It’s becoming more common every day to see people of all ages—children, young people, and seniors—using electric bicycles or scooters as a means of transportation. Whether for fun or convenience, these vehicles have become an economical and efficient option for getting around the city.
However, there is a legal loophole, as there is currently no clear law regulating their use, but that’s about to change. In Autopistas, we explain which vehicles will be covered by these new rules and what implications they will have.
Why regulate them if they’re efficient?
You may be wondering, if these vehicles have made life easier for many, why complicate it with regulations? The problem lies in where they travel. We see them between lanes on avenues, in bike lanes, and even parked on sidewalks, obstructing pedestrian traffic. All of this has contributed to an increase in traffic chaos and accidents.
What does the Mexico City government propose?
The head of government, Clara Brugada, has already spoken out on the issue. She proposed a reform to the Mobility Law and the Traffic Regulations, focused on regulating VEMEPE (Personal Electric Motorized Vehicles). According to an official statement from the city government, they will be classified as follows:
Electric motorcycles
What are they? Vehicles with handlebars, one or two seats, two or more wheels, and capable of exceeding 25 km/h (15.5 mph).
What regulations will electric motorcycles have?
Mandatory license plate and registration card
Mandatory helmet use
Drive with lights on
They may not use bike paths, designated lanes, or sidewalks
They must comply with the same regulations as combustion-powered motorcycles
Electric scooters and scooters
What are they? Vehicles that require human propulsion, with pedals and an electric motor. Their maximum speed will be 25 km/h (15.5 mph).
What regulations will electric scooters and scooters have?
They will be allowed to ride on bike paths
On streets without bicycle infrastructure, they must use the right lane
They must indicate lane changes with hand signals
They will have priority over non-motorized vehicles
Changes to the law regulating electric motorcycles
Mobility Law:
Article 9, sections 23 and 23 BIS: will define what an electric motorcycle is based on its speed, number of seats, and type of wheels
Articles 64 and 137: homologation of electric motorcycles
Traffic Regulations:
Articles 117 and 120: establish clear rules for electric motorcycles, equivalent to those for combustion-powered motorcycles
Articles 21, 37, 45, and 47: require the use of helmets or anti-reflective vests and require riding conditions
These reforms seek to bring order to electric motorcycles, which are already part of everyday life in the city. The goal, according to the government, is to curb its misuse, although it also makes us wonder if it’s just another way to extract more money from the capital’s residents. Well, time will tell how effective these measures will be.
Source: eluniversal
