Can I carry a passenger on my e-bike?

Some e-bikes are built to carry passengers. Cargo bikes are often equipped with bench seating, weather protection and even seat belts so children can be carried in comfort and safety, but what about standard models?

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“You can on an electric cargo bike. There are electric bikes built with children’s seats on the back. There will be a weight limit – up to75kg normally for two children, and they are perfectly safe and yes, it is legal to carry passengers on the back. However, having two adults on one bike is questionable, and I think that would be down to the police officer who stopped you.”

David Miall, CEO Wisper Bikes

Is it legal to carry a passenger by bicycle?

The powered assistance provided by e-bikes makes is easier to carry a pillion, but what does the law say? According to the Road Traffic Act, two people are not allowed to ride on a single bike (even if it’s a BMX with ‘stunt pegs’) unless the cycle is ‘constructed or adapted for the carriage of more than one person’ – i.e. a tandem or a bike with approved equipment such as properly fitted child seats.

If you do carry a passenger on a bicycle not constructed or adapted for the purpose, you are breaking section 24 of the Road Traffic Act, as is your passenger (unless they are under the age of 10 and therefore below the age of criminal responsibility). The maximum penalty for this offence is a fine of £200.

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