Starting April 1 of this year, the use of self-propelled bicycles (e-bikes) and electric scooters on sidewalks where there is a bike lane or roadway will be prohibited in Latvia, and from April 30, their registration and civil liability insurance will be mandatory, reports Diena.
The Riga Municipal Police and the Road Traffic Safety Directorate promise to strengthen control over compliance with the rules, paying special attention to speed and safety.
The Saeima adopted stricter requirements for electric bicycles back in November last year, for example, mandating that they have OCTA insurance. When participating in road traffic without an insurance policy, the owner of such a bicycle should be prepared for a fine ranging from 125 to 200 euros.
The new requirements also establish new rules for the registration of all micromobility vehicles. A fine of 30 to 70 euros will be imposed for operating an unregistered self-propelled bicycle. Additional safety measures will be introduced for public rental scooters - identity verification and a reaction test.
It should be noted that such scooters are not allowed for use by minors.
The amendments also provide for the rules of movement with sports and recreational equipment - roller skates and unicycles. Riding on the sidewalk is only permitted in exceptional cases - for example, for children or in situations where it is dangerous to ride on the roadway.
Age restrictions have also been established: riding an electric bicycle is allowed from the age of 10, and from 14 years old on other similar vehicles. Until the age of 17 (inclusive), a license to operate a bicycle or any other vehicle is mandatory. Minors must wear a helmet at all times.
