Transport Malta said today that since users of Power Assisted Pedal Cycles may not be fully aware of their legal requirements, it will be rolling out a campaign over the coming weeks  to educate them on the various administrative and safety rules they have to observe.

In a statement following a call for better regulation in the wake of a serious incident in Fleur-de-Lys, Transport Malta said that motorized bicycles fall under the definition of Power Assisted Pedal Cycles and are regulated through the Low-Powered Vehicles and Pedal Cycles Regulations, Subsidiary Legislation 65.26. These regulations stipulate that:

The riders must be at least 16 years of age;

Riders must be in possession of a legally valid identification document;

Riders must either have a valid driving licence in any category, or must be in possession of a permit/tag issued by Transport Malta after having passed a theory test with on the knowledge of the Highway Code;

Riders must wear a helmet that is securely fastened and must wear reflective strips or vests in the dark;

The power assisted pedal cycle must be registered with Transport Malta at a cost of €11.65 and:

Must have an output of not more than 250 watts and a maximum speed of 25km/hr;

The bike must be fitted with a speedometer;

In the case of an internal combustion engine, must have a completely exhaust system emitting a sound level of not more than 91dbA (this is tested using Transport Malta equipment);

The bike must be fitted with a plate indicating the manufacturer, the continuous rated output of the motor, and the nominal voltage in the case of an electric motor;

It must have an identification number stamped on the frame, which if not available can be stamped by Transport Malta;

It must have an effective braking system;

It must have a mechanism that disconnects power from the motor unless sustained action is maintained by the rider;

It must be fitted with a functional bell or horn to give sufficient warning of its approach or position;

It must be fitted with a well-positioned single front white lamp, rear red lamp or red reflector when used in the dark.

Such bikes cannot be ridden along a promenade, on footpaths, in pedestrian subways or through road tunnels. They must be ridden in the direction of traffic, keeping to the nearside left as much as possible and must observe all traffic regulations, signs and road markings applicable for all other vehicles. Only one person should ride unless it is designed to carry more than one person.

Since these Cycles are also considered to be Motor Vehicles, they must be insured for third party risks in accordance with the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third-Party Risks) Ordinance (Chapter 104).

"Transport Malta recognizes that users of these Power Assisted Pedal Cycles may not be fully aware of these requirements, and will be rolling out a campaign over the coming weeks, to educate them on the various administrative and safety requirements of these Power Assisted Pedal Cycles. Transport Malta will also be communicating directly with known importers and suppliers of these Cycles to ensure that they are fully aware of these requirements, to be able to guide their clients when buying such Power Assisted Pedal Cycles, TM said.

In the meantime, anyone who is already in possession and making use of a Power Assisted Pedal Cycle, which is not yet registered with Transport Malta, is to immediately contact Transport Malta for an inspection to take place, and to have it registered since penalties apply for unregistered cycles.

For further information or information relating to the requirements before purchasing and/or using a Power Assisted Pedal Cycle people can call on 21222203/80072393/80072309 or email on info.tm@transport.gov.mt