Today, electric bicycles, like scooters, monowheels, and Segways, fall into the category of personal mobility devices (PMDs). This isn't just a classification for catalogs, but a separate section in the traffic regulations. Therefore, PMDs are subject to strict requirements both technically and in terms of the responsibility of their owners.
Do You Need a License for an Electric Bike?
No, you don't. But this rule only applies to those bicycles that are officially classified as PMDs, and don't resemble actual mopeds. To ensure this, it's necessary to verify that the device meets certain technical specifications and requirements.
To ride an electric bike without a license, it must:
- have a motor with a power of up to 250 watts;
- reach a maximum speed of no more than 25 km/h;
- weigh no more than 35 kg.
Additionally, clause 1.2 of the Traffic Regulations contains a definition of the term "bicycle." In particular, it states that it is "a vehicle, excluding wheelchairs, having at least two wheels and driven, as a rule, by the muscular energy of persons on it, in particular, by means of pedals or hand levers."
What Kind of License Do You Need for an Electric Bike?
If a vehicle declared as a bicycle exceeds at least one of the specified characteristics, it is equated to mopeds. In this case, the owner or user is required to have a category "M" license, which can be obtained from the age of 16. This means that the speed of such a device should not exceed 50 kilometers per hour, and the power of the electric motor should not exceed 390 watts. More powerful two-wheeled vehicles are classified as motorcycles and require a category "A" license.
Traffic Regulations for Electric Bikes
Despite the fact that no license is required to operate a PMD, traffic regulations must be observed. Here are the main ones that are relevant to all cyclists:
- It is forbidden to use a faulty bicycle or ride under the influence of alcohol.
- To cross the roadway at a pedestrian crossing, you should dismount.
- It is forbidden to ride in pairs, unless it is a "tandem" type bicycle.
- When walking a bicycle next to you, you must keep at least one hand on the handlebars.
- All maneuvers on the roadway should be preceded by hand signals, which are similar to those used for cars with faulty or missing turn signals.
- Turning left is prohibited if there are two or more lanes in one direction and/or there are tram tracks.
- It is forbidden to carry goods that obstruct visibility. It is also forbidden to carry oversized cargo — those that extend beyond the bicycle by more than 0.5 meters.
- At night or in conditions of insufficient visibility, the electric bicycle must be marked with a headlight and a taillight.
From What Age Can You Ride an Electric Bike?
According to the rules, there are two age restrictions for drivers of scooters and mopeds. Both ages have their own characteristics and requirements.
Children under seven years old, who can operate low-powered children's electric bikes, are allowed to move only on sidewalks, special pedestrian and bicycle-pedestrian paths. On the latter, children can only ride on the side intended for pedestrians.
For children and adolescents aged 7 to 14 years, the same rules apply as for adults. The only difference is that they can now ride on bicycle and bicycle-pedestrian paths. However, it should be remembered that young electric bicycle drivers should ride in the city only when accompanied by adults.
Adults have the right to enter public roads. However, despite this, a PMD does not become a full-fledged car: you can only move along the edge of the right lane or the side of the road. At the same time, it is forbidden to enter roads marked with the "highway" sign.
Traffic regulations impose certain restrictions on the use of PMDs: unlike children and adolescents, electric cyclists over 14 years of age are prohibited from moving in pedestrian zones if there is a road or bike path nearby.
Earlier in Moscow, traffic police officers began large-scale inspections of electric bicycles of couriers. If they did not meet the established requirements, they were seized.
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