Do electric vehicles require a driver's license?
2 Answers
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.
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.
