Laws & regulations for the use of electric scooters & electric bicycles in Sweden
With the increasing popularity of electric scooters and e-bikes in Sweden, it has become increasingly important to understand the laws and regulations governing their use. Electric scooters and e-bikes offer an environmentally friendly and flexible way to get around in urban environments, but to ensure the safety of both users and other road users, it is important to follow the rules that apply. In this blog post, we will go through the most important laws and regulations that you need to know in order to legally and safely use your electric scooter or electric bicycle in Sweden.
What is an Electric Scooter and Electric Bicycle?
Before we go into specific laws and regulations, it is important to define what counts as an electric scooter or an electric bicycle according to Swedish law.
Electric scooter
An electric scooter is a two-wheeled scooter powered by an electric motor. Most electric scooters are equipped with a small motor that gives a maximum speed of 20 km/h, but some models can reach higher speeds.
Electric bike
An electric bicycle is defined as a bicycle that has an electric assist motor. This motor cannot by law provide power at speeds above 25 km/h, and the power of the motor must not exceed 250 watts. Electric bikes are often divided into three categories:
- Standard electric bikes - with a maximum speed of 25 km/h.
- Class II mopeds - electric bikes that go up to 25 km/h but with a stronger motor than 250 watts.
- Mopeds class I - electric bikes that can go faster than 25 km/h.
Laws and Regulations for Electric Scooters
To ensure that the use of electric scooters takes place in a safe manner, the Swedish Transport Agency has introduced specific laws and regulations. Here are the main points to consider:
Speed limits
Electric scooters must not be driven faster than 20 km/h on public roads. It is important that you as the user are aware of this limit and do not attempt to modify your electric scooter to go faster.
Driving on Sidewalks and Footpaths
It is forbidden to drive electric scooters on sidewalks and walkways intended for pedestrians. Electric scooters must be ridden on cycle paths or on roads where there are no cycle paths. This is to avoid accidents and conflicts with pedestrians.
Helmet requirements
There is no statutory helmet requirement for people over the age of 15 riding electric scooters, but it is strongly recommended to always wear a helmet to protect yourself in the event of an accident. For children under 15, however, it is mandatory to wear a helmet.
Light and Reflex Requirements
As with regular bicycles, e-scooters must be equipped with reflectors and lights if used in the dark. This means:
- A white or yellow front light.
- A red light behind.
- White reflectors front and back and orange-yellow or white reflectors on the side.
Age limit
There is no national age limit for driving electric scooters, but some municipalities or rental companies may have their own rules about this. It is important to check local regulations, especially if you are renting an electric scooter.
Insurance
Electric scooters are not covered by the compulsory traffic insurance in Sweden, but it is wise to have private insurance that covers any damage that may occur during use.
Laws and Regulations for Electric Bicycles
The laws for e-bikes are slightly more detailed due to the fact that the different categories of e-bikes have different rules. Here's what you need to know:
Standard Electric Bikes
Standard electric bicycles, which have a maximum speed of 25 km/h and a motor power of up to 250 watts, are considered ordinary bicycles by law. This means that you must follow the same traffic rules that apply to cyclists.
Helmet requirements
For standard electric bicycles, the same helmet requirements apply as for ordinary bicycles. It is mandatory for children under 15 to wear a helmet, while it is optional but recommended for adults.
Driving on cycle paths
Standard e-bikes must be used on cycle paths if there are any, otherwise they may be used on the road.
Light and Reflex Requirements
Electric bicycles must be equipped with lights and reflectors when riding in the dark, just like regular bicycles:
- A white lantern ahead.
- A red light behind.
- White or yellow reflectors front and back and on the sides.
Mopeds Class II
Class II mopeds are electric bikes that have a maximum speed of 25 km/h but with a motor stronger than 250 watts. These are considered mopeds by law and are subject to special rules.
Helmet requirements
For Class II mopeds, a helmet is mandatory regardless of age. It is important that you have an approved moped helmet when riding such an electric bike.
Driver's license and driver's license
To drive a Class II moped, you must have a driver's license if you are under 15 years old. If you are older than 15 and have a driving license for a car or AM card, you do not need an additional driver's license.
Insurance
Class II mopeds are subject to road insurance obligations, which means that you must have valid road insurance to drive such an electric bike on public roads.
Mopeds Class I
Class I mopeds are electric bikes that can go faster than 25 km/h and up to 45 km/h. These are counted as class I mopeds and are subject to stricter rules.
Helmet requirements
Just like for Class II mopeds, a helmet is mandatory for Class I mopeds. You must wear an approved moped helmet when driving.
Driving license and Registration
To drive a class I moped, you must have an AM driver's license or a car driver's license (B driver's license). In addition, the moped must be registered and have a registration plate.
Insurance and Inspection
Class I mopeds are covered by both the road insurance obligation and inspection requirements. You must have valid traffic insurance and ensure that the moped is inspected regularly according to current regulations.
Local Provisions and Differences
In addition to the national regulations that we have discussed, there may be local regulations that vary depending on where you live in Sweden. Some municipalities may have stricter rules for where and when you can use electric scooters and e-bikes. For example, some cities may have bans on electric scooters in specific areas, or special rules for parking.
It is also important to be aware that rules can change. The increasing popularity of e-scooters and e-bikes has led to new laws and regulations being introduced regularly, both locally and nationally. Therefore, it is good to stay updated with the latest changes.
Final Thoughts
Electric scooters and e-bikes offer fantastic opportunities to get around quickly and environmentally friendly in Swedish cities and in the countryside. By following the laws and regulations in place, you can ensure that you drive legally and reduce the risk of accidents, both for yourself and other road users.
Here at Wheelyshop.se, we are not only committed to offering high-quality products, but also to informing our customers about how to use them safely and legally. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, it is important to be aware of the rules that apply in order to fully enjoy your electric scooter or e-bike.
We hope that this guide has given you a clear overview of the laws and regulations that apply to the use of electric scooters and e-bikes in Sweden. If you have any questions or concerns, you are always welcome to contact us at Wheelyshop.se - your expert in e-scooters and e-bikes!