Starting on Nov. 30, newly purchased electric bicycles must have license plates, while bikes already in use must be fitted with plates within two years, the Directorate-General of Highways (DGH) said on Friday.
The agency previously did not require electric bikes to have plates due to their relatively low maximum speed, but accidents involving them have necessitated their regulation, Directorate-General of Highways Deputy Director-General Chang Shun-ching (張舜清) said.
About 5,800 accidents involving electric bikes occurred between January and August, killing 33 people, Chang said, adding that there were 4,900 accidents over the same period last year.
Photo: CNA
The incidents have raised concerns about a lack of insurance policies for electric bikes, and the inability to identify drivers who have illegally modified their bikes, or are speeding or contravening other traffic rules, he said.
The regulations would define electric bikes as small two-wheeled electric vehicles with a maximum speed of 25kph and a weight of up to 40kg without the battery or a total weight of up to 60kg, Chang said.
The registration plate would have two letters from the Latin alphabet and a five-digit number, he said.
Driving an electric bike without a license or in a lane not reserved for that type of vehicle would result in a fine of NT$1,200 to NT$3,600, Chang said.
The Financial Supervisory Commission — which is drawing up a tentative insurance scheme — has said that insurance premiums would cost NT$539 for one year or NT$1,990 for five years, he said.
Applicants must apply at a motor vehicle office with their identity card or Alien Resident Certificate, personal stamp, the vehicle’s certificate of origin and purchase invoice, and an insurance certificate, he said, adding that the processing fee would cost NT$450.
Migrant workers may apply with a note from their employer and relevant certificates, Chang added.
He said that additional details are available in multiple languages at www.mvdis.gov.tw/m3-emv-car/car/electricBicycles/eBicyclesDoc.
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