Only in Malta

103Alex1

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 29, 2012
2,228
67

Croxden

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jan 26, 2013
2,134
1,384
North Staffs
Petty minded politicians (MORONS) You have my fullest sympathy.
You have to remember the definition of a politician is that they are 'someone who always knows what's best for someone else'.
Where ever they hang out.
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,485
30,801
Sorry to hear this Phil, what an odd lot your regulators are, adopting the EU provisions but not the EU classification of them remaining bicycles. And as for the 16 years age requirement, apart from Britain's petty 14 years one, Malta really is out on a limb this side of the planet.

Emigrate?
 

Scimitar

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jul 31, 2010
1,772
40
Ireland
I wonder if there's a well-established bicycle importer in Malta who isn't into doing electric bikes and has greased the palm or whispered in the ear of a government lackey? I imagine the prospect of a flood of self-imported electric bikes might put the willies up someone who would be inclined to plead for a bit of protectionism from a 'friend in the government'.
 

maltesephil

Finding my (electric) wheels
Sep 6, 2012
15
0
I bought mine locally and the dealer told me not to reg the back as its against eu rules. i got this online

DIRECTIVE 2002/24/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL
of 18 March 2002 relating to the type-approval of two or three-wheel motor vehicles and repealing Council
Directive 92/61/EEC

This Directive does not apply to the following vehicles:

(h) cycles with pedal assistance which are equipped with an auxiliary electric motor having a maximum continuous rated power of 0,25 kW, of which the output is progressively reduced and finally cut off as the vehicle reaches a speed of 25 km/h, or sooner, if the cyclist stops pedalling,
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,485
30,801
Correct Phil. That 2002/24/EC order came into force for all EU countries on 9th May 2003 with a deadline for implementation of 10th November 2003. The EU countries were separately told at the same time to remove all conflicting national legislation.

Unfortunately that doesn't preclude any country having it's own additional e-bike legislation on their usage, as opposed to construction. In the UK the old EAPC 200 watts assist limit law remained in force as well, stating that registration was necessary for anything over that. We in the UK ignored that and after years of 250 watt e-bikes coming onto the road the authorities have accepted that inevitability and have said they will change the law to suit.

So for you it all depends on the attitude of your authorities. Where e-bike usage is concerned, they can enforce whatever they like.
 

maltesephil

Finding my (electric) wheels
Sep 6, 2012
15
0
"Where e-bike usage is concerned, they can enforce whatever they like."

well they don't enforce seat belt / drink driving / insert any other laws here either so i won't hold my breath :)
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,485
30,801
Really depressing attitudes they have in their government. At least pedelecs are now legal there without insurance etc, which I suppose is a major step forward from what maltesephil faced originally.