Sweden's relevant laws and regulations on electric bicycles

 2025-06-18

According to Swedish traffic regulations and EU standards, Sweden's management of electric bicycles follows the following core framework:

Technical Standards: Electric bicycles must meet the following conditions to be considered as "ordinary bicycles" and comply with bicycle regulations:
- Motor power: rated power not exceeding 250 watts;
- Speed limit: The motor stops assisting after the vehicle speed reaches 25 kilometers per hour (only providing power assistance, not direct driving);
- Design requirement: Must be equipped with a foot pedal and have manual riding function. If it exceeds the above standards (such as higher motor power or no pedal device), it may be classified as a light motorcycle (Moped) and must comply with motorcycle related regulations.
Classification impact
- Bicycle attributes: Standard electric bicycles do not require registration, insurance, or a driver's license and can be driven on bike lanes and sidewalks (with a speed limit of 6 kilometers per hour);
- Motorcycle attributes: Vehicles exceeding the standard must be registered and insured with compulsory traffic insurance. Drivers must hold an AM class driver's license (applicable to light motorcycles) and comply with the rules of the motor vehicle lane.

Driving permission
- Bicycle lane: Priority should be given to using bicycle lanes, but speed limits and traffic signs must be followed;
- Pedestrian walkway: limited to low-speed (≤ 6 km/h) traffic and must avoid pedestrians;
- Motor vehicle lane: Vehicles exceeding the standard (classified as light motorcycles) need to drive on the motor vehicle lane, but some cities allow the selection of bicycle lanes on low-speed restricted sections.
Equipment and Code of Conduct
- Helmet: Although there is no mandatory wearing requirement, it is recommended to wear it while riding to ensure safety;
- Lighting: When driving at night, turn on the front and rear lights to ensure visibility;
- Carrying passengers: usually limited to one passenger, and passengers need to be seated;
- Prohibition driving: Drunk driving is prohibited, and violators will face fines or vehicle impoundment.
Parking management
- It must be parked in designated non motorized vehicle parking areas and is prohibited from blocking passages or emergency exits.

age limit
- Drivers must be at least 16 years old;
- Driving a light motorcycle that exceeds the standard requires being at least 15 years old and holding an AM driver's license.
Violation punishment
- Traffic violations: such as running red lights, going in the wrong direction, or carrying passengers illegally, may result in fines (usually starting from 500 Swedish kronor) or vehicle impoundment;
- Vehicles exceeding the standard: If driving a light motorcycle without registration, insurance, or a driver's license, the punishment will be upgraded, including high fines and driver's license deduction points;
- Accident responsibility: The division of responsibility is based on the on-site situation, and vehicles exceeding the standard may bear higher responsibility for violations.
Illegal modification
- Modifying motors, batteries, or removing speed limit devices is illegal and may result in administrative penalties (such as fines ranging from 5000 to 100000 Swedish kronor) or even criminal liability (such as constituting dangerous driving offenses).

Shared electric bicycles
- It must comply with national standards, clearly indicate the maximum speed and motor power, and users must follow the rules of regular bicycles.
electric scooter
- The maximum speed limit is 20 kilometers per hour, and individuals under the age of 16 are prohibited from riding. They must comply with bike lane rules and wear helmets (not mandatory).

Swedens relevant laws and regulations on electric bicycles(pic1)

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