In the new rules we find concepts such as 'urban cycle road', 'cycle lane' and 'cycle zone', establishing specific rules for circulation. We also find overtaking, safety distances and the use of alcohol and drugs regulated. The bill is currently in the parliamentary process with the aim of coming into force by the end of the year.
E-BIKE
By electric bicycle (e-bike) we define those vehicles that work thanks to an auxiliary electric motor that assists the user's pedaling. Those "bikes" that accelerate without the help of our legs, or those bikes that do not respect the 25km/h limit, are exempt from this concept.
To be compliant, an e-bike must have a maximum power that does not exceed 250 W and pedal assistance that stops once it reaches 25 km/h. I'm sharing one of our articles where the various definitions of e-bikes are well explained.
REGULATIONS 2023/2024
Please remember that this is still a bill and is not in force (article written in November 2023). Inside we find many regulations regarding the motorist but we will focus on the bike side.
DIVISION OF BIKES
Experts in the sector already know the different types of bikes, but they will in all respects be highlighted by a law:
Pedelec with pedals (L1e-A): pedal-assisted bicycles with a maximum auxiliary motor power of 1 kW and a maximum speed of 25 km/h;
S-pedelec (L1e-B): pedal-assisted bicycles with a maximum auxiliary motor power of 4 kW and a maximum speed of 45 km/h;
Electric mopeds (L1e): electric bicycles with a maximum auxiliary engine power of 4 kW and a maximum speed of 45 km/h.
To be able to travel on the roads, these electric bicycles must be approved and comply with the power and speed limits set by regulation 168/2013. Obviously, owners of electric bicycles must respect European traffic regulations, including the Highway Code.
In Italy, the European regulations on the circulation of electric bikes have been implemented through Legislative Decree 14 December 2019, n. 151. This decree provides that approved electric bicycles can circulate on public roads and cycle paths, while they are prohibited in pedestrian areas and in some limited traffic areas. The decree provides for the obligation of lights and position lights for electric bicycles, as well as for normal bicycles.
Urban Cycling Roads
The concept of an “urban cycle road” is an urban road with a single carriageway that has a speed limit of no more than 30 km/h and where priority must be given to bicycles. On these roads, bicycles can occupy any position on the roadway.
Cycle lane
The "cycle lane" is the longitudinal part of the roadway on the right, dedicated to the circulation of bicycles on urban roads. Motor vehicles must give way to bicycles in the marked cycle lane. Furthermore, the cycle lane can be used for two-way cycle traffic on one-way urban streets with a speed limit of 30 km/h or lower.
Cycling area
The “cycling zone” is an urban area with specific traffic rules and priorities for bicycles. Municipalities can limit or exclude certain categories of vehicles from the "cycling zone" and implement traffic calming measures.
The speed limit in these areas is 30 km/h and motor vehicles must pay particular attention to pedestrians and cyclists.
Cycling Certification Area
The “cycle buffer zone” is a section of the road between two stop lines, designated for cyclists waiting at the traffic lights. These zones may be established at certain signalized intersections with only one lane in each direction and a speed limit of 50 km/h or lower.
Motor vehicles must stop before the first continuous line, while the second line indicates the limit for bicycles. Cyclists can change direction within the "cycling area" during the red light phase.
Overtaking and Safety Distances
When overtaking cyclists, motor vehicles must maintain a distance of at least 1,5 metres, taking into account their speed and width. The bill also includes provisions on alcohol and drug use, as well as regulations for scooters and bicycles.
What does the circulation certificate provide for electric vehicles?
The circulation certificate, or registration document, is a mandatory document for all motor vehicles, including some categories of electric bicycles. In particular, for electric bicycles equipped with an engine with a power greater than 250W and a maximum speed greater than 25 km/h, equivalent to mopeds, approval and consequent registration with the competent authorities is required.
The circulation certificate certifies that the vehicle has been approved and complies with European safety regulations. The document contains the vehicle recognition code, the approval expiry date and other relevant information.
For electric bicycles, registration with the competent authorities and obtaining the circulation certificate guarantee not only compliance with the regulations in force, but also the obtaining of the necessary documentation for road circulation.
The circulation certificate is an essential document for electric bicycles, as it certifies the regularity of the vehicle and its compliance with European safety regulations.
Without it, electric bicycles with a power greater than 250W and a maximum speed greater than 25 km/h cannot legally circulate on public roads, risking administrative sanctions and the seizure of the vehicle.
