Do you know that there are laws and regulations specific to the use of electric bicycles?
You must take into account the standards of security applicable if you wish to purchase and/or ride a VAE daily. These rules have been drawn up primarily to ensure your safety and that of other road users. They are precise and detailed and they provide for heavy penalties in the event of jailbreaking.
The basic rules and the specific rules for pedelecs
Basic rules for everything bike, cargo and three-wheeled scooters are effectively supplemented by specific rules for electric bikes.
- Thus, a VAE must therefore be sold assembled, adjusted and accompanied by a printed notice.
- It must be equipped with front and rear lights and visual signaling. Then, it must also be equipped with an audible warning device and two independent braking systems acting on the two wheels.
- Un electric bike must also meet certain requirements defined by standard NF EN 15194. Thus, it is therefore necessary that the triggering of its electric assistance is linked to pedaling and that the maximum speed reached by the latter does not exceed 25 km/h.
- It is also necessary that the power of its motor is less than or equal to 250 W and that these are electromagnetically compatible.
- Finally, the safety of the chargers must be ensured on an e-bike and its batteries must be recyclable.
Legal recommendations on cyclists' equipment
Question equipment, legal regulations require helmets to be worn by all cyclists and passengers under the age of 12, and also for all adolescents and adults. This helmet must be CE certified and it must display on its label the manufacturer's mark, the date of manufacture, its size and its weight.
In addition to the helmet, the retro-reflective vest is also one of the mandatory equipment for e-bike drivers. This type of tracksuit should be worn outside built-up areas, at night and when the light is insufficient.
The penalties provided for by the Highway Code in the event of jailbreaking
The unclamping of a electric bike is to modify its speed limit device. This action has been prohibited by the highway code since 2020 and in the event of a violation, the drivers and professionals who intervened will be sanctioned.
Article L317-1 of this law provides for a one-year prison sentence and a fine of 30 euros. Then, it is also possible that the people guilty of the offense of jailbreaking will see their driving license suspended for three years and their VAE withdrawn from circulation.