Thinking about riding an electric dirt bike on public roads in Great Britain? Before setting off, it is important to understand the rules surrounding vehicle approval, driving licences, insurance and registration.
The HITWAY HT500 and HT300 are electric two-wheelers designed with distinctive dirt-bike styling. Both models fall within the L1e-B moped category, with a maximum speed of 45 km/h. Unlike an ordinary electric bicycle, an L1e-B electric moped must meet specific legal requirements before it can be used on public roads.
This guide explains what riders in England, Scotland and Wales need to know about GB type approval, Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), DVLA registration, vehicle tax and essential riding equipment.
Can You Ride an Electric Dirt Bike on Public Roads in Great Britain?
Yes, an electric dirt bike can be used on public roads in Great Britain if it meets the applicable vehicle approval and road-use requirements. However, not every electric dirt bike is automatically road legal.
For an electric two-wheeler classified as an L1e-B moped, riders must meet several requirements before using it on public roads:
- GB Type Approval: The vehicle must have the appropriate approval for road use in Great Britain.
- Vehicle Registration: The vehicle must be registered with the DVLA and display a valid number plate.
- Driving Licence: Riders must hold the appropriate provisional or full driving licence.
- Compulsory Basic Training (CBT): CBT must be completed where required.
- Insurance: Valid motor insurance must be arranged before riding.
- Helmet and Riding Equipment: Riders must comply with the applicable helmet and road-use requirements.
Understanding these requirements before purchasing or riding an electric dirt bike can help you avoid registration problems and ensure that your vehicle is prepared for legal road use.
In the following sections, we explain the approval documents, licensing rules and DVLA registration process in more detail.
GB Type Approval and COC: What Do They Mean?
Before an electric moped can be registered for road use in Great Britain, its vehicle approval and supporting documentation must be considered.
What is GB Type Approval?
Following Brexit, Great Britain established its own vehicle type-approval framework, known as GB Type Approval. This system applies to England, Scotland and Wales and is separate from the European Union's EEC type-approval system.
The HITWAY HT500 and HT300 are covered by the GB approval arrangements described in the product documentation, supporting their registration and road use in Great Britain when the relevant requirements have been completed.
What is a Certificate of Conformity (COC)?
A Certificate of Conformity, commonly called a COC, is a vehicle document that provides technical information and confirms conformity with the applicable approved vehicle specification.
For the HITWAY HT500 and HT300, the COC is an important part of the registration documentation. It helps establish details such as the vehicle's identity, technical specifications and approval information.
Why are these documents important?
GB approval documentation and the COC help support the vehicle registration process. When preparing a first-registration application, owners should ensure that the relevant documents are available and that the vehicle identification number (VIN) matches the accompanying paperwork.
Important: Having the appropriate vehicle approval does not mean a rider can immediately use the moped on public roads. Registration, insurance, licensing and other applicable requirements must also be completed.
UK Licence Requirements: Age, CBT and L-Plates
Because the HITWAY HT500 and HT300 are classified as L1e-B mopeds, riders must meet the applicable UK licensing requirements.
Minimum riding age
Riders must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid UK provisional or full driving licence.
What is CBT?
Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) is mandatory for riders of the HITWAY HT500 and HT300 in the UK. A CBT certificate is valid for two years and must be renewed when it expires.
Do you need L-plates?
Riders who have completed CBT but have not obtained a full motorcycle licence must display L-plates when riding.
Is anyone exempt from CBT?
Riders who passed their car driving test before 1 February 2001 are exempt from CBT and can ride a moped without completing the training.
Documents Required for DVLA Registration
In Great Britain, the HITWAY HT500 and HT300 must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) before they can be used on public roads. For a new, previously unregistered vehicle, the supplied guidance identifies the following documents as part of the first-registration process.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| V55/4 application form | Application to register and tax a new vehicle |
| Certificate of Conformity (COC) | Provides vehicle conformity and technical information |
| GB type-approval documentation | Supports the vehicle's approval status in Great Britain |
| Certificate of Newness | Confirms the vehicle is new and has not previously been registered |
| Commercial invoice | Provides purchase and ownership information |
| Insurance documentation | Supports the insurance requirements associated with registration |
| Vehicle identification number (VIN) | Identifies the specific vehicle being registered |
What is the V55/4 form?
The V55/4 is the form used to apply for first registration and taxation of a new vehicle. It contains information about the vehicle, its technical specifications, the applicant and the relevant fees. The supplied registration guidance recommends preparing the vehicle's technical details in advance, while the owner completes the personal information and signs the application.
Why does the VIN matter?
The VIN is the unique identification number of the vehicle. It is important that the VIN on the vehicle matches the VIN shown on the COC, invoice and registration paperwork. Inconsistent information can create difficulties during the application process. Before submitting the documents, check that all vehicle details are accurate and consistent.
How to Register Your HITWAY HT500 or HT300 with the DVLA
Step 1: Arrange insurance
Start by arranging suitable motorcycle or moped insurance. The minimum legal requirement described in the source material is third-party liability insurance. When the vehicle has not yet received its UK registration number, the VIN can be used to arrange insurance with a provider that supports this process.
Step 2: Complete the V55/4 form
Fill in the V55/4 application form with the correct vehicle and owner details. Make sure your personal information and vehicle technical details are accurate, then review the completed form and sign it before submission.
Step 3: Prepare the supporting documents
Gather the relevant paperwork, including the COC, GB approval documentation, Certificate of Newness, commercial invoice and insurance documentation. Check that the VIN and other vehicle information are consistent throughout the application.
Step 4: Submit the application to the DVLA
According to the supplied procedure, the registration application is submitted to the DVLA by post. The completed V55/4, supporting documents and applicable payments are sent together. The guidance identifies cheque or postal order as the usual payment methods, payable to DVLA. Follow the current instructions on the official form for the correct submission address and payment requirements.
Step 5: Receive the registration documents
Once the application has been approved, the vehicle is assigned a UK registration number and the relevant registration documentation is issued. The V5C registration certificate, often called the logbook, records the vehicle's registration details. A physical number plate must then be obtained and fitted in accordance with the applicable UK requirements.
Step 6: Check everything before riding
Before taking your HITWAY HT500 or HT300 onto public roads, make sure that:
- The vehicle has been registered.
- The required vehicle tax has been arranged.
- Valid insurance is in place.
- The correct number plate is fitted.
- You hold the necessary licence and have completed CBT where required.
- You have the required helmet and any applicable L-plates.
Only ride on public roads once the necessary legal requirements have been met.
UK Vehicle Tax and Registration Costs
Vehicle tax is an important part of the registration process for electric mopeds in Great Britain.
Do electric mopeds pay vehicle tax?
The updated UK information in the supplied material states that, from 1 April 2025, the previous vehicle tax exemption for electric motorcycles was removed. As a result, zero-emission electric mopeds such as the HITWAY HT500 and HT300 are subject to the applicable vehicle tax requirements.
How Much Does Registration and Vehicle Tax Cost?
When registering your HITWAY HT500 or HT300 with the DVLA for the first time, there are two separate costs to consider.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| First registration fee | £55 |
| Annual vehicle tax (12 months) | £27 |
First registration fee
The DVLA charges a one-time fee of £55 for first-time vehicle registration. This fee covers the administrative cost of registering the vehicle.
Annual vehicle tax
Electric mopeds are subject to vehicle tax. The current annual rate for zero-emission motorcycles is £27 for a 12-month period. The first vehicle tax payment is arranged as part of the registration application. Vehicle tax must then be renewed when required.
What happens to vehicle tax if the moped is sold?
Vehicle tax does not automatically transfer to a new owner. If ownership changes, the new keeper must arrange the appropriate vehicle tax before using the vehicle on public roads.
Number Plates, Helmets and Road Use Requirements
UK number plate requirements
Once registered, the HITWAY HT500 or HT300 must display the appropriate UK motorcycle number plate. The supplied guidance describes the standard rear motorcycle plate as having a yellow background with black characters. The plate must be properly fitted and meet the applicable requirements.
Is a helmet compulsory?
Yes. Wearing a motorcycle helmet is compulsory when riding the HITWAY HT500 or HT300 on public roads. The helmet must comply with the ECE 22.06 standard. For your safety, we also strongly recommend wearing additional protective gear, such as gloves, suitable riding boots and protective motorcycle clothing.
Which HITWAY Electric Moped Is Right for You?
Now that you understand the road-use requirements, vehicle approval and DVLA registration process in Great Britain, you may be wondering which electric moped best suits your needs.
HITWAY offers two electric moped models, the HT500 and HT300. Both belong to the L1e-B vehicle category and have a maximum speed of 45 km/h. They also come with COC documentation and differ mainly in motor power, battery capacity and overall weight.
HITWAY HT500: More Motor Power and Greater Battery Capacity
The HITWAY HT500 is designed for riders who prioritise higher motor output and greater battery capacity. Equipped with a 2,500 W motor and a 60 V 27 Ah battery, it offers a battery capacity of 1,620 Wh.
With a vehicle weight of 64.5 kg and a maximum speed of 45 km/h, the HT500 combines higher motor power with a larger battery configuration.
Key Specifications:
- Motor Power: 2,500 W
- Battery: 60 V 27 Ah
- Battery Capacity: 1,620 Wh
- Maximum Speed: 45 km/h
- Vehicle Category: L1e-B
- Vehicle Weight: 64.5 kg
HITWAY HT300: A Lighter and More Compact Option
If you prefer a lighter electric moped, the HITWAY HT300 offers an alternative. It features a 2,000 W motor and a 48 V 27 Ah battery, providing a total battery capacity of 1,296 Wh.
Weighing 49.1 kg, the HT300 is lighter than the HT500 while retaining the same maximum speed of 45 km/h. Its lower overall weight makes it an option for riders who place greater importance on a lighter vehicle.
Key Specifications:
- Motor Power: 2,000 W
- Battery: 48 V 27 Ah
- Battery Capacity: 1,296 Wh
- Maximum Speed: 45 km/h
- Vehicle Category: L1e-B
- Vehicle Weight: 49.1 kg
Which one is right for you？
- Choose the HITWAY HT500 if you prefer higher motor power and greater battery capacity.
- Choose the HITWAY HT300 if you prefer a lighter electric moped with a more compact overall weight.
Both models are supplied with COC documentation. However, having a COC document alone does not automatically make a vehicle ready for road use. You must still ensure that the relevant GB approval, DVLA registration, insurance and rider licensing requirements have been met before riding on public roads.
Explore the HITWAY HT500 and HT300 to find the electric moped that best matches your preferences.
FAQ
Can I arrange insurance before receiving my registration number?
Yes. According to the registration procedure, you can contact an insurance provider before receiving your UK registration number. Where the insurer supports it, you can use your vehicle's VIN to arrange insurance.
Why is it important to check the VIN on my vehicle documents?
The VIN is the unique identification number of your vehicle. Before submitting your registration application, make sure the VIN on the vehicle matches the details on your COC, invoice and other registration documents. Inconsistent information may cause difficulties during the application process.
Can I ride the HITWAY HT500 or HT300 on cycle paths?
No. The HITWAY HT500 and HT300 are classified as L1e-B mopeds rather than ordinary electric bicycles. Riders must follow the road-access rules applicable to motor vehicles and should not assume that routes open to bicycles are also available to mopeds.