Overpowered bicycle-shaped objects are actually classed as e-mopeds and must be registered and insured, with the rider required to wear a helmet, Garda have warned. An AM licence is also needed for such e-mopeds. The warning comes as often these e-mopeds are mistaken for pedal-assisted bicycles, which are called e-bikes for short. Both e-mopeds and e-bikes can have pedals, but there are differences. The key requirements for an electric bike to be legally counted as a bicycle are that the motor must stop assisting at 25km/h and must not have a continuous rated power output exceeding 250W.It must also strictly not have a throttle, which is a button or twist grip that enables the bicycle to move continuously without pedalling. A Garda spokesperson said: The e-bike, by nature, is a superb option for those wanting a versatile modern green transport option. It pairs a light (ish) frame with a 250W motor with different degrees of assistance from the motor, with all assistance ceasing at 25kmh and pedalling required at all times [unless going downhill, etc].In a post titled When the lines blur on An Garda Sochna Kilkennys Facebook page, the spokesperson said: The Shengmilo MX03, like the one pictured, is an e-moped with a 1,000w motor and capable of throttle-only travel. It requires tax, insurance and a helmet.ALSO READ: Explainer: Differences between e-scooters, bicycles, e-bicycles and speed e-bikes Gardai confirmed that the e-moped and Kukirin e-scooter, which is illegal because it is overpowered, were seized yesterday evening by Road Policing officers. Both riders from the same household have a day in court, the spokesperson said.The post said that legal e-bike and e-scooter riders could relax as long as they obey the rules of use, theyll have nothing to worry about. But they warned that its its only a matter of time before they catch people who persist with the illegal machines requiring insurance and registration.MAIN IMAGE: From the Garda Facebook pages; CHART BELOW: By IrishCycle.com, see full explainer here.