 19. Full A is the unrestricted motorcycle route.

Start here

Read the guide in order

If you are new to electric motorbikes, start with the route selector, then read the CBT, A1, A2 and full A sections before looking at mistakes and FAQs.

Reviewed by MotoEbikes electric motorbike specialists

Last updated: May 2026

Official sources

This page is general buyer guidance. Always check your own licence entitlement, current official guidance, insurer requirements and the exact bike specification before riding.

GOV.UK licence categories GOV.UK CBT GOV.UK motorcycle test GOV.UK licence flowchart

Licence routes

Find the route that fits your ride

Electric motorbike licences are based on age, training, tests and bike category. Start with AM if you are 16, CBT if you are learning, then A1, A2 or Full A depending on your age and the bike you want to ride.

Reviewed by MotoEbikes electric motorbike specialists Last updated: May 2026

Route selector AM

Moped category

AM moped category

AM is the moped category. A 16 year old can usually ride an AM classed electric moped with the correct provisional entitlement and CBT. Petrol mopeds are commonly up to 50cc, but electric mopeds are checked by category, power and maximum design speed, not cc. Older car licence holders who passed before 1 February 2001 may have moped grandfather rights.

Minimum age 16 Petrol mopeds up to 50cc Electric mopeds by category CBT needed for learners

CBT

CBT for learner riders

CBT is often the first step for new riders. It can allow learner riders to ride within set limits while displaying L plates, but it is not the same as holding a full motorcycle licence. The bike still needs to be road legal, insured and suitable for your learner entitlement.

Usually first step Not a full licence L plates apply Bike must match entitlement

A1 light motorcycle licence

A1 is for light motorcycles. For electric motorbikes, the key figure to check is power in kW, not engine size. GOV.UK lists A1 for motorcycles up to 11kW, with a power to weight ratio not more than 0.1kW per kg.

Minimum age 17 Up to 11kW Power to weight limit Tests required

A2 motorcycle licence

A2 gives access to more powerful motorcycles than A1, but it is still restricted. GOV.UK lists A2 for motorcycles up to 35kW, with a power to weight ratio not more than 0.2kW per kg.

Minimum age 19 Up to 35kW Power to weight limit Direct or progressive route

Full A

Full A motorcycle licence

Full category A is the unrestricted motorcycle route. It is usually available by direct access from age 24, or progressive access from age 21 after holding A2 for at least 2 years and passing the required practical test.

Unrestricted category Direct from 24 Progressive from 21 Widest bike choice

This is general UK buyer guidance from MotoEbikes. Always confirm your own licence entitlement, the exact bike category, insurance position and current official guidance before riding on public roads.

Quick answers

Licence questions riders ask first

Short answers to the licence questions that usually decide whether AM, CBT, A1, A2 or Full A is the realistic route.

Open licence quick answers

Can a 16 year old ride an AM electric moped?

Yes. A 16 year old can usually ride an AM classed electric moped if they have the correct provisional entitlement, have completed CBT and the bike is road legal, registered, insured and within the AM category. For petrol mopeds, AM is commonly linked to mopeds up to 50cc. For electric mopeds, cc does not apply, so check the vehicle category, power and maximum design speed instead. People who passed their car driving test before 1 February 2001 may have older moped entitlement, often called grandfather rights, but they should still check their licence record and insurance before riding.

What electric motorbike can I ride after CBT?

After completing CBT, riders aged 17 or over can usually ride a motorcycle up to 125cc and with a power output up to 11kW with L plates. For electric motorbikes, check the bike category and power output before riding.

What is an A1 electric motorbike licence?

A1 is the light motorcycle licence route. It is usually relevant for motorcycles up to 11kW, with the correct age, training, theory and practical test requirements met.

What is an A2 electric motorbike licence?

A2 is a restricted motorcycle licence route for more powerful motorcycles than A1. It can apply to motorcycles up to 35kW when the age, route, test and power to weight requirements are met.

What is a full A electric motorbike licence?

A full category A motorcycle licence is the unrestricted motorcycle route. It gives the widest choice of road legal motorcycles, but the bike still needs to be road legal, insured and correctly registered for road use.

Can a 16 year old ride an AM electric moped?

What electric motorbike can I ride after CBT?

What is an A1 electric motorbike licence?

A1 is the light motorcycle licence route. It is usually relevant for motorcycles up to 11kW, with the correct age, training, theory and practical test requirements met.

What is an A2 electric motorbike licence?

A2 is a restricted motorcycle licence route for more powerful motorcycles than A1. It can apply to motorcycles up to 35kW when the age, route, test and power to weight requirements are met.

What is a full A electric motorbike licence?

Official sources

This section is written as buyer guidance. For legal decisions, always check current GOV.UK guidance, your licence record and your insurer.

GOV.UK licence categories GOV.UK CBT GOV.UK motorcycle tests GOV.UK licence flowchart

Licence rules depend on your age, existing licence, the bike category and the bike power output. Electric motorbikes should be checked in kW, not only by speed or visual style.

Next step

Now match the licence to the bike

Once you understand the route, the next step is checking whether the exact electric motorbike fits your age, licence, insurance and intended use.

View road legal models

View road legal bikes Ask MotoEbikes

CBT explained

CBT is usually the first step

CBT stands for Compulsory Basic Training. For many new riders, it is the first practical step before riding a moped or motorcycle on the road.

Reviewed by MotoEbikes electric motorbike specialists Last updated: May 2026

Direct answer

What does CBT let you ride?

After completing CBT, GOV.UK says you can ride a moped from age 16, or a motorcycle up to 125cc and with a power output up to 11kW from age 17. You must use L plates, or D plates in Wales. CBT is not a full motorcycle licence.

Minimum age 16 for mopeds

From age 17 Up to 125cc and 11kW

Important CBT is not a full licence

Learner rider preparing for CBT before riding an electric motorbike

Before you choose a bike

Check the bike, not just the licence

For electric motorbikes, the key figure is power in kW. Do not choose only by speed, shape or brand. A bike must match your entitlement, be road legal, insured and suitable for your intended use.

MotoEbikes can help you narrow the right options, but your licence entitlement, insurance and the exact bike specification must always be checked before riding.

On the day

What happens during CBT?

CBT is practical training. The exact structure can vary, but it is designed to make sure you can ride safely while you practise for your full test.

Introduction and eyesight check

The trainer checks you can read a number plate from the required distance, talks through safety clothing and explains what the day will cover.

Get to know the bike

You learn the controls, basic safety checks, balance, moving off and stopping before riding in traffic.

Practical riding skills

You practise slow control, braking, turning, signalling and safe observation so the trainer can judge whether you are ready for road riding.

Road rules and safe riding

The course covers road signs, hazards, positioning and the decisions you need to make around other road users.

On road riding

The final part includes riding on public roads with an instructor. If the trainer is satisfied you can ride safely, you receive a CBT certificate.

What CBT allows

What can you ride after CBT?

The answer depends on your age and the bike. For electric motorbikes, do not rely on cc. Check the power output in kW and the legal category of the exact model.

Age 16 Moped category, if the rider and vehicle meet the rules

Age 17 plus Motorcycle up to 125cc and 11kW after CBT, with L plates

Electric bikes Check power output in kW and the exact road legal category

Passenger Learner riders on CBT cannot carry passengers

Next route A1, A2 or full A may be needed for more power or fewer restrictions

Common mistake

Do not buy by top speed alone

A bike can look suitable, feel easy to ride and still be wrong for your licence. For CBT riders, the key checks are age, entitlement, L plates, road legal status, insurance and power output. For electric motorbikes, kW matters more than engine size language.

Quick answers

CBT questions new riders ask

Short answers for the common CBT questions that affect electric motorbike choice.

Do I need CBT to ride an electric motorbike?

Many new riders need CBT before riding a moped or motorcycle on the road. Whether you need CBT depends on your age, licence entitlement and the vehicle. Always check your own licence record and current GOV.UK guidance.

Is CBT a full motorcycle licence?

No. CBT is basic training. It can allow learner riding within set limits, but it is not the same as holding A1, A2 or full A motorcycle entitlement.

Can I ride an 11kW electric motorbike on CBT?

GOV.UK says riders aged 17 or over can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc and with a power output up to 11kW after CBT, with L plates. For an electric motorbike, check the exact power rating and road legal status before riding.

Can MotoEbikes help me check what fits?

Yes. MotoEbikes can help you narrow the right road legal electric motorbike options based on your age, current licence, intended use and the exact bike specification.

Official sources

This section is general buyer guidance. Always check current GOV.UK guidance, your own licence entitlement and the exact bike specification before riding.

GOV.UK CBT GOV.UK licence categories GOV.UK motorcycle tests

Next step

Not sure what fits your CBT?

Tell MotoEbikes your age, current licence and how you want to ride. We can help narrow the options before you choose.

Ask MotoEbikes View road legal models

A1, A2 and Full A

The motorcycle licence routes after CBT

Once you move beyond CBT, the main UK motorcycle licence routes are A1, A2 and full category A. For electric motorbikes, the most important checks are age, entitlement, power in kW, power to weight ratio where relevant, and whether the exact bike is road legal.

Reviewed by MotoEbikes electric motorbike specialists Last updated: May 2026

Direct answer

Which licence route fits?

A1 is the light motorcycle route from age 17 and is limited to motorcycles up to 11kW. A2 is the restricted motorcycle route from age 19 and allows motorcycles up to 35kW. Full category A is the unrestricted motorcycle route, usually available from age 24 by direct access or age 21 by progressive access after holding A2 for at least 2 years.

This is the quick comparison most electric motorbike buyers need. Use it as a starting point, then check the exact bike specification and your own licence entitlement before riding.

Route Minimum age Power Power to weight What it means

A1 17 Up to 11kW Not more than 0.1kW per kg Light motorcycle route

A2 19 Up to 35kW Not more than 0.2kW per kg More power, still restricted

Full A direct 24 Unrestricted No A2 limit Widest choice of motorcycles

Full A progressive 21 after A2 Unrestricted No A2 limit After holding A2 for at least 2 years

Electric motorbike note

For electric bikes, check kW

Electric motorbikes do not fit neatly into old engine size language. The important checks are the bike category, rated power in kW, power to weight ratio where relevant, road legal status, insurance and your own licence entitlement. A bike that looks road ready is not automatically suitable for every licence route.

Before you choose

What to check before buying

This is where many buyers make mistakes. Do not choose only by top speed, brand or appearance. Match the bike to the licence route first.

Your age and current licence entitlement

The bike category and rated power in kW

Power to weight ratio where it applies

Road legal status, registration and insurance

Whether the exact model fits your intended use

Quick answers

A1, A2 and Full A questions

Short answers for the licence questions that usually decide which electric motorbike route is realistic.

What is the difference between A1 and A2?

A1 is the light motorcycle route from age 17 and is limited to motorcycles up to 11kW. A2 is available from age 19 and allows motorcycles up to 35kW, with a power to weight ratio limit.

Do electric motorbikes use kW instead of cc?

Yes. For electric motorbikes, power in kW is one of the key checks. Engine size in cc mainly applies to petrol motorcycles, but electric bikes still need to fit the correct licence category.

What licence do I need for a faster electric motorbike?

It depends on the bike power, category and your entitlement. A2 may cover some motorcycles up to 35kW, while full A is the unrestricted route. Always check the exact model specification before riding.

Can I ride an A2 electric motorbike on a full A licence?

In general, a full category A licence includes A1 and A2 motorcycle categories. You still need the bike to be road legal, insured and correctly registered for road use.

Can MotoEbikes help me choose between A1, A2 and full A bikes?

Yes. MotoEbikes can help narrow the right options based on your age, current licence, riding plans, insurance position and the exact electric motorbike specification.

Official sources

This section is general buyer guidance. Always check current GOV.UK guidance, your own licence record, insurer requirements and the exact bike specification before riding.

GOV.UK licence categories GOV.UK driving categories GOV.UK test motorcycles GOV.UK licence flowchart

Next step

Not sure which route fits your bike?

Tell MotoEbikes your age, current licence and how you want to ride. We can help narrow the right road legal electric motorbike before you choose.

Ask MotoEbikes View road legal models

Licence by age

What electric motorbike can I ride at my age?

Age is one of the first questions in UK motorcycle licensing, but it is not the whole answer. Your age opens the licence route. The exact electric motorbike still has to match the legal category, power output, road legal status, registration and insurance requirements.

Reviewed by MotoEbikes electric motorbike specialists Last updated: May 2026

Direct answer

The short version

At 16, you are usually looking at the moped route. At 17, CBT can allow a motorcycle up to 125cc and 11kW with L plates, or you can work towards A1. At 19, A2 becomes possible. At 21, full A may be possible through progressive access after holding A2 for at least 2 years. At 24, full A direct access becomes possible.

Electric motorbike note

Electric bikes must be checked by kW

Petrol motorcycles are often explained by engine size in cc. Electric motorbikes need a different check. Look at rated power in kW, vehicle category, whether the bike is road legal, registration, insurance and your own licence entitlement. A bike that looks small or easy to ride is not automatically legal for your age or licence.

Age 16

At 16, you can usually ride a moped category vehicle

Moped route

At 16, you are usually looking at the moped route, not a motorcycle route. For electric models, this means checking the exact legal vehicle category, speed, power, road legal status, registration and insurance. Do not assume every small electric bike is legal for a 16 year old rider.

Route Moped category

Training CBT usually needed

Use Learner restrictions apply

Check Exact vehicle category

Age 17

At 17, you can usually ride up to 11kW after CBT

CBT or A1

At 17 or over, GOV.UK says CBT can allow you to ride a motorcycle up to 125cc and with a power output up to 11kW, with L plates. For electric motorbikes, the key figure is the bike power in kW. You can also work towards A1, which is the full light motorcycle licence route.

CBT route Up to 125cc and 11kW

A1 route Light motorcycle licence

Power Up to 11kW

Check L plates or full A1 entitlement

Age 19

At 19, you can work towards A2

A2 opens

At 19, the A2 motorcycle route becomes available. A2 can allow motorcycles up to 35kW when the test, entitlement and power to weight requirements are met. For electric motorbikes, this is often the route riders look at when they want more power than A1 or CBT allows.

Route A2

Power Up to 35kW

Power to weight Limit applies

Best for More powerful restricted bikes

Age 21

At 21, full A may be possible through progressive access

Progressive access

At 21, full category A may be possible through progressive access if you have held A2 for at least 2 years and pass the required further practical test. This is different from direct access, which is normally from age 24.

Route Full A progressive

Requirement At least 2 years on A2

Test Further practical test

Result Unrestricted category

Age 24

At 24, full A direct access becomes possible

Full A direct

At 24, full category A direct access becomes possible if you complete the required training and tests. Full A is the unrestricted motorcycle category and gives the widest choice of road legal electric motorbikes.

Route Full A direct access

Power Unrestricted category

Requires Theory and practical tests

Best for Widest electric motorbike choice

Common mistake

Age alone does not decide the bike

The mistake is thinking your age alone tells you what electric motorbike you can ride. It does not. Your age opens the licence route, but the exact bike must still match your entitlement, power limit, road legal category, registration and insurance. This is especially important with electric bikes because the old cc language does not tell the full story.

Quick comparison

Licence routes by age

Use this as a quick guide, then check the exact bike and your own licence entitlement before riding on public roads.

Age Possible route Typical power guide Important check

16 Moped route Moped category Exact legal vehicle category

17 CBT or A1 Up to 11kW L plates or full A1 entitlement

19 A2 Up to 35kW Power to weight ratio

21 Full A progressive Unrestricted after qualifying A2 held for at least 2 years

24 Full A direct Unrestricted category Training, theory and practical tests

Before you choose

The five checks that matter

Your age and current licence entitlement

The exact bike category and rated power in kW

Power to weight ratio where it applies

Road legal status, registration and insurance

Whether your intended use matches the bike

Quick answers

Age based licence questions

Short answers for the age questions that decide which electric motorbike route is realistic.

Can a 16 year old ride an electric motorbike?

At 16, you are usually looking at a moped category vehicle, not a motorcycle category vehicle. The exact electric bike must match the correct legal category, speed, power, registration and insurance requirements.

What electric motorbike can I ride at 17?

At 17 or over, GOV.UK says CBT can allow you to ride a motorcycle up to 125cc and with a power output up to 11kW, with L plates. For electric motorbikes, check the exact kW rating, road legal category, registration and insurance before riding.

Can a 17 year old ride a Sur Ron on the road?

It depends on the exact model and whether it is road legal. Do not assume a Sur Ron is suitable for a 17 year old rider just because it is electric. You need to check the model category, power output in kW, registration, insurance and your licence entitlement.

Can a 17 year old ride a Talaria on the road?

It depends on the exact Talaria model and its road legal status. You need to check the power output in kW, vehicle category, registration, insurance and whether your CBT or licence entitlement covers that bike.

What electric motorbike can I ride at 19?

At 19, A2 becomes possible. A2 can allow motorcycles up to 35kW when the test, entitlement and power to weight requirements are met.

Can I get a full motorcycle licence at 21?

Full category A may be possible from age 21 through progressive access if you have held A2 for at least 2 years and pass the required further practical test.

When can I get full A direct access?

Full category A direct access is usually available from age 24, subject to the required training, theory and practical tests.

Can I ride an electric motorbike on a car licence?

Do not assume a car licence allows you to ride an electric motorbike. The answer depends on your licence categories, provisional entitlement, CBT status, age and the exact vehicle category. Check your own licence record and current GOV.UK guidance before riding.

Official sources

This section is general buyer guidance. Always check current GOV.UK guidance, your own licence record, insurer requirements and the exact bike specification before riding.

GOV.UK CBT GOV.UK licence categories GOV.UK driving categories GOV.UK licence flowchart

Next step

Not sure what your age allows?

Tell MotoEbikes your age, current licence and the kind of riding you want to do. We can help narrow the right road legal electric motorbike before you choose.

Ask MotoEbikes View road legal models

A road legal electric motorbike may be registered, insured and suitable for public roads, but that does not automatically mean every rider can ride it. The rider still needs the correct age, licence category, CBT position where relevant, insurance and entitlement for that specific bike.

This is where many buyers get caught. They check the bike, but not the rider route. Both have to be correct.

Buyer checklist

Check these before choosing

This checklist gives buyers a simple way to avoid the most common licence mistakes before they commit to a bike.

Your age and current licence categories

Whether you have completed CBT if required

The bike category and rated power in kW

Power to weight ratio where it applies

Road legal status, registration and insurance

Whether the exact model fits your intended use

Whether the bike is off road only or road registered

MotoEbikes advice

The exact bike matters

Two bikes can look similar but sit in very different legal positions. One may be an off road model, one may be road registered, one may fit CBT or A1, and another may require A2 or full A. That is why MotoEbikes checks the rider route against the specific model, not just the bike style.

Quick answers

Licence mistake questions

Short answers to the questions that often reveal whether a bike is the wrong fit for the rider.

Can I ride any electric motorbike if it is road legal?

No. Road legal does not automatically mean legal for your licence. The bike still has to match your age, licence category, CBT status, power limit, insurance and intended use.

Is CBT the same as a motorcycle licence?

No. CBT is basic training. It can allow learner riding within set limits, but it is not the same as holding A1, A2 or full category A entitlement.

Can I choose an electric motorbike by top speed?

No. Top speed alone is not enough. You need to check the bike category, power in kW, road legal status, registration, insurance and your own licence entitlement.

Can MotoEbikes help me avoid buying the wrong bike?

Yes. MotoEbikes can help you compare your age, licence, CBT status and intended use against the exact road legal electric motorbike before you choose.

Official sources

This section is general buyer guidance. Always check current GOV.UK guidance, your own licence record, insurer requirements and the exact bike specification before riding.

GOV.UK CBT GOV.UK licence categories GOV.UK licence flowchart GOV.UK licence flowchart

Next step

Want the right bike first time?

Tell MotoEbikes your age, licence, CBT status and how you want to ride. We can help narrow the right road legal electric motorbike before you choose.

Ask MotoEbikes View road legal models

Licence FAQs

Electric motorbike licence questions answered

These are the licence questions riders usually ask before choosing a road legal electric motorbike in the UK. The answers are written to make the route clear, but your own licence record, insurer position and the exact bike specification should always be checked before riding.

Reviewed by MotoEbikes electric motorbike specialists Last updated: May 2026

Direct answer

What decides what you can ride?

Your electric motorbike licence position depends on your age, licence entitlement, CBT status, the bike category, rated power in kW, power to weight ratio where relevant, road legal status, registration, insurance and intended use. For electric bikes, do not rely on engine size language alone.

Electric motorbikes are checked by category and power, not just style.

Road legal does not automatically mean legal for your licence.

CBT, A1, A2 and full A are different routes.

How we check

How MotoEbikes checks licence suitability

The correct answer is not based on the bike name alone. MotoEbikes checks the rider route against the exact model, because two similar looking electric bikes can sit in different legal positions.

01Check the rider age, current licence categories and provisional entitlement.

02Check whether CBT is needed, completed and still valid.

03Check the bike category, rated power in kW and power to weight ratio where relevant.

04Check whether the exact bike is road legal, registered, insured and suitable for public roads.

05Check the intended use, including commuting, test rides, carrying passengers, range and insurance practicality.

Complete answers

UK electric motorbike licence FAQs

Use these answers as guidance. For a final decision, check your own licence record, insurer position, the exact bike specification and current official guidance.

What licence do I need for an electric motorbike in the UK?

The licence you need depends on your age, CBT status, licence entitlement and the exact electric motorbike. For electric bikes, check the legal category, rated power in kW, road legal status, registration and insurance before riding.

Do I need CBT to ride an electric motorbike?

Many new riders need CBT before riding a moped or motorcycle on the road. Whether you need CBT depends on your age, licence record and vehicle category. CBT is usually the first step for new riders, but it is not a full motorcycle licence.

What electric motorbike can I ride on CBT at 17?

At 17 or over, GOV.UK says that after completing CBT you can ride a motorcycle up to 125cc and with a power output of up to 11kW on the road with L plates. For electric motorbikes, check the exact kW rating, legal category, registration, insurance and road legal status.

Can I ride an electric motorbike at 16?

At 16, you are usually looking at the moped route rather than the motorcycle route. The exact electric vehicle must match the correct legal category, speed, power, registration and insurance requirements.

What is the difference between CBT and A1?

CBT is basic training that can allow learner riding within set limits. A1 is a full light motorcycle licence route from age 17, after the required theory and practical tests. A1 gives a different position from riding only on CBT.

What is the difference between A1 and A2?

A1 is the light motorcycle route from age 17 and is limited to motorcycles up to 11kW. A2 is available from age 19 and can allow motorcycles up to 35kW, with power to weight restrictions.

What is the difference between A2 and full A?

A2 is a restricted motorcycle category. Full category A is the unrestricted motorcycle route. Full A is usually available from age 24 by direct access or from age 21 by progressive access after holding A2 for at least 2 years and passing the required test.

Can I ride a 35kW electric motorbike on A2?

A2 can cover motorcycles up to 35kW when the power to weight and other category requirements are met. You still need to check the exact bike specification, registration, insurance and your own licence entitlement.

Can I ride a Sur Ron on CBT?

It depends on the exact Sur Ron model, whether it is road legal, its power output in kW, registration, insurance and your licence entitlement. Do not assume it is CBT suitable without checking the specific bike.

Can I ride a Talaria on the road at 17?

It depends on the exact Talaria model, road legal status, power output in kW, registration, insurance and whether your CBT or licence entitlement covers that bike.

Does road legal mean I can ride it?

No. Road legal means the vehicle can be used on the road when correctly registered, insured and roadworthy. It does not automatically mean you personally have the right licence, age, CBT status or insurance position to ride it.

Can I ride an electric motorbike on a car licence?

Do electric motorbikes use cc or kW for licence rules?

Electric motorbikes need to be checked by category and power in kW. Petrol bikes are often explained through engine size in cc, but electric bikes need a kW and category check as well as road legal, registration and insurance checks.

Do I need insurance and registration for a road legal electric motorbike?

Yes. A road legal electric motorbike used on public roads needs the correct registration, insurance and road legal setup. The rider also needs the correct licence position for that specific bike.

Can I test ride an electric motorbike on CBT?

Only if the exact bike fits your CBT entitlement, the bike is road legal, insured for that use, and the test ride setup is allowed. Many higher power electric motorbikes will not be suitable for a CBT rider.

Can I carry a passenger on CBT?

No. Learner riders on CBT cannot carry passengers. If you want to carry a passenger, you need the correct full licence entitlement and a bike that is suitable, insured and legal for that use.

How long does CBT last?

GOV.UK says you must pass your full moped or motorcycle test within 2 years, or you have to either take CBT again or stop riding.

What happens if my CBT has expired?

If your CBT has expired and you have not passed the relevant full test, you should not continue riding on that CBT entitlement. You normally need to complete CBT again or stop riding until your position is valid.

What should I check before buying a road legal electric motorbike?

Check your age, licence categories, CBT status, the exact bike category, rated power in kW, power to weight ratio where relevant, registration, insurance, road legal status and intended use.

Can MotoEbikes help me choose the right licence route?

Yes. MotoEbikes can help you compare your age, CBT status, current licence, intended use and the exact road legal electric motorbike before you choose.

MotoEbikes advice

The exact model matters

Electric motorbike licence advice only works when it is matched to the exact model. Similar looking bikes can sit in different categories. MotoEbikes checks the rider route against the specific bike, the intended use and the practical ownership details before helping a customer narrow the right choice.

Important

This guide is not a substitute for checking your own licence

This page is buyer guidance for road legal electric motorbikes. Before riding, check your own DVLA licence record, CBT status, insurer requirements, the exact bike specification and current GOV.UK guidance. If any of those do not match, do not ride the bike on public roads until the position is clear.

Official sources

This section is general buyer guidance. Always check current GOV.UK guidance, your own licence record, insurer requirements and the exact bike specification before riding.

GOV.UK CBT GOV.UK CBT after course GOV.UK test motorcycles GOV.UK licence categories

Next step

Still unsure what you can ride?

Tell MotoEbikes your age, current licence, CBT status and the kind of riding you want to do. We can help narrow the right road legal electric motorbike before you choose.

Ask MotoEbikes View road legal models

Guildford showroom

Well placed for riders across Surrey and beyond

Visit MOTOEBIKES in Guildford to compare electric motorbikes properly, ask about licence routes and get advice before choosing your bike.

Advice from people who ride, not just sell.

Get directions Ask for advice

MotoEbikes electric motorbike showroom in Guildford

Hover to see the Guildford location map