Off-Road & Private Land Use Disclaimer
At Zap Velo, we offer a range of electric bikes and electric scooters designed for different types of riding, including models intended for off-road, recreational and private-land use.
Before purchasing or using any product, it is your responsibility to understand where and how the vehicle can legally be used.
Not all electric bikes and electric scooters sold by Zap Velo are road legal in the UK.
Please always check the specifications and legal classification of the specific model before using it.
Important: Check Before You Ride
An electric vehicle being sold in the UK does not automatically mean that it is legal to use on public roads, pavements, cycle paths or other public areas.
The legality of using an electric bike or electric scooter depends on the vehicle’s specifications, approval status, intended use and the laws that apply to it.
Please do not assume that a vehicle is road legal simply because it has lights, indicators, mirrors, pedals or other road-style equipment.
If you are unsure whether a particular model is suitable for road use, please contact us before purchasing.
Off-Road E-Bikes
Some of our e-bikes are designed primarily for off-road, recreational or private-land use.
An e-bike that does not meet the requirements for an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) may be subject to different vehicle regulations and may not be legally usable on public roads or cycle infrastructure as a standard electric bicycle.
In the UK, an EAPC generally needs to:
- Have pedals that can be used to propel the bike
- Have a motor with a maximum continuous rated power of no more than 250W
- Have electric assistance that cuts off when the bike reaches 15.5 mph
- Meet the applicable approval and marking requirements
If an electric bike does not meet the applicable EAPC requirements, it may be legally classified as a different type of motor vehicle and may require additional registration, taxation, insurance, licensing and approval before it can be used legally on public roads.
Some of our higher-powered and off-road models are not intended or approved for use on public roads.
Please check the individual product listing carefully before purchasing.
(GOV.UK)
Electric Scooters
Important UK legal information
Privately owned electric scooters are currently subject to strict restrictions in the UK.
A privately owned e-scooter cannot currently be legally ridden on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes or other public areas.
Private e-scooters may be used on private land with the permission of the landowner.
This means that purchasing an e-scooter from Zap Velo does not give you the right to ride it on public roads or public spaces.
Official rental e-scooter trials operate under separate rules and are different from privately owned e-scooters.
(GOV.UK)
Before purchasing an e-scooter
Please make sure you have suitable private land available for lawful use and that you have the landowner’s permission.
Do not purchase an e-scooter from us on the assumption that you will be able to use it for commuting on UK public roads.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your intended use is lawful.
Private Land Use
Where a product is intended for off-road or private-land use, it should only be ridden in areas where you have permission to ride.
Before riding on private land, you should:
- Obtain permission from the landowner or site operator
- Check whether the site has its own riding restrictions
- Follow all applicable local rules and safety requirements
- Check whether other users, pedestrians, animals or vehicles may be present
- Ride at a safe speed appropriate for the terrain and conditions
- Wear suitable protective equipment
Landowners may impose additional restrictions on the use of electric vehicles, including restrictions on speed, noise, access or specific types of vehicle.
Ride Responsibly
Off-road riding can involve uneven terrain, steep slopes, loose surfaces, obstacles, water, mud and other hazards.
Even where a vehicle can technically handle a particular terrain, this does not mean that the terrain is safe to ride.
Always ride within your own ability and within the manufacturer’s recommended operating conditions.
We strongly recommend wearing:
- A properly fitted helmet
- Appropriate footwear
- Gloves
- Eye protection where appropriate
- Additional protective equipment suitable for the type of riding
Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Do not carry passengers unless the vehicle is specifically designed and approved for passenger use.
Battery & Charging Safety
Electric bikes and electric scooters use lithium-ion batteries, which require appropriate handling, charging and storage.
To reduce the risk of fire or battery damage:
- Use the charger supplied or specifically approved for your vehicle
- Follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions
- Do not use a battery or charger that appears damaged
- Stop using the battery if it becomes unusually hot, swollen, damaged or shows other signs of malfunction
- Keep batteries and chargers away from water and sources of excessive heat
- Do not modify, open or attempt to repair a battery yourself
- Charge the vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
- Keep charging areas clear of combustible materials
For additional UK battery safety guidance, please refer to the official government guidance.
(GOV.UK)
Product Specifications & Intended Use
Product specifications such as:
- Motor power
- Maximum assisted speed
- Battery capacity
- Top speed
- Suspension travel
- Tyre size
- Weight capacity
- Range
- Off-road capability
do not, by themselves, determine whether a vehicle is legally permitted to be used on public roads.
Always check the legal classification and approval status of the specific model.
Performance figures may also vary depending on rider weight, terrain, weather conditions, battery charge, riding mode and other factors.
Your Responsibility as the Rider
By purchasing and using a Zap Velo vehicle, you are responsible for using it safely and lawfully.
You are responsible for:
- Understanding the applicable laws and regulations
- Checking whether your vehicle is road legal
- Obtaining any required registration, licence or insurance
- Obtaining permission to ride on private land
- Following the manufacturer’s instructions
- Following local site rules
- Riding responsibly and safely
Zap Velo cannot guarantee that a particular vehicle will be legal for your intended use in every location.
Laws and regulations can change, and requirements may differ depending on the type of vehicle and where it is being used.
Before You Buy
If you are purchasing an off-road e-bike or e-scooter, we strongly recommend checking the following before placing your order:
1. Where will I use it?
Public road, cycle route, private property, off-road trail or another location?
2. Is this specific model legal for that location?
3. Do I have permission to use the land?
4. Does the vehicle require registration, insurance, licensing or other approval?
5. Have I read the manufacturer’s instructions and safety information?
If you are unsure, please contact us before purchasing and we will help you understand the intended use and specifications of the product.
Important Legal Notice
This page is provided for general information and does not constitute legal advice.
UK laws relating to electric bikes, electric scooters and other electrically powered vehicles may change over time and may differ depending on the specific vehicle and circumstances.
You should always check the latest official guidance and ensure that your vehicle is being used in accordance with all applicable laws.
For current UK government guidance:
Ride Smart. Ride Safe. Ride Where You’re Allowed.
We want you to enjoy your Zap Velo responsibly.
Please check the legal requirements for your specific model and intended riding location before you ride.
