Electric Motorbike Licences
We have provided detailed information on the requirements for each licence type in an effort to make things clearer.
What licence do I need to buy an electric motorbike?
CBT (Compulsory Basic Training)
A CBT can be obtained with either a provisional or full driving licence in the UK, and it is exactly as it sounds – training. There is no test; it is purely to ensure that you have the basic knowledge to be safe on public roads.
With regards to motorbike licences, a CBT allows you to obtain an AM classification, which permits you to ride a 50cc ICE motorbike or electric motorbike with a maximum power of 4kW, restricted to a maximum speed of 28mph, and with L Plates displayed.
A CBT can also enable you to obtain an A1 licence, which allows you to ride a motorbike with an engine capacity of up to 125cc (ICE) or 11kW (electric).
*ALL Super SOCO motorcycles can be ridden on a CBT licence!
A1 Licence
Completing an A1 licence essentially removes the need to display L Plates, but you are still restricted to a maximum of 125cc (ICE) or 11kW (electric) motorbike, with a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW per kg.
To obtain an A1 licence, you will need to pass a motorbike theory test and a practical test.
A2 Licence
An A2 licence allows you to ride an ICE or electric motorcycle with a maximum power output of up to 35 kW, and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW per kg. It is possible to ride a larger motorbike that has been restricted to meet these power requirements, but the chosen motorbike must not be derived from a vehicle with more than twice its restricted power.
Similar to the A1 licence, you will need to pass a motorbike theory test and a practical test, unless you already have an A1 licence, in which case only a practical test is required.
A Licence
An A licence allows you to ride a motorbike of any engine capacity or power output. Like the A1 and A2 licences, you will need to pass a motorbike theory test and a practical test, unless you already have an A2 licence, in which case only a practical test is required.
Please note that there are age restrictions with each licence level, which determine when you are eligible to progress to the next licence, or if you have been riding for a minimum of 2 years.
For more information, you can visit the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/ride-motorcycle-moped/bike-categories-ages-and-licence-requirements