by , on Jun 30, 2021 02:45:19 PM

Transport Malta’s Sustainable Mobility Unit has issued Guidelines for the Regulations of the Micromobility Class and devised a proposed regulatory framework compiled to address technology advancement and new travelling habits coupled with the high risk safety factor that accompanies the technologies falling under the Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEV) classification. The proposed regulations shall cover, exclusively, e-kickscooters.

Proposed regulations applying to e-kickscooters

The main highlights of the proposed regulations are the following:

• E-kickscooters to be adequately insured as well as registered (Euro 11.65) and licenced with TM (Euro 25 annually);
• Drivers must have a driving licence (Cat A, B and AM) and be over 18 years of age;
• The scooters must be equipped with a headlamp and a tail lamp;
• The maximum speed limit in promenades and pedestrian zones is 10 km/h whilst on other roads it is 20 km/h;
• High-visibility vests must be worn in the hours between dusk and dawn;
• Use on arterial and distributor roads (as defined) and under tunnels or underpasses is prohibited;
• The implementation of a safe cycle route network and identified parking spaces;
• All traffic-related regulations shall apply equally to e-kickscooters, including the requirement to stop at pedestrian crossings and at red-light junctions;

e-kickscooter Sharing Services

Envisaging ‘Mobility-as-a-Service’, the proposed framework also seeks to regulate e-kickscooter sharing operations (free floating or with docking stations) whereby operators can apply for a licence from TM. The licence will be issued for a one year period, subject to renewal against a fee of Euro 200, with the fee of Euro 25 per scooter per year chargeable to the operator. Notably, such sharing service would need to be accompanied by a web-based real time booking system.

Implementation of e-kickscooter regulations

The above shall be implemented in terms of a revision to Part III Subsidiary Legislation 65.26 ‘Low-Powered Vehicles and Pedal Cycles Regulations’, and other PLEV (pedal cycles, power assisted cycles and pedelecs, mopeds, light quadricycles, self-balancing vehicles and very low-speed vehicles) shall continue to be regulated in terms of the respective parts of the mentioned legislation.

What’s next?

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