Many countries have enacted electric vehicle laws to regulate the use of electric bicycles, also termed e-bikes. Some jurisdictions have regulations governing safety requirements and standards of manufacture. The members of the European Union and other regions have wider-ranging legislation covering use and safety. Laws and terminology are diverse. Some countries have national regulations with additional regional regulations for each state, province, or municipality. Systems of classification and nomenclature may vary. Jurisdictions may address "power-assisted bicycles" (Canada) or "electric pedal-assisted cycles" (European Union and United Kingdom) or simply "electric bicycles". Some classify pedelecs as being distinct from other bicycles using electric power. Consequently, any particular e-bike may be subject to different classifications and regulations in different jurisdictions.
Australia
In Australia, the e-bike is defined by the Australian Vehicle Standards as a bicycle that has an auxiliary motor with a maximum power output not exceeding 250 W without consideration for speed limits or pedal sensors. Each state is responsible for deciding how to treat such a vehicle and currently all states agree that such a vehicle does not require licensing or registration. Some states have their own rules such as no riding under electric power on bike paths and through built-up areas so riders should view the state laws regarding their use. There is no license and no registration required for e-bike use. Since 30 May 2012, Australia has an additional new e-bike category using the European Union model of a pedelec as per the CE EN15194 standard. This means the e-bike can have a motor of 250W of continuous rated power which can only be activated by pedalling (if above 6 km/h) and must cut out over 25 km/h – if so it is classed as a normal bicycle. The state of Victoria is the first to amend it's local road rules, see below. Road vehicles in Australia must comply with all applicable Australian Design Rules (ADRs) before they can be supplied to the market for use in transport (Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 Cwth). The ADRs contain the following definitions for bicycles and mopeds:
4.2. Two-Wheeled and Three-Wheeled Vehicles 4.2.1. PEDAL CYCLE (AA) A vehicle designed to be propelled through a mechanism solely by human power.
4.2.2. POWER-ASSISTED PEDAL CYCLE (AB) A pedal cycle to which is attached one or more auxiliary propulsion motors having a combined maximum power output not exceeding 200 watts.
4.2.3. MOPED - 2 Wheels (LA) A 2-wheeled motor vehicle, not being a power-assisted pedal cycle, with an engine cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 ml and a "Maximum Motor Cycle Speed" not exceeding 50 km/h; or a 2-wheeled motor vehicle with a power source other than a piston engine and a "Maximum Motor Cycle Speed" not exceeding 50 km/h. (Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule – Definitions and Vehicle Categories 2005 Compilation 3 19 September 2007). There are no ADRs applicable to AA or AB category vehicles. There are ADRs for lighting, braking, noise, controls and dimensions for LA category vehicles, mostly referencing the equivalent UN ECE Regulations. An approval is required to supply to the market any road vehicle to which ADRs apply and an import approval is required to import any road vehicle into Australia.
New South Wales
In New South Wales, there are two types of power-assisted pedal cycle. For the first type, the electric motor's maximum power output must not exceed 200 watts, and the pedal cycle cannot be propelled exclusively by the motor. For the second type, known as a "pedalec", the vehicle must comply with the European Standard for Power Assisted Pedal Cycles (EN15194). Since October 2014 all petrol powered cycles are explicitly banned. From February 2023 pedelac bikes in NSW were able to have a 500 watt motor. The previous government said more powerful motors would assist riders in hilly areas. On November 21, 2025 the Australian Government committed to reinstating e-bike import requirements EN-15194 (250W and 25 km/h limits). In December 2025 the NSW Government moved to restrict e-bike motor power to a 250W limit, bringing NSW in line with other Australian jurisdictions. In December 2025, Chris Minns stated the government would have to grandfather [sic] the EN-15194 (250W and 25 km/h limits) scheme in. On February 20, 2026 it was announced that a review led by Transport for NSW will recommend a legal minimum age between 12 and 16 for riding an e-bike in NSW and reconsider whether children will be permitted to carry passengers. The review will include consultation with NSW Office for Youth and Young People and the public. From March 1, 2029 only EN-15194 certified e-bikes will be road legal in NSW. The age limit will be implemented by the end of 2026. Higher age limits for e-bikes may be a concern in areas where teenagers use e-bikes to travel to school. Jacqui Scruby has requested consideration into licensing and registration for e-bike use in NSW.
Seizure and crushing of e-bikes in New South Wales In February 2026 the New South Wales Government introduced new laws permitting NSW Police new powers to seize and crush illegal e-bikes. The policies were announced by NSW Transport Minister John Graham (Australian politician), who claimed the government's new powers "goes far past the NSW Liberals’ idea". John Graham said the crackdown was in response to community frustration and concerns about "souped-up e-bikes" and "anti-social behaviour". The amendment to the so-called "hoon laws" will allow police to avoid a court process as was required. To identify illegal ebikes, the government purchased 3 portable 'dyno units' to measure the power output and ensure power assistance cuts out 25 km/h, per NSW limits. The units were ordered from the Netherlands. The new laws do not require e-bikes to be registered, as proposed by Natalie Ward (politician) of the New South Wales Liberal Party. The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) stated on February 8, 2026 "new laws are part of a package of measures the Minns government will be rolling out over the coming weeks" and ABC News stated "More changes will be announced in coming weeks". On January 15 John Graham said the government was considering (or "not ruling out") a licensing or number plate system for e-bikes. According to The Daily Telegraph (Sydney), bikes with extra power and speed are technically not e-bikes, but motorbikes. The legislation was expected to be introduced to parliament by mid-2026. It is not known when the laws will come into effect. The NSW Government or NSW Police supplied a 26 second video handout to the media of an electric bicycle being repeatedly crushed by a mechanical claw. Similar laws are already in place in Western Australia. In January 2026, WA Police seized and crushed more than 30 overpowered ebikes. 54 illegal e-bikes were crushed in a two-week period. The proposed new measures were welcomed by the NRMA, which urged the community to get behind them. In 2026 the NRMA "spearheaded" a campaign to "introduce registration and identification requirements for e-bikes" and "calls for set of reforms around e-bike use". 2GB claimed their January 2026 radio interviews led to the new policy. On January 20 2GB interviewed Acting Inspector Scott Gillis from the WA Police Force, who had seized e-ridables in an operation focused on Joondalup. On January 21 2GB "raised the plan" with the New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon. On January 27, 2GB asked the NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane "for her thoughts", who stated it was a "great incentive". On February 3, 2GB interviewed the Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns and "asked him if he'd be interested in adopting the policy". The policy announcement was made "just three weeks after first being raised on 2GB". ABC Media Watch have stated 2GB is a section of the media with a history of "Bike bashing".
Legality of fat-tyred bikes ("fat bikes") "Fat bikes" or fat-tyre bikes are legal if they maximum continuous power of 500 watts or less, the motor cuts out at 25 km/h and the throttle does not function above 6 km/h (or meet EN-15194). However there are very few road legal "fat bike" models. In February 2026, a large number of media outlets incorrectly used "fat bikes" as a synonym for e-bikes illegal to use on a public road, however ABC News did not.
Victoria A bicycle designed to be propelled by human power using pedals may have an electric or petrol powered motor attached provided the motor's maximum power output does not exceed 200 watts. As of 18 September 2012, the Victorian road rules have changed to enable a pedelec to be used as a bicycle in Victoria. The change allows more options of power assisted pedal cycles under bicycle laws. A pedelec is defined as meeting EU standard EN15194, has a motor of no more than 250w of continuous rated power and which is only to be activated by pedalling when travelling at speeds of between 6 km/h and 25 km/h.
Queensland In Queensland, the situation is similar to Victoria. There are two types of legal motorised bicycle. For the first type, the electric motor must not be capable of generating more than 200 watts of power. For the second type, known as a "pedalec", the vehicle must comply with the European Standard for Power Assisted Pedal Cycles (EN15194). The pedals on a motorised bicycle must be the primary source of power for the vehicle. If the motor is the primary source of power then the device cannot be classed as a motorised bicycle. For example, a device where the rider can twist a throttle and complete a journey using motor power only without using the pedals, would not be classed as a motorised bicycle. Motorised bicycles can be ridden on all roads and paths, except where bicycles are specifically excluded. Riders do not need to have a driver licence to ride a motorised bicycle.
Western Australia
In Western Australia, illegal e-bikes (more accurately described as unregistered electric motorbikes) can be crushed. Joondalup Acting Inspector Scott Gillis stated on 2GB (a Sydney radio station) that 54 illegal e-bikes were crushed in a two-week period in their focused district area. In January 2026 WA Police seized and crushed more than 30 overpowered ebikes.
Canada Eight provinces of Canada allow electric power-assisted bicycles. In all eight provinces, e-bikes are limited to 500 W output, and cannot travel faster than 32 km/h (20 mph) on motor power alone on level ground. In Alberta prior to July 1, 2009, the limits were 750 W and 35 km/h (22 mph), but presently match federal legislation. Age restrictions vary in Canada. All require an approved helmet. Regulations may or may not require an interlock to prevent the use of power when the rider is not pedaling. Some versions (e.g., if capable of operating without pedaling) of e-bikes require drivers' licenses in some provinces and have age restrictions. Vehicle licenses and liability insurance are not required. Generally, they are considered vehicles (like motorcycles and pedal cycles), so are subject to the same rules of the road as regular bicycles. In some cases, regulatory requirements have been complicated by lobbying in respect of the Segway PT. Bicycles assisted by a gasoline motor or other fuel are regulated differently from e-bikes. These are classified as motorcycles, regardless of the power output of the motor and maximum attainable speed. Note that in Canada, the term "assist bicycle" is the technical term for an e-bike and "power-assisted bicycle" is used in the Canadian Federal Legislation, but is carefully defined to only apply to electric motor assist, and specifically excludes internal combustion engines (though this is not the case in the United States).
Federal requirements Since 2000, Canada's Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (MVSR) have defined Power Assisted bicycles (PABs) as a separate category, and which require no license to operate. PABs are currently defined as a two- or three-wheeled bicycle equipped with handlebars and operable pedals, an attached electric motor of 500W or less, and a maximum speed capability of 32 km/h from the motor over level ground. Other requirements include a permanently affixed label from the manufacturer in a conspicuous location stating the vehicle is a power-assisted bicycle under the statutory requirements in force at the time of manufacture. All power-assisted bicycles must utilize an electric motor for assisted propulsion. A power-assisted bicycle may be imported and exported freely within Canada without the same restrictions placed on auto-mobiles or a moped. Under federal law, power-assisted bicycles may be restricted from operation on some roads, lanes, paths, or thoroughfares by the local municipality. Bicycle-style PABs are permitted on National Capital Commission's (NCC) Capital Pathway network, but scooter-style PABs are prohibited. All PABs (bicycle- and scooter-style) are permitted on dedicated NCC bike lanes. All PABs are prohibited in Gatineau Park's natural surface trails.
Provincial requirements for use
Alberta Alberta identifies e-bikes as "power bicycles" and is consistent with the federal definition of "power-assisted bicycle" in MVSR CRC, c 1038 s 2. Motor output must not exceed 500 W (0.67 hp) and e-bikes cannot travel faster than 32 km/h (20 mph). Fully operable pedals are required. No driver's license, vehicle insurance, or vehicle registration is required. Operators must be 12 years of age or older. All operators are required to wear a motorcycle helmet meeting the standards set in AR 122/2009 s 112(2). A passenger is permitted only if the e-bike is equipped with a seat designated for that passenger.
British Columbia An e-bike is identified as a "motor-assisted cycle" (MAC) in British Columbia, which differs from electric mopeds and scooters, which are "limited-speed motorcycles". Motor-assisted cycles must: have an electric motor of no more than 500 W; have fully operable pedals; not be capable of propelling the device at a speed greater than 32 km/h (20 mph)]. The engine must disengage when (a) the operator stops pedaling, (b) an accelerator controller is released, OR (c) a brake is applied. A driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance are all not required. Rider must be 16 years old or more, and a bike helmet must be worn. E-bikes in British Columbia must comply with all standards outlined in Motor Assisted Cycle Regulation, BC Reg 151/2002.
Ontario Ontario is one of the last provinces in Canada to move toward legalizing power-assisted bicycles (PABs) for use on roads, even though they have been federally defined and legal in Canada since early 2001. In November 2005, "Bill 169" received royal assent allowing the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) to place any vehicle on road. On October 4, 2006, the Minister of Transportation for Ontario Donna Cansfield announced the Pilot Project allowing PABs which meet the federal standards definition for operation on road. PAB riders must follow the rules and regulations of a regular bicycles, wear an approved bicycle helmet and be at least 16 years or older. There are still a number of legal considerations for operating any bicycle in Ontario. On October 5, 2009, the Government of Ontario brought in laws regulating electric bikes in the province. E-bikes, which can reach a speed of 32 kilometres per hour, are allowed to share the road with cars, pedestrians and other traffic throughout the province. The new rules limit the maximum weight of an e-bike to 120 kilograms, require a maximum braking distance of nine metres and prohibit any modifications to the bike's motor that would create speeds greater than 32 kilometres per hour. Also, riders must be at least 16 years of age, wear approved bicycle or motorcycle helmets and follow the same traffic laws as bicyclists. Municipalities are also specifically permitted by the legislation to restrict where e-bikes may be used on their streets, bike lanes and trails, as well as restricting certain types of e-bike (e.g. banning "scooter-style" e-bikes from bicycle trails). E-bikes are not permitted on 400-series highways, expressways or other areas where bicycles are not allowed. Riding an e-bike under the age of 16 or riding an e-bike without an approved helmet are new offences in the legislation, carrying fines of between $60 and $500. E-bike riders are subject to the same penalties as other cyclists for all other traffic offences.
Manitoba E-bikes are legal in Manitoba, so long as certain stipulations are met. The bike must not be designed to have more than three wheels touching the ground, the motor must stop providing motive power if the bike exceeds 32 km/h for any reason, the motor must be smaller than 500W, it has to have functioning pedals, if it is engaged by a throttle, the motor immediately stops providing the vehicle with motive power when the driver activates a brake, and if engaged by the driver applying muscle power to the pedals, the motor immediately stops providing the vehicle with motive power when the driver stops applying muscle power. The bike must also have either a mechanism to turn the electric motor on and off that can be operated by the driver, and if the vehicle has a throttle, is separate from the throttle, or a mechanism that prevents the motor from engaging until the vehicle is traveling at 3 km/h or more. The user must also be at least 14 years of age to operate an E-bike. All other Manitoba laws regarding cycling also apply.
New Brunswick To be allowed on the road it needs wheel rims larger than 9 inches, have a headlight for night, a seat at least 27 inches off the ground. New Brunswick's Policy on Electric Motor Driven Cycles and Electric Bicycles The Registrar will permit an electric motor driven cycle to be registered if it meets Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) as a Limited Speed Motorcycle, or Scooter as is done with gas powered motor driven cycles. If the vehicle was manufactured after 1988, it will bear a compliance label stating that it meets these standards. The operator will be subject to all the requirements placed on operators of motor driven cycles. If the vehicle is able to powered by human force and has a motor 500W or less, and the motor is not capable of assisting when the vehicle is traveling at a speed greater than 32 km/h then it can be considered a bicycle and all the requirements placed on bicyclists are applicable. If a vehicle has an electric motor greater than 500 watts and is capable of powering the vehicle when traveling at a speed greater than 32 km/h and it does not have a CMVSS compliance label it cannot be registered unless the owner can prove, by having the vehicle certified by an engineer, that it is safe for operation on NB highways. Also, not all vehicles are suitable for operation on NB highways and it could be that the vehicle in question may not be a motor driven cycle or a bicycle and cannot be operated on the highway at all. Power Assisted Bicycle Label: Manufacturers of e-bikes must permanently affix a label, in a conspicuous location, stating in both official languages that the vehicle is a power-assisted bicycle as defined in the regulations under the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Homemade e-bikes will not have this label. NOTE 1: The previous version of the policy had a section on it needing to "look like a bike" or a "bike style frame" but never defined what those were. That has been dropped and is no longer part of the new policy. NOTE 2: The top speed of the bike if propelled by human power is the posted speed limit, but the motor is only allowed to get up to and keep at 32 km/h. If the posted limit is under 32 then the posted limit is the limit allowed. NOTE 3: There is no maximum weight limit. NOTE 4: Ebikes are allowed to use cargo trailers/kid trailers. NOTE 5: There is no minimum age set. NOTE 6: DUI – If you have a DUI conviction the restrictions of the DUI override the ebike policy definition of an ebike as a bicycle and put it into the motor vehicle category.
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia In Nova Scotia power-assisted bicycles are classified similarly to standard pedal bicycles. The Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act defines a power-assisted bicycle as a bicycle with an electric motor of 500 watts or less, with two wheels (one of which is at least 350 mm) or four wheels (two of which are at least 350mm). PABs are permitted on the road in the province of Nova Scotia as long as you wear an approved bicycle helmet with the chinstrap engaged. They do not have to meet the conditions defined within the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations for a motorcycle (they are not classed as "motor vehicles"), but they do have to comply with federal regulations that define Power Assisted Bicycles.
Prince Edward Island Are treated as Mopeds and will need to pass inspection as a moped.
Quebec In Quebec power-assisted bicycles are often classified similarly to standard pedal bicycles. They do not have to meet the conditions defined within the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (they are not classed as "motor vehicles"), but they do have to comply with federal regulations that define Power Assisted Bicycles. The Quebec Highway Safety Code defines a power-assisted bicycle as a bicycle (2 or 3 wheels that touch the ground) with an electric motor with a maximum power of 500W and a top speed of 32 km/h bearing a specific compliance label permanently attached by the manufacturer. PABs are permitted on the road in the province of Quebec, but riders have to be 14 and over to ride the electric bicycle and if they are under the age of 18, must have a moped or scooter license.
Saskatchewan Power assisted bicycles are classified in two categories in Saskatchewan. An electric assist bicycle is a 2 or 3-wheeled bicycle that uses pedals and a motor at the same time only. A power cycle uses either pedals and motor or motor only. Both must have engines with 500 watt power or less, and must not be able exceed 32 km/h (20 mph), i.e., electric motor cuts out at this speed or cycle is unable to go this fast on a level surface. The power cycle has to meet the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) for a power-assisted bicycle. The power cycle requires at least a learner's driving licence (class 7), and all of the other classes 1–5 may operate these also. The electric assist bicycle does not require a licence. Helmets are required for each. Both are treated as bicycles regarding rules of the road. Gas powered or assisted bicycles are classified as motorcycles regardless of engine size or if using pedals plus motor. Stickers identifying the bicycle's compliance with the Federal classification may be required for power cycles by some cities or municipalities.
China
Mainland In China, e-bikes currently come under the same classification as bicycles and hence do not require a driver's license to operate. Previously it was required that users registered their bike in order to be recovered if stolen, although this has recently been abolished. Due to a recent rise in electric-bicycle-related accidents, caused mostly by inexperienced riders who ride on the wrong side of the road, run red lights, do not use headlights at night etc., the Chinese government plans to change the legal status of illegal bicycles so that vehicles with an unladen weight of 20 kg (44 lb) or more and a top speed of 30 km/h (19 mph) or more will require a motorcycle license to operate, while vehicles lighter than 20 kg (44 lb) and slower than 30 km/h can be ridden unlicensed. In the southern Chinese cities of Guangzhou, Dongguan and Shenzhen, e-bikes, like all motorcycles, are banned from certain downtown districts. There are also bans in place in small areas of Shanghai, Hangzhou and Beijing. Bans of "Scooter-Style Electric Bikes" (SSEB) were however cancelled and in Shenzhen e-bikes may be seen on the streets nowadays (2010–11). Electric powered bicycles slower than 20 km/h without pedaling are legally recognized as a non-mechanically operated vehicle in China. According to "TECHNOLOGY WATCH", this should help promote its widespread use. Electric bicycles were banned in some areas of Beijing from August 2002 to January 2006 due to concerns over environmental, safety and city image issues. Beijing has re-allowed use of approved electric bicycles as of January 4, 2006. Some cities in China still ban electric bikes.
Hong Kong Hong Kong has independent traffic laws from mainland China. Electric bikes are considered motorcycles in Hong Kong, and therefore need type approval from the Transport Department, just as automobiles. All electric bikes available in Hong Kong fail to meet the type approval requirement, and the Transport Department has never granted any type approval for an electric bike, making all electric bikes effectively illegal in Hong Kong. Even if they got type approval, the driver would need a motorcycle driving licence to ride. As a side note, Hong Kong does not have a moped vehicle class (and therefore no moped driving license), and mopeds are considered motorcycles too. Electric bicycles are not allowed in any public area, meaning an area where there is full or partial public access. Any kind of pedal assist, electric bike, scooter, moped or vehicle which has any form of propulsion, whether in full or as assist, other than human power, must be approved as either a car, motorcycle, van, truck, bus or similar. This makes pedelecs and tilt-controlled two-wheel personal vehicles illegal in all practical ways, as they cannot be registered as motorcycles.
Macau
Taiwan
Europe
European Union definition Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 of the European Parliament and of the council, which replaced 2002/24/EC on 1 January 2016 but is substantially the same, exempts vehicles with the following definition from the requirement for type approval: "pedal cycles with pedal assistance which are equipped with an auxiliary electric motor having a maximum continuous rated power of less than or equal to 250 W, where the output of the motor is cut off when the cyclist stops pedalling and is otherwise progressively reduced and finally cut off before the vehicle speed reaches 25 km/h [15.5 mph]". This is the de facto definition of an electrically assisted pedal cycle in the EU. As with all EU directives, individual member countries of the EU are left to implement the requirements in national legislation. The EU specification does not require a helmet to be worn when riding this class of bicycle. European product safety standard EN 15194 was published in 2009. The aim of EN 15194 is "to provide a standard for the assessment of electrically powered cycles of a type which are excluded from type approval by Directive 2002/24/EC".
National requirements
Belgium In Belgium, Technical laws passed on 09/09/2016 and 17/11/2017 allow for three types of e-bikes:
250 W 25 km/h limited "e-bikes" for all ages without a helmet. 1000 W 25 km/h limited "motorized-bikes", over 16 years, with conformity certificate, without a helmet. 4000 W 45 km/h limited "speed pedelecs", which are classed as mopeds for all requirements.
Denmark In Denmark, Parliament has decided to approve the speed pedelec – a type of super electric bike that can reach speeds of up to 45 km/h – for riding on cycle paths. Danish Parliament has decided that as of 1 July 2018, those operating the superbikes only need to have turned 15 and wear an approved helmet, and a license if between 15 and 18. "The regulations for experimental schemes with Speed Pedelecs (45 km/h) and the rules for e-bikes (25 km/h) are as follows: - A Speed Pedelec must be EU type-approved, and a physical type plate containing data from the approval must be present on the bicycle. It must not exceed 20 km/h without pedal assistance. - An e-bike can achieve a maximum speed of 6 km/h without pedal assistance (referred to as the 'walk function') and a maximum of 25 km/h with pedal assistance. The walk function can be operated via a button or twist/gas handle. - There is no specific requirement that an e-bike with a maximum 250 W motor must be EU type-approved. However, it must comply with the Machinery Directive and carry the CE mark. - Regarding how the law applies to configuring different restrictions via a computer/display, there is no specific information available."
Finland In Finland, Bicycles meeting the European Union definition can be used without regulation. Bicycles with 250-1000 W electric motors, or which allow assistance without pedalling, are classified as L1e-A-class motorised bicycles according to EU regulation, and must be insured for use on public roads, and limited to 25 km/h.
Latvia In Latvia, the laws do not set any additional provisions specifically for electric bicycles other than defining a "bicycle" for the Road Traffic Law as a human-powered vehicle that may be equipped with an electric motor with power of no more than 250 W.
Norway As a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), Norway implemented the European Union definition. As in the EU, pedelec e-bikes are classified as ordinary bicycles, according to the Vehicle Regulation (kjøretøyforskriften) § 4–1, 5g, not registered in the Vehicle Registry, and with no requirement for a driving license.
Sweden Sweden uses the European Union definition, according to the Swedish Vehicle Regulation (Trafikverket).
Switzerland Switzerland (not an EU member) has mostly more liberal standards than most of Europe. From regulations updated in on July 1, 2025 the following categories apply: "Light-Motorbicycles". Including tricycles. In difference to the EU rules, they are not required to be pedelecs:
Motor: max. 500 W Max. speed with or without pedalling 25 km/h Max. total weight 250 kg Max. width 1 m No driving licence required over 16 years, category M licence for 14–16 years No licence plate or insurance required No helmet required
"Fast Motorbicycles". Like "Light-Motorcycles" but additionally:
Motor: max. 1000 W Max. speed without pedalling 30 km/h (including mopeds with i.c. engines) Max. speed with pedalling: 45 km/h (S-pedelecs) Driving licence at least category M licence required Licence plate including liability insurance required Helmet required Speedometer required
"Heavy Motorbicycles" Including tricycles:
Motor: max. 2000 W Max. speed with or without pedalling 25 km/h (E-cargocycles) Total weight: 250 to 450 kg Driving licence at least category M licence required Licence plate including liability insurance required Helmet required
Turkey Laws are similar to those in the EU.
United Kingdom Laws were amended in 2015 to match much of the EU regulation detail, including a 250W power limit and 25 km/h speed limit. A minimum rider age of 14 years old applies.
India Indian law requires that all-electric vehicles have ARAI approval. Vehicles with below 250W and speed less than 25 km/h, do not require certification- hence not following full testing process, but needs to get an exemption report from ARAI. Whereas more powerful vehicles need to go through a full testing process following CMVR rules. This can take time and cost money but assures safe and reliable design for Electric Vehicles. These regulations are not promulgated by the Regional Transport offices, and riders are not required to obtain a license to drive, carry insurance, or wear a helmet. In India, all-electric cycles which do not require a licence and registration are made in accordance with the guidelines issued by ARAI.
Israel In Israel, persons above 16 years old are allowed to use pedal-assisted bicycles with power of up to 250 W and a speed limit of 25 km/h. The bicycle must satisfy the European Standard EN15194 and be approved by the Standards Institution of Israel. A new law, effective January 10, 2019, states that riders under 18 who have no automobile license will need a special permit. Otherwise, no license or insurance is required. Other motorized bicycles are considered to be motorcycles and should be licensed and insured as such. The maximum weight of the e-bike itself cannot exceed 30 kg. The Israeli Ministry of Transportation passed legislation in 2009 and again in 2018. The 2018 law is effective from January 1, 2019, and regards a bicycle permit: Israeli authorities passed legislation, as of December 2009, that allows electric bicycles to be legal for street use in the country under the following criteria:
The maximum power of the electric engine is not higher than 250W. The electric motor is activated by the rider's pedalling effort and it has to cut out completely when the rider stops pedalling. The electric motor power decreases with the advance of the bicycle speed and it must cut out completely whenever the bicycle reaches a speed of 25 km/h. The electric bicycle has to comply with the European standard — BSEN 15194.
Japan In Japan, Electric-assisted bicycles are treated as human-powered bicycles, while bicycles capable of propulsion by electric power alone face additional registration and regulatory requirements as mopeds. Requirements include electric power generation by a motor that cannot be easily modified, along with a power assist mechanism that operates safely and smoothly. In December 2008, The assist ratio was updated as follows:
Under 10 km/h; 2 10–24 km/h; 2-(Running speed - 10) / 7 Over 24 km/h; 0 (See Moped#Individual countries/regions)
New Zealand In New Zealand, the regulations read: "AB (Power-assisted pedal cycle) A pedal cycle to which is attached one or more auxiliary propulsion motors having a combined maximum power output not exceeding 300 watts." This is explained by NZTA as "A power-assisted cycle is a cycle that has a motor of up to 300 watts. The law treats these as ordinary cycles rather than motorcycles. This means that it is not necessary to register or license them. Note that the phrase "maximum power output" that is found in the regulation (but omitted in the explanation) may create confusion because some e-bike motor manufacturers advertise and print on the motor their "maximum input power" because that number is larger (typically motors run at about 80% efficiency) thus give the impression the buyer is getting a more powerful motor. This can cause misunderstandings with law enforcement officers who do not necessarily understand the difference, and when stopping a rider on an e-bike in a traffic stop, look at the number on the motor to determine if the e-bike is legal or not. Vehicles with electric power and power of less than 300 W are classified as "not a motor vehicle". Such electric bicycles must comply with the same rules as bicycles. You must wear a helmet even on a scooter or bike under 300 W. If the power is over 300 W or a combustion engine is used it is a "low -powered vehicle" and the moped rules apply. Specifically, a driver's license and registration are required.
Philippines In the Philippines, the Land Transportation Office issued Memorandum Circular 721-2006 stating that registration is not needed for electric bicycles (i.e. electric motor assisted bicycles with working pedals) and even extended the exemption to "bicycle-like" vehicles.
Russian Federation According to Russian law, bicycles can have electric motors with nominal output power of 250 watts or less which automatically turns itself off on speeds above 25 km/h. No driver's license is required.
Comparison
(*) Allowed on bike paths when electric systems are turned off (**) E-bikes are illegal in this region
Comparison of US rules and regulations Identity: How exactly does legislation identify the electric bicycle? Type: How does the law define vehicle type? Max speed: Maximum speed when powered solely by the motor. Max poower: Maximum motor power, or engine size, permitted. Helmet: Is use of a helmet mandatory? Minimum age: Operator's minimum age. Driver's license: Is a license or endorsement required for the driver?
United States
Federal laws and regulations on sales The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Act states that electric bicycles and tricycles meeting the definition of low-speed electric bicycles will be considered consumer products. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has regulatory authority to assure, through guidelines and standards, that the public will be protected from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of electric bicycles. In addition to federal and state electric bicycle regulations, people with certain mobility disabilities may be granted use of Class I and Class II electric bicycles per Title 28 Chapter 1 Part 36 at certain locations where electric bicycles are not normally permitted, so long as they can be used reasonably safely.
Defined The federal Consumer Product Safety Act defines low-speed electric bicycle" as a two or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals, a top speed when powered solely by the motor under 20 mph (32 km/h) and an electric motor that produces less than 750 W (1.01 hp). The Act authorizes the Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect people who ride low-speed electric vehicles by issuing necessary safety regulations. The rules for e-bikes on public roads, sidewalks, and pathways are under state jurisdiction and vary. In conformance with legislation adopted by the U.S. Congress defining this category of electric-power bicycle (15 U.S.C. 2085(b)), CPSC rules stipulate that low-speed electric bicycles (to include two- and three-wheel vehicles) are exempt from classification as motor vehicles providing they have fully operable pedals, an electric motor of less than 750 W (1.01 hp), and a top motor-powered speed of fewer than 20 miles per hour (32 kilometres per hour) when operated by a rider weighing 170 pounds. An electric bike remaining within these specifications is subject to the CPSC consumer product regulations for a bicycle. Commercially manufactured e-bikes exceeding these power and speed limits are regulated by the federal DOT and NHTSA as motor vehicles and must meet additional safety requirements. The legislation enacting this amendment to the CPSC is also known as HR 727. The text of HR 727 includes the statement: "This section shall supersede any State law or requirement concerning low-speed electric bicycles to the extent that such State law or requirement is more stringent than the Federal law or requirements." (Note that this refers to consumer product regulations enacted under the Consumer Product Safety Act. Preemption of more stringent state consumer product regulations does not limit State authority to regulate the use of electric bicycles, or bicycles in general, under state vehicle codes.)
State requirements for use While Federal law governs consumer product regulations for "low-speed electric bicycles", as with motor vehicles and bicycles, regulation of how these products are used on public streets is subject to state vehicle codes. There is significant variation from state to state, as summarized below.
Alabama Every bicycle with a motor attached is defined as a motor-driven cycle. The operation of a motor-driven cycle requires a class M driver license. Restricted class M driver licenses are available for those as young as 14 years of age.
Arizona Under Arizona law, motorized electric bicycles and tricycles meeting the definition under the applicable statute are not subject to title, licensing, insurance, or registration requirements, and may be used upon any roadway authorized for use by conventional bicycles, including use in bike lanes integrated with motor vehicle roadways. Unless specifically prohibited, electric bicycles may be operated on multi-use trails designated for hiking, biking, equestrian, or other non-motorized use, and upon paths