Registering my illegal e-bike with the DVSA

[sophd23]

My partner bought an e-bike recently and it is not road legal but we are now looking to get this registered and road legal with the DVSA.

Has anyone gone through this process successfully?

From what I have read online, the process is to complete an MSVA form and present the bike to the DVSA. It should have modifications including a single mirror, dipped headlight, stop light and a reg plate holder etc then of course MOT, road tax and insurance.

However I'm getting confused because some information says the bike would be classed as an L1e-b electric moped, but others say that L1e have a max speed of 25mph.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated, especially if you have successfully legalised your bike.

Thanks

 

[Wilko58]

I think you will struggle trying to get a single bike tested and made road worthy but good luck.
I think there is a category that allows you to state day-time use only so to don't need to get lights, indicators etc. fitted (see motorcycle trials bikes - they can have a V5 without lights etc.).

 

[Tribey]

Speak to the MSVA staff at your local DVSA test centre with your plans. Wouldn't it be a motorcycle, not moped, due to the +28mph max speed?

 

[Amber Valley Guy]

Trying to get insurance might be a problem, even if you get it registered (so it'll still be illegal).

 

[sophd23]

Trying to get insurance might be a problem, even if you get it registered (so it'll still be illegal).

Ah really!? I've seen so many e-bike/moped insurance websites but without it being registered properly I can't get a quote to see if I could get it covered. It adds to the risk doesn't it.

 

[sophd23]

Speak to the MSVA staff at your local DVSA test centre with your plans. Wouldn't it be a motorcycle, not moped, due to the +28mph max speed?

That's what I wasn't sure on, it sounds bizarre to register a bike as a motorbike! The Northwest DVSA for bikes isn't local to us and I'm not sure if we can pop down for advice without completing the form. I'll have to look into and find out.

Thanks for the advice

 

[sophd23]

I think you will struggle trying to get a single bike tested and made road worthy but good luck.
I think there is a category that allows you to state day-time use only so to don't need to get lights, indicators etc. fitted (see motorcycle trials bikes - they can have a V5 without lights etc.).

I haven't managed to find a single person who has successfully registered one, we can't be the only people trying to do it!? I thought there would be clearer guidance on it but the regulations/laws are quite complicated.

 

[Amber Valley Guy]

I haven't managed to find a single person who has successfully registered one, we can't be the only people trying to do it!? I thought there would be clearer guidance on it but the regulations/laws are quite complicated.

The only person I know that did it (a few years back) was Andy Kirby (he builds or used to not legal ebikes).

 

[Tribey]

I haven't managed to find a single person who has successfully registered one, we can't be the only people trying to do it!? I thought there would be clearer guidance on it but the regulations/laws are quite complicated.

Andy Kirby on YouTube

 

[rsyme]

I have registered a speed pedelec here in Ireland- you need to bring the bikes cert of compliance(green coloured certificate) and your invoice for it to the registration office and they will register it - I assume the process would be similar in the U.K. However - it took an age as the official hadn’t doe one before and didn’t know how - it took 6 weeks!!!!!!!
Good luck!
Robbie

 

[Wilko58]

I have registered a speed pedelec here in Ireland- you need to bring the bikes cert of compliance(green coloured certificate) and your invoice for it to the registration office and they will register it - I assume the process would be similar in the U.K. However - it took an age as the official hadn’t doe one before and didn’t know how - it took 6 weeks!!!!!!!
Good luck!
Robbie

I think that the Certificate of Compliance might be where the OP struggles.