Despite only having small motors and generally only being capable of speeds of around 15mph, the bikes are still legally classed as powered two-wheelers and in the same classification as mopeds.
Throughout the rest of the UK, legislation was passed in 1995 that ruled the Electrical Assisted Pedal Bicycles – or EAPCs – exempt from that ‘moped equivalent’ law, but it’s come to light that Northern Ireland didn’t implement the same exemption.
So far, they aren't wasting time ticketing the very, very few people that might be in violation... but it's on the books
http://www.motofire.com/2017/08/news/northern-irish-electric-bicycle-riders-need-motorcycle-licenses/
Throughout the rest of the UK, legislation was passed in 1995 that ruled the Electrical Assisted Pedal Bicycles – or EAPCs – exempt from that ‘moped equivalent’ law, but it’s come to light that Northern Ireland didn’t implement the same exemption.
So far, they aren't wasting time ticketing the very, very few people that might be in violation... but it's on the books
http://www.motofire.com/2017/08/news/northern-irish-electric-bicycle-riders-need-motorcycle-licenses/