Do electric vehicles require a driver's license?

[SanDavid]

Electric vehicles require a driver's license, only those that do not meet the standards of motor vehicles do not require a driver's license. According to the technical requirements for the safe operation of motor vehicles, any electric vehicle that weighs more than 40 kilograms or has a speed exceeding 20 kilometers per hour is classified as a motor vehicle. Driving an electric vehicle that meets the standards of a motor vehicle is considered driving a motor vehicle. According to China's Road Traffic Safety Law, any motor vehicle must obtain a driver's license and be registered before it can be driven on the road. If an electric vehicle does not meet the national standards for motor vehicles and is classified as a non-motor vehicle type, it does not need to be registered or require a driver's license to be driven on the road.

[BentleyMarie]

As a driving school instructor, I often get asked this question, and it really depends on what type of electric vehicle you have. If you're riding an electric bicycle—the kind with a speed under 25 km/h and equipped with pedals—then you definitely don't need a license; you can ride it directly. However, if it's an electric moped or electric motorcycle, which fall under the category of motor vehicles, you must obtain a D or E license to ride legally. I've seen many people treat high-speed electric bikes as bicycles, only to be stopped by traffic police, fined, and even have their vehicles confiscated, which is a real loss. With traffic regulations becoming increasingly strict, I recommend confirming the vehicle type before purchasing to avoid finding out you need a license only after hitting the road.

[AngeloLee]

I specialize in auto insurance claims, and from a legal liability perspective, here's the issue in simple terms: it depends on what license plate your e-bike has. Vehicles with blue or yellow plates are classified as motor vehicles, and according to traffic laws, driving a motor vehicle requires a corresponding driver's license. E-bikes with green plates don't require a license, but some cities still mandate helmet use. The key point is that riding the wrong type of vehicle has serious legal consequences—getting caught means driving without a license, and insurance will deny claims. My advice is to check local regulations before riding, or simply refer to the vehicle type listed on the purchase invoice for the most reliable information.

[SanLaura]

Those who frequently follow the news are aware that traffic police have recently been cracking down on unlicensed electric vehicle drivers. According to national standards, any electric vehicle with a speed exceeding 25 km/h is classified as an electric motorcycle, requiring a motorcycle license to operate legally on the road. I personally witnessed a neighbor's newly purchased electric motorcycle being impounded on the spot for lacking the proper license. This issue is fundamentally about public safety, as improperly operated high-speed vehicles can be hazardous. It's advisable to first check the vehicle's classification at the DMV and enroll in license training early if required, ensuring both safety and legal compliance.

[VonPeyton]

Looking at this issue from a rider's perspective is more interesting. I've personally ridden both shared e-bikes and my own electric motorcycle. Shared bikes are generally hassle-free—just scan and ride. But my new electric motorcycle is different; I had to get a Class D license first because its power reaches 1800W. Remember this tip: any e-bike that can ride on motor vehicle lanes definitely requires a license. I recommend checking the new national standards on your local DMV website or asking the dealer directly for the quickest answer. Safe riding is what matters most—don't risk driving without a license.