Rules and laws for the use of electric bicycles and electric scooters in Sweden 2024
As electric bikes and scooters become more common in our cities, so does the need to understand the laws and regulations that apply to the use of these vehicles. Following the current traffic rules is not only important for your own safety, but also for other road users. In this blog post, we go through the most important rules for electric bicycles and electric scooters in Sweden in 2024, so that you can ride safely and legally.
What is an electric bike?
An electric bicycle is a regular bicycle that is equipped with an electric motor that helps you pedal. According to the Swedish Transport Agency, electric bicycles may be classified as bicycles if they meet certain criteria:
- The motor may have an output of no more than 250 watts.
- Engine assistance may only be given up to 25 km/h. At higher speeds, the engine must shut down.
- The electric motor should be activated when you pedal, and not act as an independent drive system.
If an electric bike exceeds these specifications, it is considered a moped, which means other rules and requirements, such as compulsory helmets, registration, insurance and driver's license.
Requirements for electric bicycles
To use an electric bicycle legally in Sweden, you must comply with these requirements:
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Speed limit – Electric bikes must not exceed 25 km/h with engine assistance. If you pedal faster than this, the engine must be turned off.
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Helmet requirement – If you are under 15 years of age, you must wear a helmet when riding an electric bike. However, it is recommended that all cyclists use a helmet for their own safety.
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Lighting and reflectors – In the event of darkness or poor visibility, electric bicycles must be equipped with white or yellow light at the front, red light at the back and reflectors on the sides and on the wheels.
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Rules for bike lanes – Electric bikes must be used on bike lanes when they exist, but you can also ride on roads if there are no bike lanes.
What is an electric scooter?
Electric scooters have also become very popular in recent years and are a convenient way to get around for shorter distances. Like electric bikes, they must meet certain rules to be used in traffic:
- The speed must not exceed 20 km/h.
- The electric scooter must not have a motor with a higher power than 250 watts.
- They must have brakes and a bell.
- In the dark, the electric scooter must be equipped with front and rear lights and reflectors.
If your electric scooter does not meet these criteria, it is considered a moped, which means you must follow moped-specific rules, such as wearing a helmet, insurance, registration and driving on roads designated for mopeds.
Requirements for electric scooters
To use an electric scooter legally in Sweden, there are some important rules you need to know:
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Speed limit – Electric scooters may not be driven faster than 20 km/h on public roads. This rule is set to reduce the risk of accidents and increase the safety of both drivers and other road users.
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Helmet Requirements – As with e-bikes, helmets are mandatory for people under 15, but it is strongly recommended that everyone wears a helmet, especially given the speed and exposure of e-scooters in traffic.
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Use of cycle paths – Electric scooters must primarily be used on cycle paths. If there is no cycle lane, you can drive on the road, but you must follow the traffic rules and stay as far to the right as possible.
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Parking – It is important that you park your electric scooter in such a way that it does not block footpaths or pose a risk to other road users, especially pedestrians and people with disabilities.
Rules for children and young people
Children under the age of 15 using an electric bicycle or electric scooter must wear a helmet, and it is strongly recommended that adults also wear a helmet to reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of an accident. In order to drive an electric scooter or an electric bike that is classified as a moped (i.e. those with higher speed or engine power), you must have a valid driver's license or driver's license.
Penalties for violations
Failure to comply with laws and regulations for electric bicycles and electric scooters can lead to fines or, in the worst case, serious accidents. Here are some examples of violations that can be punished:
- Excessive speed - If you drive an electric scooter faster than 20 km/h, you can be fined.
- Incorrect equipment – If your e-bike or e-scooter is not equipped with lighting or reflectors when riding in the dark, you risk a fine.
- Failure to wear a helmet - Children under the age of 15 who do not wear a helmet on an electric bicycle or electric scooter may be fined.
Insurance
It is not a legal requirement to have insurance for e-bikes or e-scooters, as long as they meet the basic requirements mentioned above. But if you have an electric bicycle or electric scooter that is classified as a moped (for example, if it goes faster than 25 km/h or has an engine power of more than 250 watts), then you must have traffic insurance.
Although not a requirement for regular e-bikes and e-scooters, it may be wise to take out insurance that covers damage and theft, as these vehicles are often subject to theft and can be expensive to repair.
What can change in the future?
Laws and regulations for electric bicycles and electric scooters in Sweden are under constant development. Due to the popularity of the vehicles and their impact on urban traffic, it is possible that we will see further regulations in the coming years. It is always a good idea to keep up to date by checking the Swedish Transport Agency's website and news about traffic legislation.
Summary
Using electric bicycles and electric scooters in Sweden 2024 means that you must follow certain rules and laws to drive safely and legally. These rules include speed limits, helmet and lighting requirements, and special rules about where you can drive. By following these guidelines, you help create a safer environment both for yourself and for other road users. Whether you're commuting to work or just enjoying a ride around town, it's important to be aware of the rules that apply to avoid fines and accidents.
We at Wheelyshop.se sell a wide range of electric bicycles and electric scooters that meet all Swedish legal requirements. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions about our products or about the rules that apply.