Do electric motorcycles require a driver's license?
2 Answers
Electric motorcycles also require a driver's license. Here is the relevant information: Classification of electric vehicles: Electric vehicles are divided into two types, electric bicycles and electric motorcycles. The range of an electric vehicle is determined by the capacity of the battery pack. For example, a new electric bicycle with a 48V12A battery can travel about 40 kilometers, while an electric motorcycle with a 48V20A battery can also travel about 40 kilometers. Electric bicycles generally have a 350W controller and a 350W motor. With the same battery, a vehicle with higher power will have greater kinetic energy but a shorter range. Range: The distance an electric vehicle can travel is referred to as the range in the industry. It is not only related to the battery voltage and current but also to the motor type, rated power, output efficiency, and load capacity. Under normal driving conditions, if the motor efficiency reaches 80%, the vehicle can travel about 61 kilometers.
I used to encounter this issue a lot when riding electric motorcycles. From my experience, whether you need a driver's license depends on the type of your electric motorcycle and local regulations. Generally speaking, if the bike has very low power, say under 250 watts, and moves as slowly as a regular bicycle, you might not need a license. But if the power exceeds 350 watts and it can speed up to over 25 kilometers per hour, it falls under the category of a light motorcycle or motorcycle, and you'll definitely need a license and registration. I love traveling and have tried this in different cities: Beijing is strict, requiring a regular motorcycle license; but in smaller towns, some places are more lenient, though it's best not to take the risk—getting caught without a license can lead to fines. My advice is to check the power label on the manual when buying the bike or use a local traffic app on your phone to confirm. Safety first—spend some time getting a license before riding. It’s both legal and gives you peace of mind.