Latvia's relevant laws and regulations on electric bicycles

As a member state of the European Union, Latvia's regulations on electric bicycles mainly follow the unified directives and standards of the European Union, combined with domestic implementation rules.

1、 EU Framework and Implementation in Latvia

1. EU directives and standards

• Directive 2002/24/EC:
  specifies the type approval of two/three wheeled vehicles, dividing electric bicycles into two categories:
  • L1e class (pedal assisted type):
    • The maximum design speed is ≤ 25km/h, and the motor power is ≤ 250W.
    • No driver's license is required, but it must comply with EN 15194 standards (electrical safety, mechanical safety, electromagnetic compatibility).
    • You can drive on the bike lane, but you need to follow traffic rules.
  • L3e class (fully electric type):
    • The maximum design speed is>25km/h, and an AM driver's license (at least 14 years old) is required.
    • Must register, purchase insurance, and drive on the motor vehicle lane.
• EN 15194 standard:
  Mandatory requirement for electric bicycles to have:
  • Motor power limit (≤ 250W).
  • Speed limit (≤ 25km/h).
  • Fireproof and flame-retardant materials (total plastic mass ≤ 5.5% of the vehicle).
  • Anti tampering design (batteries, controllers, and speed limiters cannot be modified).

2. Domestic regulations in Latvia

• Road usage permission:
  • L1e category can be driven on bicycle lanes, but some cities (such as Riga) prohibit electric bicycles from entering sidewalks.
  • L3e vehicles must drive on motor vehicle lanes and comply with motor vehicle regulations such as speed limits and yielding.
• Driver's license and registration:
  • L1e category: No driver's license required, but it is recommended for those over 14 years old to ride.
  • L3e category: Must hold an AM driver's license (motorcycle license), register the vehicle, and purchase third-party liability insurance.
• Safety equipment:
  • Mandatory helmet wearing (L1e category can be exempted on bike lanes, but L3e category must be worn).
  • Vehicles need to be equipped with headlights, taillights, reflective devices, and horns.
• Technical specifications:
  • Anti tampering design: The battery, controller, and speed limiter cannot be modified, otherwise a fine (up to € 3000) will be imposed.
  • Material limitations: The total mass of plastic is ≤ 5.5% of the vehicle, and non-metallic components must pass fire tests.
  • Braking performance: maximum braking distance ≤ 7 meters (at a speed of 25km/h).
• Insurance and Liability:
  • L3e category: Third party liability insurance must be purchased, with an annual fee of approximately € 100- € 200.
  • Accident responsibility: If the accident is caused by unauthorized modification or speeding, the car owner shall bear full responsibility.

3. Special provisions

• Commercial vehicles: Electric bicycles used for logistics or rental purposes must be labeled with the word "commercial" and must be equipped with a Beidou positioning module (it needs to be confirmed whether Latvia implements this regulation).

• Import requirements: Imported vehicles must pass CE certification and comply with EN 15194 standard.

2、 Key regulatory points

1. Vehicle classification and restrictions

2. Punishment for violations

3. Latest Developments (2025)

• New national standard implementation: Starting from September 1, 2025, GB 17761-2024 standard will be mandatory, and Latvia will simultaneously implement the updated version of EN 15194 from the European Union.
• Transition period policy: Old standard vehicles produced before August 31, 2025 can be sold until November 30, 2025, but must be labeled as "non new standard".

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