Austria's relevant laws and regulations on electric bicycles

According to current laws and regulations in Austria and EU standards, the management framework for electric bicycles is centered around technical standards, taking into account both safety and environmental protection. The specific provisions are as follows:

1、 Definition and Technical Standards of Electric Bicycles

1. Core Definition: Austrian law defines an electric bicycle as "a vehicle equipped with pedals, with a maximum output power not exceeding 250 watts, and the motor assist automatically shuts off when the vehicle speed reaches 25 kilometers per hour". This standard is fully consistent with the EU, and vehicles beyond this range (such as those without pedals or with higher power) will be classified as "electric motorcycles" and must comply with motorcycle regulations (such as registration, insurance, taxation, and holding a driver's license).

2. Key technical requirements

   • Motor power: The rated power is strictly limited to 250 watts, and it is prohibited to improve performance by modifying the circuit or adapting the battery.
   • Speed limit: The motor must stop assisting after reaching a speed of 25 kilometers per hour and only retain the electric power assist function.
   • Design requirements: It must be equipped with a foot pedal, have manual riding function, and the body must pass safety tests such as electromagnetic compatibility and waterproofing (IPX4 standard).
   • EU certification: The product must comply with the EN 15194:2017 standard and bear the CE mark to indicate that it has passed the EU safety certification.

2、 Usage rules and driving permissions

1. Road traffic rules
   • Dedicated lane: Standard electric bicycles can be driven on the bike lane, but must comply with traffic signs and signal lights.
   • Mixed road: When there is no bicycle lane, it is advisable to drive on the right side of the motor vehicle lane, but it is necessary to maintain a safe distance and comply with traffic rules.
   • Prohibited areas: Entry into motor vehicle lanes such as highways and urban expressways is prohibited.
   • Overloaded vehicles: If the vehicle is classified as an electric motorcycle, it must travel on the motor vehicle lane and comply with motorcycle related regulations.
2. Regulations on manned transportation
   • Adults can carry a child under 12 years old in a fixed rear seat, but must ensure that the child safety seat meets the standards.
3. Parking management
   • It must be parked in designated non motorized vehicle parking areas, and it is prohibited to block passages, fire exits, or affect the urban environment. Violators may face fines.

3、 Safety Equipment and Code of Conduct

1. Helmet requirements
   • Although Austria does not have a mandatory legal requirement for wearing helmets, it is strongly recommended to wear them while riding to improve safety.
2. Lighting and visibility
   • At night or in low visibility conditions (such as rain, snow, fog), the front and rear lights must be turned on to ensure vehicle visibility. The headlight power should be at least 3 watts, and the color should be white or yellow.
3. Code of conduct
   • Follow traffic signals, slow down and signal before turning, and slow down or stop to give way when passing pedestrian crossings.
   • Do not tow animals, drag cargo devices, or ride with both hands off the handlebars.
   • When crossing the motor vehicle lane on a road section, it is necessary to get off and push through the pedestrian crossing or crossing facilities.
   • Driving an electric bicycle under the influence of alcohol will result in penalties, including deduction of points or fines.

4、 Violation penalties and legal responsibilities

1. Punishment for technical violations
   • Modifying motors, batteries, or removing speed limit devices is illegal and may result in fines or even vehicle detention.
   • Those who use batteries with a voltage exceeding 48V or non factory certified batteries will be severely punished.
2. Punishment for driving violations
   • Warning or fine will be imposed for behaviors such as reversing, speeding, and running red lights. The specific fine amount depends on the severity of the violation, such as running a red light, which may result in a fine of 50 euros.
   • Those who refuse to accept fines may have their vehicles detained by the traffic management department of the public security organs.
3. Punishment for parking violations
   • Those who park vehicles in prohibited areas shall be ordered to make corrections and fined, such as 50 euros.

5、 Special scenarios and regional differences

1. Shared electric bicycles
   • Regular bicycle rules must be followed, and users must be at least 16 years old. Some platforms require scanning their driver's license or credit card for age verification.
2. Electric motorcycle management
   • Electric motorcycles in Austria are required to meet the EU L category vehicle safety standards, and drivers must hold a driver's license for the corresponding category.
3. Regional differences
   • There may be slight differences in the management of electric bicycles among different states in Austria. For example, Vienna may have stricter regulations on electric bicycles, and attention should be paid to the latest regulatory developments released by local traffic management departments.

Recommended matching batteries for popular Swiss electric bicycles:

LN-DS-6C Ebike Battery 36V/48V 13Ah 15.6Ah 17.5Ah 18650Cell For 750W-1000W Motor