Yes, you can ride an electric motorcycle on a CBT. Here’s how.
Riding motorcycles is cool; there’s no doubt about it, and with thousands of budding new riders purchasing 125cc motorcycles every year and riding on a CBT, plus the top 10 most sold motorcycles all being 125cc’s, there will be bikers on the roads for years to come.
As the world begins to change, there are many riders looking into the electric options of the 125cc motorcycle to save money on fuel, maintenance, and emission charges if commuting around London.
Electric motorcycles are a great option; they are quiet, good for the environment, and affordable to maintain. They are also useful for learner riders thanks to their lack of gears; you simply twist and go!
Which motorcycle can I ride on a CBT?
For those looking to ride an electric motorcycle on a CBT licence with L plates, it can be difficult to determine which you can ride and how the 50cc or 125cc engine capacities translate to electric vehicles.
We’ve put together an information guide to help you make the right choice for your licence entitlement.
Firstly, when riding on a CBT licence (Compulsory Basic Training), it needs to be determined how old you are. A 16-year-old rider can ride a 50cc moped restricted to 28 mph on a category AM or P licence.
A 17-year-old or older rider riding with a CBT licence and L-plates can ride a lightweight motorcycle with up to 11 kW of power and a maximum engine capacity of 125 cc.
A 17-year-old can also complete their A1 licence and ride without L-plates, but this entitlement does not grant them any additional power, and an A1 licence holder must complete their A2 test before they can move to a 35 kW electric motorcycle. A2 classification requires a minimum age of 19 years.
The market has already adjusted to these changes, and there are electric motorcycles for sale within these categories.
What are electric mopeds?
Electric mopeds are restricted to 28 mph and are classified as an “L1e-B” vehicle. To ride one of these, you must have completed your CBT training or be grandfathered in.
To be clear, these are not the same types of vehicles as electric scooters or electrically assisted push bikes; these are electric mopeds, which require a licence and insurance policy to ride legally on British roads.
Can I ride an electric moped on a car licence?
If you passed your car driving test before February 1st, 2001, you are entitled to ride a 50cc moped without L plates and do not need to take a CBT course as you will have been granted access to the AM and P licences. Translating this into electric terms, you can legally ride an “L1e-B” electric moped provided you meet the previously mentioned regulations.
What is an electric 125cc motorbike equivalent?
An electric alternative to a 125cc motorcycle would be classed as an “L3e-A1” motorcycle; they are restricted to 11 kW of power but have no top speed restrictions, which means that you may find that an L3e-A1 motorcycle has a higher top speed than a standard 125cc motorcycle but less midrange power.
To be able to ride one of these motorcycles, you do not need to undergo any specific training; a CBT course or A1 licence will suffice, much like a 125cc motorcycle, but you must be at least 17 years old.
Electric motorcycles are generally more powerful than combustion engines due to the way they are tested. While combustion engines are tested for peak power and a value is assigned to this number, electric motorcycles are tested for continuous power and are restricted to 11 kW in order to be legal for a CBT or A1 licence holder to ride.
For example, an electric motorcycle with a power rating of 11 kW may have the capability to reach much higher speeds when unrestricted, but doing so would make them illegal on UK roads if riding on a CBT or A1 licence.
Riding an electric motorcycle as a learner.
To conclude, legally, you can ride an electric motorcycle or moped as a learner provided you have the correct licences to do so, whether they are from a CBT or grandfather’s rights.