The Department of Infrastructure has confirmed that NI laws have not yet been brought in line with the rest of the UK, where a license is not required to ride an electric bike.

A spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland told the Belfast Telegraph that primary legislation was in place, but the necessary regulations “are not yet made”.

He added: “Police understand that the Department for Infrastructure is in the process of remedying this situation but, in the meantime, have advised us that until defined in law, an electric cycle should be regarded as a motor vehicle and hence requires insurance, tax, etc.”

In response to the news, retailer Halfords has announced it will suspend all sales of electric bikes in Northern Ireland.

In a statement, it said: “Legislation in Northern Ireland currently states that electric bikes need to be licensed and insured in order to be ridden on public roads. However, at this stage, the DVLA do not have a working system in place which allows e-bike owners to do this.

“Although it’s not illegal to sell e-bikes, we believe the current status is confusing for our customers and therefore we have temporarily suspended the sale of e-bikes in Northern Ireland until this matter has been fully resolved.”