In recent years, more and more Italians are choosing the bicycle as a personal means of getting around the city or for short journeys. An economic, healthy and also much more practical solution. But did you know that as far as electric bikes are concerned, the situation is changing? In which case you will no longer be able to circulate if you do not comply? Here’s everything you need to know about it.
The skyrocketing price of petrol and the problem linked to emissions into the environment have prompted many Italians to change their habits compared to the past. I am, in fact, more and more people decide to buy a bike and move around the city in a more flexible, practical and convenient way.
In recent times, in addition to the traditional bike, other similar means more related to the electric have also arrived on the market. Electric bikes or e-bikesfor example, are the right middle ground for those who choose to do physical activity, always having the help of assisted pedaling at their disposal.
Getting around the city with an electric bike has a positive impact in several respects. City traffic will be less intense and polluting emissions from cars will consequently be lower than before. Furthermore, the psychological impact that going to work with minimal physical movement should not be underestimated.
The electric age has come into full swing, so. In addition to hybrid or fully electric cars, therefore, there are also other vehicles that can be used for all daily trips around the city.
But do you know that the rules regarding electric bikes have changed for some time now? What do you have to do to get it right? Here’s everything you need to know to avoid incurring unpleasant penalties.
The obligation for electric bikes: this is what has changed recently
Once you have purchased the electric bike, you will have no other expenses. Exceptions are the negligible costs – when compared to current fuel prices – associated with recharging your bike’s battery. But do you know that for some electric bike owners an obligation has recently taken place? Here’s what you need to know about it.
The electric bike must respect some parameters. You cannot ride a bike with a power exceeding 250 w and with independent pedaling operation. In this case, in fact, you would have tampered with the vehicle and you will have to comply.
If you respect the rules, however, anyone can circulate safely with their electric bike. They can also be used by minors and the transport of children up to 8 years of age on an approved seat is also authorised.
However, if you have chosen to “unlock” your electric bicycle, then you will not be able to shirk the obligation to have a license plate, insurance and driving licence. In this case, in fact, the bike is totally comparable to a motorized vehicle. Also for this vehicle, therefore, all the rules of a normal motorcycle apply.
The law approved last August by Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Mobility, in fact, made this change known. Here’s what you can read about it: “Tampered pedal assisted bikes are equated to mopeds”.
An “unlocked” electric bike means having made some tampering with the original technical parameters. We remind you that a similar electric vehicle cannot travel beyond 25 km/h. If you have unlocked the bike, however, you have bypassed this limit and, therefore, you are forced to consider the vehicle as a normal motorized motorcycle.
Anyone who fails to comply risks the sanction set out in thearticle 97 of the Highway Code as regards mopeds: “Anyone who circulates with a moped for which the certificate of circulation has not been issued, when required, is subject to the administrative sanction for the payment of a sum ranging from 158 to 635 euros”.
