I Contacted the DVSA (Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency) to get a better understanding of the regulatory guidelines for the design of 13kw e-motorbikes. I wanted to ensure that our prototype is of a regulatory standard from the start if there are any. Replay was as follows:

Hello Dr Hutchinson,

Motorcycle derived vehicles fall into the scope of the Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) scheme. The MSVA is an individual vehicle national scheme, and is not derived from EU legislation. If you require more information on the ‘type approval’ scheme, your best option would be to contact the VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency) http://www.dft.gov.uk/vca/contact-us-uk.asp.

The manual for the MSVA scheme which contains all of the ‘Required Standards’ can be found in the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/motorcycle-single-vehicle-approval-inspection-manual

You will see the criteria for each classification in the foreword of the manual. Due to the power output of the motor, it seems that the best option available to you will be the “Motorcycle – 2 wheeled vehicle. This option is not prohibited by the power output of an electrical motor, but does require the vehicle to be capable of speeds greater than 45kph.

Best of luck with your endeavour, if you feel that I can be of further assistance in this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards

DVSA Vehicle Approvals Technical Team