What sets electric bicycles apart from electric motorbikes

An electric bicycle (left) and electric motorbike. Photo from Facebook

Under Vietnam’s Law on Road Traffic, electrically powered two-wheelers fall into two main groups: electric bicycles and electric motorbikes.

The national technical standards state that electric bicycles must have pedals like a traditional bicycle, a maximum speed of 25 kph, an electric motor of no more than 250 W, and a weight under 40 kg. They are classified as rudimentary vehicles.

Riders do not need a driving license, registration plates, or a minimum age requirement, but they must wear helmets and follow traffic rules.

Electric motorbikes, by contrast, have no pedals and use electric motors of up to 4 kW, with a maximum speed of 50 kph. Their design, braking system, lighting, and frame are similar to automatic scooters, so they are regulated as motor vehicles. They are classified as road motor vehicles.

Riders must be at least 16 years old, obtain an A or A1 driving license, register the vehicle, and purchase compulsory automotive civil liability insurance.

Electric motorcycles form a separate category, defined as vehicles with electric motors above 4 kW and speeds over 50 kph. Operating these models requires an A1 license for riders 18 or older. If the motor capacity exceeds 11 kW, riders must hold an A license, the same license required for gasoline motorbikes over 125 cc.