Could riders hoping to get their motorcycle license soon be able to take the exam on an electric bike? That’s the case in Belgium after a new policy goes into effect, and it could spread elsewhere.
Class 3 e-bikes that can reach up to 28 mph (45 km/h) are common in the US, and they don’t require any special license to ride them. But in much of Europe, these fast electric bicycles are considered to be their own class of “speed pedelecs” and fall under limited regulation including requiring a license plate and an AM license.
An AM license is the lowest level of motorcycle license in much of Europe, allowing riders to operate low-power motorcycles and scooters – usually up to 50cc engine capacity and with speeds up to 28 mph (45 km/h).
To receive an AM license riders nearly always take the test on a scooter – usually a 50cc-style combustion…