Repairs, modifications and conversions to e‑bikes and e‑scooters are becoming increasingly common as these products continue to grow in popularity.
However, businesses carrying out this type of work should be aware that they may be treated as a ‘manufacturer’ under the law. This designation brings a broad set of legal duties and compliance obligations. In particular, the following legislation may apply:
- Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008
- Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016
- General Product Safety Regulations 2005
- Batteries and Accumulators (Placing on the Market) Regulations 2008
View related guidance on the GOV.UK website:
- Statutory guidance - Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008: Great Britain
- Statutory guidance - Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016
- Statutory guidance - General Product Safety Regulations 2005: Great Britain
- Guidance - regulations: batteries and accumulators
Advice from the Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS)
The Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, and the Bicycle Association are providing guidance to businesses on the risks and legal responsibilities involved in repairing, modifying, or converting e‑bikes and e‑scooters.
The OPSS has also issued a leaflet providing advice and useful links which you can read more about here: Office for Product Safety and Standards - Prevention of fires caused by dangerous e-bike and e-scooters
Remember that e-scooters cannot legally be used on roads or public footpaths unless they are part of the national government scheme. If you use an e-scooter illegally on the road, you can face a fine or points on your licence.
- Read the GOV.UK guidance for users of e-scooters
- Read the Cambridgeshire Constabulary advice on using e-scooters
Business advice services
Our trading standards team can offer extensive advice to support local businesses with their compliance.
For more information, please visit our trading standards page.