FAQs on E-Bikes, Pedelecs or Battery Scooters

What is HS Code of an Electric Bike, Electric scooter?

8711 - Motorcycles, incl. mopeds, and cycles fitted with an auxiliary motor, with or without side-cars; side-cars

871160 - Motorcycles, incl. mopeds, and cycles fitted with an auxiliary motor, with electric motor for propulsion 

871190 - Motorcycles, incl. mopeds, and cycles fitted with an auxiliary motor and side cars for motorcycles (excluding with reciprocating internal combustion piston engine)

What is the law on e-bikes, pedelecs or battery powered scooters?

It’s confusing for regulation and consumers that so many fancy scooters, mopeds, motorcycles, bicycles, and Segways on the market.

Basically we differ ebikes by Bicycle-style electric bikes (BSEB) and Scooter-style electric bikes (SSEB)

As to motorized scooters and low-power vehicles on the market, we usually categorized by gasoline-powered and electric-powered models.

E-bike’s motor is under 750w, has a maximum speed of 20mph, and has fully operable pedals. The same rules of the road apply to both e-bikes and human-powered bicycles.

E-bikes are not subject to the registration, licensing or insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles.

For more restrictions guide to ebikes and escooters, please refer to: safety notes pdf file

Are Electric Scooter or Electric Bike Safe?

Electric bicycles are designed to be as safe as traditional bicycles, and e scooters are much more reliable as they tend not to turn over very much. And do not compromise consumer safety, and benefit bicyclists who may be discouraged from riding a traditional bicycle due to limited physical fitness, age, disability or convenience, just not riding too fast

Can I take my electric scooter on plane?

No, most of the electric scooter are now equipped with powerful long distance Lithium battery which contain too much power to be carried with you as cabin luggage and even as a check-in luggage !

Are engine or converter kits legal on push bikes and scooters?

There is no law against them, however any conversion must be carried out to an appropriate standard so as not to render the vehicle unroadworthy, unsafe or likely to cause an accident.

Is it legal for children to ride e-bikes or battery scooters on public roads?

If they are over 16 years old, and the bike is not an MPV, there is no law against children riding it in a public place. Anyhow we strongly recommend that young children should always be supervised if riding in a public place.

Do electrical bike or electric scooter work in the rain?

Operating your electric device in the rain is not recommended for safety reasons. It is not a good idea to bike or scooter in the rain.

Are the fines for e-bike offences the same as bicycle offences?

Yes. All the set fines established for violating rules of the road and equipment standards that apply to bicyclists apply to drivers of e-bikes.

How much does an electric scooter weigh?

There are lightweight models which hardly weigh around 120-130 lbs, usually for kids. There are also heavy models of electric scooter available which can weigh around 250-350 lbs, for adult. So, please read the manual book come with the package.

Can you use electric scooter or electric bike manually?

Yes, especially if you are using the dual electric scooter or ebike. it is designed in such a way that it can be ridden both electrically using the battery power and by pushing it like push bikes when the battery drains. These dual electric scooters can work both as electric scooter and manual scooter.

Am I allowed to modify my e-bike or escooter so it can go faster than 32 km/h?

No. Modifying your e-bike / escooter for the purposes of increasing its speed beyond 32 km/h will no longer qualify it as an e-bike. Motor-assisted bicycle (moped) and/or limited-speed motorcycle (LSM) requirements such as licensing, registration and insurance may then apply.

Is the mode of pedelec adjustable?

Certainly is, for all models that is easily adjustable via the handle control which is placed on the left side of the handlebars.

Bosch models have four support levels; Eco, Power, Sport and Turbo.
Panasonic models have three support levels; Eco, Standard and High.
Shimano Steps models have three support levels; Eco, Normal and High.
Bafang models have five support levels: Eco, Normal, Tour, High and Power.