Legal issues with electric bikes/scooters

[lassebasse]

I wonder what applies to electric bicycles and scooters?

Are they legal and can they be driven on public roads?

Can or should they be registered and can they be insured?

I am almost 80 years old and starting to feel unsure about my old Honda Click and am starting to think about something three-wheeled and electric, a bicycle or a scooter.

Wondering about three-wheeled bicycles. Are they always bicycles when they have pedals or do they become motorcycles when they have an engine? I think I saw in another thread that when the engine is more than 500W, they are motorcycles?

If there is a regulation that classifies them, the follow-up question is whether they should be registered?

Electric scooters, are they legal and should they be registered? Can they be insured.

I would be grateful if someone could clarify these issues.

[johng]

2 minutes ago, lassebasse said:

I am almost 80 years old

 

Get a car and chauffeur  😛

[scooterboy]

Yes, mate - I'm pretty much in the same situation as yourself and likewise wondering the same things about electric bikes/scooters.

 

So come on guys, help to fill us in with some good info - please. 😁

[fredwiggy]

Yes, they're legal. I found this for you.....Licensing: While the Department of Land Transport (DLT) suggests that electric scooters are not considered "engines" like motorcycles, you still need a motorcycle license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally operate one in Thailand.Insurance: Without the proper license, your travel insurance may not cover accidents or injuries related to scooter use..If involved in an accident, not having the correct license may void your insurance coverage.Safety: Always wear a helmet, drive responsibly, and be aware of other road users.Fines: Riding without the proper license can result in fines.........Three-wheeled bicycles with motors, including those with sidecars, are generally legal in Thailand if they meet specific regulations regarding power and speed, and if they are properly registered and inspected. Electric bicycles with motors under 0.25 kW and a maximum speed of 25 km/h do not require registration. However, anything exceeding those parameters, like trikes or sidecar motorcycles, may require registration and a license......For electric tricycles, the Department of Land Transport requires a minimum motor power of 4 kW and a top speed of at least 45 km/h for them to be registered and legal for public roads 

 

. ............https://thepattayanews.com/2024/05/20/legal-corner-what-is-the-legal-status-of-electronic-scooters-in-thailand/

 

 

 

 

 

[Kinnock]

I think the law is a little vague on smaller e-bikes.

 

For electric bikes that have a top speed over 45 KPH and over 250 kw it's clearer ..... they need to be taxed and licensed and you need a motorcycle licence.

 

Under this limit is where it's not so clear.  When I bought my small e-scooter (E-M5) from HomePro a few years ago, they said as it's low powered and has pedals, it does not need licensing, but they also said a new law is on the way .... but it didn't happen.

 

My bike seems to be limited to 30KPH, as even downhill it will not exceed 30, but can maintain 30KPH two-up on the flat.

 

I don't think my e-bike could be properly licensed anyway, as it has no dip beam for the headlight, and no brake light.

 

I use my proper motorcycle for anything involving major roads, but for local trips to 7-11 etc it's ideal, and the police have never shown an interest.

[VocalNeal]

23 hours ago, lassebasse said:

I am almost 80 years old and starting to feel unsure about my old Honda Click

 

Your Click will last for ever? I don't know where you are. Rhetorical.

In Pattaya I have seen scooters with training like wheels attached where the rear passenger grab rail bolts to the frame.

Not technically a three wheeler but...

[JBChiangRai]

The test is whether it has pedals.  If it has pedals then no licence is required.

 

If it's a 3 or 4 wheeled transport that's clearly for the infirm, I doubt you're going to have a problem unless you're speeding (sic) or involved in an accident.

[tandor]

On 7/19/2025 at 4:52 PM, lassebasse said:

I wonder what applies to electric bicycles and scooters?

Are they legal and can they be driven on public roads?

Can or should they be registered and can they be insured?

I am almost 80 years old and starting to feel unsure about my old Honda Click and am starting to think about something three-wheeled and electric, a bicycle or a scooter.

Wondering about three-wheeled bicycles. Are they always bicycles when they have pedals or do they become motorcycles when they have an engine? I think I saw in another thread that when the engine is more than 500W, they are motorcycles?

If there is a regulation that classifies them, the follow-up question is whether they should be registered?

Electric scooters, are they legal and should they be registered? Can they be insured.

I would be grateful if someone could clarify these issues.

Department of Land Transport will answer all your questions.

[EVENKEEL]

On 7/19/2025 at 2:57 AM, johng said:

Get a car and chauffeur  😛

Excellent advice. If you're unsure about riding a Click then why would you assume an electric one is safer? 

 

I cringe when I see old people riding these 3 wheel or 2 wheel electric do hickeys around, and often with little kids. Often with cars hauling ass to work in the morning. I see them every morning taking the kid to school.

 

I gave my kid instructions to never, ever under any circumstance let me own or drive one of those.