New e-mobility riding rules in force from April 1st in Latvia

New rules on the use of micromobility solutions such as electric scooters come into force on April 1st.

"With these amendments to the regulations, we are introducing a clearer and more understandable procedure for the daily use of various means of transportation. The goal is to balance the interests of all road users, especially protecting pedestrians - children and seniors - to organize movement on sidewalks in cities and to promote a respectful movement culture in general," said Minister of Transport Atis Švinka (Progressives).

The new rules contain various age and other restrictions on the use of micromobility tools as well as a new definition of a 'self-powered bicycle' in addition to the existing bicycle, electric bicycle, and electric scooter.

According to the rules, the use of electric vehicles of all kinds will only be possible from 14 years of age, and the use of commercial shared-use electric vehicles will only be possible from 18 years of age.

The use of helmets will be obligatory until and including the age of 17 and compulsory OCTA insurance will be required for self-powered bicycles and electric scooters (but not electric bicycles) as well as compulsory registration with the CSDD road traffic authority.

Rental of e-mobility tools will require users to undergo an alcohol test – so if you're thinking of having a few beers and whizzing round Rīga on a scooter, you're in for disappointment.

Starting on May 1, self-powered bicycles that are not registered with the CSDD will not be allowed to participate in road traffic. At the same time, regulations on mandatory civil liability insurance for self-propelled bicycles come into force on May 1. Registration of a self-propelled bicycle can in theory be carried out remotely via the CSDD website, but, taking into account the diversity of these vehicles, in some cases a self-propelled bicycle will have to be registered in person at one of the CSDD customer service centers.

A summary of the changes (in Latvian) is available here.

Director of the Consumer Rights Protection Center, Zaiga Liepiņa said: “It is important that consumers carefully study the information provided by the manufacturer and seller before purchasing micromobility vehicles. For example, they make sure that there is a plate on the self-propelled body of the bicycle indicating the manufacturer's name, vehicle category and type, VIN number and type approval marking, and whether this information matches the information provided by the manufacturer in the documents. We also call on merchants to comply with regulatory requirements in good faith and offer only appropriate micromobility vehicles on the market.”