At the conclusion of Adrian J. Galea’s letter All Vehicles Should Have Road Licences (May 22) reference is made to a “problem” which already exists in relation to motorised bicycles that are not required to hold an annual road licence. Such a “problem” might exist in the case of bicycles or mopeds equipped with a small internal combustion petrol engine but this does not apply to electric bicycles driven by a rechargeable battery.
When discussing “motorised” bicycles it is therefore important to distinguish between these two types before making sweeping statements. Online commentators also often equate the environmentally-friendly and slow electric bicycle with the noisy and dangerously fast, customised petrol-driven bikes. The huge difference between these two needs to be emphasised yet again.
Electric bicycles are undergoing rapid development and are destined to become a popular means of transport. They have an important potential to make a significant contribution to clean, healthy mobility. Such bicycles are suited to the hilly conditions in Malta.
The EU treats electric bicycles as normal bicycles in order to encourage electric bicycle use alongside normal bicycles both as a form of environmentally-clean mobility and as a means of relieving traffic congestion. As a consequence, the EU places no restrictions whatsoever on electric bicycles which conform to the adopted definition of “pedelec”. These are electric bicycles which are activated by pedalling and not by a handle-bar throttle or switch. These bicycles are also incapable of a speed greater than 25 km/h.
By virtue of article 1 (h) of EU Directive 2002/24/EC such electric “pedelec” bicycles are regarded as “normal” bicycles because, unlike bicycles fitted with petrol engines, electrically assisted bicycles are incapable of high speeds. In fact, one can pedal faster on the level than the electric motor will drive it. Moreover, electric bicycles handle exactly like normal bicycles because the motor provides only slight traction and the rider has to pedal to keep the bicycle in motion. The electric traction of a pedelec only becomes noticeable (and useful) when climbing hills because the rider is not unduly slowed down by having to ascend in low gear.
Finally, bicycle insurance or annual licensing is non-existent in countries where the bicycle is a major form of transport – as Denmark or Holland. The electric bicycle is also exempt in the hope that this will encourage its popularity as acceptable alternative method of commuting which can beat traffic jams and contribute to decreasing traffic congestion and pollution. Everything must therefore be done to encourage such forms of healthy transport.