Can an E license drive high-displacement motorcycles?
3 Answers
E license can drive all licensed two-wheeled motorcycles. Permitted vehicle types for E license: The permitted vehicle types for E license are two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement greater than 50ml or a maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h. Permitted vehicle types for A1 license: The permitted vehicle types for A1 license are large passenger vehicles and all vehicle types that can be driven with A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, and M licenses. Permitted vehicle types for A2 license: The permitted vehicle types for A2 license are heavy and medium-sized full trailers, semi-trailer motor vehicle combinations, and all vehicle types that can be driven with B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, and M licenses.
I was also curious about this question when I just got my Class E license. In China's driver's license system, the Class E license is designed for riding two-wheeled motorcycles, covering all motorcycles with an engine displacement over 50cc. Whether it's a small 250cc or a large 1000cc superbike, it's legal to ride on the road. As a frequent rider, I must remind you that big-displacement bikes are no joke – their rapid acceleration and poor stability when cornering can easily cause new riders to panic and lose control. I suggest renting a small-displacement bike to practice for six months after getting your license, then upgrading to a bigger bike when you're more experienced. Another downside of big bikes is their high fuel consumption – you'll spend 100-200 yuan more per month on gas compared to small bikes. They're only worth it for long-distance rides; for daily commuting, a 250cc is perfectly adequate. Remember: safety first, always wear your helmet – no exceptions.
From my over ten years of experience riding motorcycles, an E license does indeed allow you to ride any large-displacement two-wheel motorcycle. Officially, the requirement is for engines above 50cc with no upper limit. However, high-displacement bikes like those over 600cc have immense power and demand skilled control. Don’t assume that just having a license means you can recklessly speed. I’ve seen many beginners jump straight to high-displacement bikes and end up in the hospital from crashes. It’s best to start with smaller bikes around 250cc to gradually adapt to cornering and braking techniques. Additionally, maintaining high-displacement bikes is more demanding—their engine components are precision-made, requiring regular checks on the chain and fuel system to avoid breakdowns mid-ride. In short, while the law permits it, I recommend considering your actual skill level and riding cautiously for long-term safety.
