Frequently Asked Questions
Are your electric bikes road-legal in the UK?
Yes — every EAPC e-bike we sell is road-legal. EAPC stands for Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle: a motor rated at 250W or less that provides pedal assistance only (no throttle) and cuts off at 15.5 mph. These bikes are legally treated the same as conventional bicycles. No licence, registration, road tax or insurance is required, and riders must be aged 14 or over.
Do I need a licence or insurance to ride an e-bike?
No. A compliant EAPC e-bike requires no licence, no registration, no road tax and no insurance — though third-party liability cover is always a sensible precaution. The law is the same as for a pedal cycle.
Are Sur-Ron and Talaria bikes road-legal?
No. Sur-Ron and Talaria off-road machines produce well above 250W and exceed the 15.5 mph EAPC threshold. They are not road-legal in the UK. Riding one on a public road, pavement, cycle path or any other public place is illegal and carries serious penalties. All Sur-Ron and Talaria products we sell are clearly marked as off-road only.
Where can I ride a Sur-Ron or Talaria?
On private land with the landowner’s permission, or at a dedicated off-road venue such as a motocross track or forest trail that permits electric machines. Many motorcycle clubs and trail centres now cater for electric off-road bikes. We recommend checking the venue’s rules before attending.
How long does delivery take?
Bikes are typically dispatched within 2–5 working days of payment clearing. Remote areas (Scottish Highlands, Northern Ireland, islands) may take a few days longer. You will receive a tracking number by email as soon as your order ships. Smaller items such as accessories and batteries usually arrive within 2–3 working days.
Is delivery free?
Yes — delivery is free on all electric bikes to UK mainland addresses. Accessories, parts, batteries and cameras are sent by tracked courier for a flat fee shown at checkout. Surcharges may apply to some remote postcodes (e.g. Scottish islands, Northern Ireland) and these are shown clearly before you complete your order.
Do bikes arrive ready to ride?
Bikes are partially assembled for safe transit. The handlebars, pedals and front wheel are typically detached and packed alongside the main frame. Full assembly takes around 20–30 minutes with basic tools, and a setup guide is included. If you would prefer us to handle it, please contact us before ordering and we can discuss options.
Can I return a bike if I change my mind?
Yes. You may return most items within 30 days for a full refund under the Consumer Contracts Regulations. The bike must be unridden, in its original packaging, and in the same condition it was delivered. Return delivery costs are your responsibility unless the item was faulty. Contact hello@voltarc.co.uk to start a return.
What warranty do your products carry?
All products carry the manufacturer’s warranty as a minimum — typically 12 months on electrical components and 24 months on frames. UK consumer law gives you additional rights regardless of any manufacturer warranty. If something goes wrong, contact us directly and we will arrange the claim on your behalf.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as other secure payment methods shown at checkout. All transactions are processed over an encrypted connection.
Do you offer finance?
We are currently working on bringing a finance option to the store. If you would like to discuss a payment arrangement before that is live, please email hello@voltarc.co.uk and we will do our best to help.
How far can an electric bike travel on one charge?
Range depends on the battery capacity, rider weight, terrain, speed and pedal effort. As a guide, most 500Wh e-bikes deliver 40–70 miles of pedal-assisted range in real-world UK conditions; larger 625–750Wh batteries can achieve 80–100+ miles at lower assist levels. Each product page lists the manufacturer’s stated range — treat these as a maximum under ideal conditions.
How fast do Sur-Ron and Talaria bikes go?
The Sur-Ron Light Bee X has a top speed of around 45 mph (72 km/h) in full Sport mode. The Talaria Sting reaches a similar speed. The Sur-Ron Storm Bee is faster still, capable of 75+ mph. Actual top speed depends on rider weight, terrain and battery charge. Always wear full protective gear when riding at any speed off-road.
What is the difference between the Sur-Ron Light Bee X and the Storm Bee?
The Light Bee X (6 kW peak, ~50 kg) is the nimble, lightweight trail machine built for technical off-road riding. It is more affordable and easier to transport. The Storm Bee (22 kW peak, ~119 kg) is a full-size, high-performance machine closer in size and power to a small motocross bike — significantly faster and more powerful, but heavier and more expensive. If you are new to off-road electric, the Light Bee X is the natural starting point.
Can I convert my existing bike to electric?
Yes. Our conversion kits let you add an electric motor to almost any standard bicycle. Mid-drive kits (Bafang BBS01/BBS02/BBSHD, TSDZ2) bolt to the bottom bracket and work with your existing gears — ideal for hilly routes or off-road use. Hub motor kits replace the front or rear wheel and are simpler to install. See our Conversion Kits category for the full range.
Are helmets VAT-free?
Yes. EN 1078 certified cycling helmets are VAT zero-rated under UK VAT regulations. The zero-rate is applied automatically at checkout — you do not need to claim it separately or provide any documentation.
Is there an age limit for riding e-bikes?
You must be at least 14 years old to ride a road-legal EAPC e-bike on UK roads. There is no upper age limit. For off-road machines such as Sur-Ron and Talaria, the minimum age and any restrictions are set by the venue you are riding at — check with them directly.
Do you have a physical shop?
We operate online, with our registered office in Tadley, Hampshire. If you have a question before buying, email us at hello@voltarc.co.uk or use the contact form — we typically reply within one business day.