Do electric tricycles require a driver's license?
4 Answers
Because up to now, electric vehicles powered by electricity are still classified as non-motorized vehicles under current regulations, drivers do not need to obtain a driver's license. The following is an extended introduction about driver's licenses: Basic Information: In China, the definition of a driver's license is: A motor vehicle driver's license is a legal certificate issued by the administrative authorities after a person who is legally allowed to learn to drive a motor vehicle has studied, mastered traffic regulations and driving skills, and passed the examination by the management department, permitting them to drive a certain type of motor vehicle. International Definition: Internationally, the definition of a driver's license is: "A document issued by the competent authorities to permit the driving of a vehicle in order to drive a car." The permission to drive a vehicle is realized through the issuance of a driver's license. This indicates that obtaining a driver's license is a formal act that must be issued by a specialized authority.
Having delivered goods with electric tricycles in our countryside for over a decade, I know all too well about the licensing requirements. Simply put, any tricycle capable of exceeding 25 km/h or with a motor over 400 watts will definitely require a Category D license from traffic police. Back when I drove old gasoline-powered tricycles, no license was needed, but after switching to electric two years ago, I got stopped twice. Now I’ve obediently obtained my D license—paid 800 yuan training fee at the DMV, passed the slalom and hill-start tests, and that was it. Oh, and if your cargo bed exceeds 1.5 meters or has a canopy, cops scrutinize it more strictly. My advice: get yellow plates at the DMV, or you’ll risk losing your vehicle during holiday deliveries—a costly mistake.
I just got my tricycle license last year, so let me give you some practical advice. Under the new national standards, most electric tricycles now require a license, mainly based on vehicle weight and speed. If it exceeds 55 kg or has a top speed over 25 km/h, you must have a D-class license to ride it on the road. Getting the license isn’t too hard—the medical checkup and exam fees cost just over 600 yuan, but you’ll need to practice at a driving school for three days. The worst part is some dealers claim you don’t need a license, only for you to get fined 200 yuan when caught riding without one. Also, a heads-up: people over 60 can’t get a D-class license, so if they want to ride, they’ll have to opt for those small pedal-assist tricycles.
My family runs a hardware store, and we use an electric tricycle for daily goods transportation. Whether this type of vehicle requires a license mainly depends on three labels: if the certification states 'electric positive three-wheeled motorcycle,' then a D-class license is needed; if it has pedals for cycling and weighs under 55 kg, it might be classified as a light motorcycle; the safest way is to check the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology catalog. Last year, Old Wang from the neighboring shop hit someone with his unregistered vehicle and had to pay 30,000 yuan in compensation, with no insurance coverage. It's advisable to spend some money to get a license and also purchase compulsory traffic insurance and third-party liability insurance—it's more cost-effective than facing a fine.
