Can an E License Drive an Electric Tricycle?
2 Answers
An E license cannot drive an electric tricycle; a D license is required. Below is relevant information about motorcycle licenses: Categories: Currently, there are three types of motorcycle licenses in China—F, E, and D. An F license only permits driving lightweight motorcycles with an engine displacement below 50CC, but this type of license is rarely pursued. An E license allows driving any two-wheeled motorcycle regardless of displacement, with no restrictions on engine size. A D license permits driving all two-wheeled and three-wheeled motorcycles. Therefore, if you hold an E license, you can drive all two-wheeled motorcycles, as there is no separate license for large-displacement motorcycles. Definition: A motorcycle is a two or three-wheeled vehicle powered by a gasoline engine, steered by handlebars to control the front wheel. It is lightweight, flexible, fast, and widely used for patrols, passenger and cargo transport, as well as sports equipment.
I've been riding two-wheeled motorcycles for over a decade, and the E license is specifically for two-wheelers. If you want to ride an electric tricycle, that's definitely not allowed—you'll need to upgrade to a D license. When I was younger, I didn't know this rule. Once, I helped a neighbor transport goods on a tricycle and got pulled over by traffic police, fined 500 RMB, and had points deducted. Electric tricycles are heavy and have a high center of gravity—the E license doesn't cover how to handle steering and braking, making them prone to tipping over and causing accidents. Later, I went to driving school for the D license, spending a month on theory and practical training, practicing sharp turns and load balancing. Safety comes first—don't cut corners to save money or time. I recommend checking with your local vehicle management office or looking up regulations online, as some areas enforce strict penalties, and violators might even face detention. Only legal operation ensures peace of mind on the road.
