The Ministry of Transport (SM) has developed and submitted for coordination amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations regarding the requirement for mandatory civil liability (OCTA) insurance for various other micromobility tools, including monowheels, electric skateboards, and other electric sports devices, the ministry reported.
According to the ministry, this would increase responsibility and ensure compensation in the event of an accident, while also reducing conflicts with other road users, as stated in the Legal Acts Portal.
The ministry notes that the Saeima has approved in the third reading amendments to the Road Traffic Law, which stipulate that, depending on the technical parameters of a two-wheeled vehicle, bicycle-like vehicles will be divided into three groups with different traffic regulations.
Until now, the law contained a single definition for all bicycles with power up to one kilowatt (kW) and a maximum electric-assist speed of 25 kilometers per hour (km/h). Now, the law establishes different regulations, dividing bicycles into three groups based on their technical characteristics.
The first group includes bicycles powered solely by muscle force — pedals or levers.
There are no changes to the existing regulations for bicycles. Cyclists may use roads from the age of ten, must have a bicycle permit, and wear a helmet until the age of sixteen. Bicycles may be used on sidewalks. Registration is recommended, as it helps recover the vehicle in case of theft, the ministry emphasized.
The second group includes electric bicycles that may have additional electric drive power up to 250 watts (W), which cuts off once the speed exceeds 25 km/h. Thus, the motor only assists while pedaling. Riders can use these vehicles from the age of fourteen, and registration remains voluntary. The same requirements as for regular bicycles apply, including mandatory helmet use until the age of sixteen and possession of a bicycle permit.
The third group includes self-propelled bicycles with power up to one kilowatt and a maximum speed of up to 25 km/h, where the motor operates even when the pedals are not being used. It is planned that such vehicles will not be allowed on sidewalks and, from February 1, 2026, will require mandatory registration and OCTA insurance. Riders will be allowed to use them from the age of fourteen, and wearing a helmet will be mandatory until the age of sixteen.
Starting from May 1, 2026, riding an unregistered vehicle or without OCTA insurance will be subject to a fine.
The amendments also provide that all shared mobility service providers must ensure verification of the user’s age, driving license, and reaction ability. The solution will be integrated into the provider’s mobile application — for example, before accessing the service, users will need to complete a logic or reaction test, which would likely be impossible for someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
LETA previously reported that the Saeima on November 6 adopted amendments to the Road Traffic Law prepared by the Ministry of Transport, which introduce a reaction test for alcohol or other intoxicating substances before the use of shared vehicles.
The amendments stipulate that, before providing the service, the shared mobility operator must verify the user’s age, driving rights, and reaction ability through the electronic application or website. If service providers fail to implement age or license verification, they will be fined between €70 and €350. If the reaction test is not provided, the operator may also be fined from €70 to €350.
The amendments further stipulate that self-propelled bicycles must have valid OCTA insurance.
If a self-propelled bicycle is used in road traffic without OCTA, the owner will be fined between €125 and €200.
Self-propelled bicycles will also require mandatory registration. Operating such a vehicle in road traffic without registration will result in a fine for the rider ranging from €30 to €70.
The requirement for shared mobility providers to introduce reaction tests will come into force on April 1, 2026. The transition period for the mandatory registration of self-propelled bicycles will run from February 1 to April 30, 2026. If self-propelled bicycles are not registered by May 1, 2026, their riders will be fined.
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