Campus safety essentials: Laws and guidelines for bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters

An e-bike, or 'Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle' (EAPC), is a bicycle that is equipped with a motor that assist pedalling. By law, these bikes must:

• Have pedals that can propel the bike.
• Not exceed a power output of 250 watts.
• Not travel faster than 15.5mph without pedalling.

Please follow all speed limit signs both on and off campus. Some shared spaces are restricted to 10mph, and it is even as low as 5mph in some areas.

Any e-bike that exceeds these specifications is classified as a motorcycle or moped. These then must be:

• Registered with the DVLA.
• Road taxed.
• Insured.

In these cases, the driver must also hold a valid driving licence and wear a crash helmet. 

Electric scooters

Electric scooters are subject to strict legal restrictions. They may only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission or as part of a licensed hire scheme approved by the local authority. Currently, there is no such hire scheme operating in the City of Manchester.

It is illegal to use e-scooters:

• On public roads
• On pavements
• In cycle lanes
• In pedestrian-only areas

The University Estate is private land, and permission is not granted for the use, storage, or charging of e-scooters anywhere on campus.

Fire Safety Risks

Both e-bikes and e-scooters use lithium-ion batteries, which are significantly larger than those found in smartphones or laptops. These batteries pose a serious fire risk and can emit highly toxic smoke if damaged or improperly charged.

To mitigate this risk:

• E-bike batteries must not be charged inside any University buildings.
• E-scooters are not permitted anywhere on the University Estate.

Failure to comply with these safety measures may result in disciplinary action under University regulations. For staff, this will be managed by line managers. For students, it will follow standard conduct procedures.

Bike Safety and Security

Whether using a pedal bike or an e-bike, we strongly encourage all riders to wear a helmet and ensure they are visible to other road users.

Please store your bike in designated cycle shelters or cycle hubs. Only folding bikes are permitted inside University buildings.

For added security, you can register your bike with Campus Support & Security and qualify for a subsidised D-lock.