Malta's relevant laws and regulations on electric bicycles

1、 EU Framework and Malta Implementation

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. Malta's Domestic Regulations

• 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.
  • Registration process: Identity proof, purchase certificate, and vehicle factory qualification certificate must be submitted, and no fees will be charged.
• 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 for logistics or rental purposes must be labeled with the word "commercial" and must be equipped with a mandatory Beidou positioning module.

• 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 Malta will simultaneously implement the updated EU version EN 15194.
• 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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