Back to Resources

Research Report 621 Regulations and safety for electric bicycles and other low-powered vehicles

Published: | Category: Safety, security and public health , Research programme , Research & reports | Audiences: General, Motorists, Walkers & cyclists

This research report presents a review of overseas legislation, technology trends, market and safety analyses for low-powered, low-speed vehicles.

These vehicles include electric bicycles, mobility scooters, self-balancing devices and other personal mobility or wheeled recreational devices.

Current New Zealand LPV legislation is based only on motor power and how certain LPVs may be used. In all other countries reviewed, top motor-assisted speed is regulated.

The report assesses various regulatory and non-regulatory options for improving safety while supporting technological innovation and mode choice options in New Zealand.

Keywords: e-bike, electric bicycle, electrically power-assisted cycle (EPAC), e-skateboard, e-unicycle (EUC), hoverboard, legislation, low-powered vehicle (LPV), mobility scooter, New Zealand, pedelec, power-assisted bicycle (PAB), regulation, Segway, self-balancing, wheeled recreational deviceRR 621 Keywords: e-bike, electric bicycle, electrically power-assisted cycle (EPAC), e-skateboard, e-unicycle (EUC), hoverboard, legislation, low-powered vehicle (LPV), mobility scooter, New Zealand, pedelec, power-assisted bicycle (PAB), regulation, Segway, self-balancing, wheeled recreational device

Publication details

  • Author:
  • Published: July 2017
  • Reference: 621
  • ISBN/ISSN: 978-1-98-851239-6