In the modern world, the use of environmentally friendly transport is an acute issue. The leading position is rightfully taken by a bicycle. Every year this vehicle is becoming more and more popular. With extreme congestion, moving on two-wheeled vehicles has clear advantages.
And since a person is constantly striving to improve the objects surrounding him, the bicycle was no exception. Each of us at least once met on the road an “iron horse” equipped with a gasoline or electric motor. In large cities there are quite a lot of them, and they belong to full participants in the movement. So do you need a driver’s license to drive such a bike?
What does the road code say?
A driver’s license is, first of all, evidence that a person driving a vehicle knows the rules of the road, signs, markings and knows how to put this knowledge into practice. In Russia, in order to ride a bicycle, rights are not needed. However, knowledge of traffic rules is simply a necessity, primarily for the life and health of the cyclist himself. But since no one controls this process, few people taking two-wheeled vehicles know all the traffic signs or, for example, the rules for turning at an unregulated intersection.
You can start cycling from any age, the main thing is to choose the right place for this:
- from 3 to 14 years - allowed to ride on the sidewalk and only in the presence of adults;
- from 14 years and above - you can ride on the bicycle lane of the road, if it is not, then on the right or right on the side of the road;
- at any age - it is permissible to ride an "iron horse" on specially equipped bicycle paths.
When a bike becomes a moped
Recently, motor bicycles have become especially popular. This optional part makes driving easier. This is especially noticeable during the overcoming of climbs and slides.
The motor can be of different power, and it depends on it in which vehicle the bike is transformed. According to the generally accepted classification, two-wheeled transport belongs to such categories.
- Bike - it is set in motion by the muscle force acting on the pedals, while maintaining equilibrium. It is allowed to equip an electric generator with a capacity of not more than 250 watts. The maximum speed is 30 km / h.
- Moped, scooter, electric bike - these are mechanical vehicles with a gasoline engine up to 50 cubic meters. see or an electric generator whose power ranges from 0.25 to 4 kW. The permitted speed is up to 50 km / h.
- Motorcycle - A powerful two-wheeled vehicle with a gasoline engine of more than 50 cubic meters. see in volume. It can reach speeds of 100 km / h or more.
Based on this, it turns out that a bicycle with a gas motor or an electric motor of medium power is automatically classified as a moped.
Modern electric bike
Interest in this type of technology is growing rapidly against the backdrop of the fight against environmental pollution. As an environmentally friendly mode of transport, it is very popular, despite the relatively high cost. Of the advantages, it is worth noting the low noise level when driving and the ability to charge from the mains, which is enough for trips up to 70 km.
If the owner of a bicycle with a built-in electric motor believes that he will be able to manage the technical means even without the right to learn traffic rules, he is nevertheless obliged. Knowledge of the road code may not save you from an accident, but it will reduce this probability by several times.
In which case do you need rights?
Based on the same rules of the road, it follows that cyclists whose vehicles are equipped with an electric motor from 250 to 4000 watts or an engine up to 50 cubic meters. see, required to have rights. For such vehicles, the category "M" is provided. If any other category is open, this is only a plus. This fact says that the person driving the bike is familiar with traffic rules, traffic signs and in which case will be able to react correctly in an emergency.
But on the other hand, there is one caveat. A police inspector will not be able to visually determine engine power or engine capacity. He will be able to draw conclusions about the power of the motor based on the speed of the vehicle.
In addition, you can go to control the bike using the pedals. But this trick will not relieve responsibility if an accident occurred due to the carelessness of the cyclist.
The best option for cycling enthusiasts is special paths. Everyone can ride on them, even without having the right. Conditions that cyclists must comply with:
- have a working vehicle;
- use protective equipment (helmet, knee pads, etc.);
- Do not drive while intoxicated or intoxicated;
- for transportation of children under 7 years old, it is mandatory to use child seats
- It is forbidden to transport too heavy or bulky items;
- On a pedestrian crossing, only walk on foot.
The experience of other countries
The right to drive a bicycle, the most common one, can be obtained in Latvia. When a potential cyclist turns 10 years old, he has the opportunity to pass an exam to obtain a document. If, out of 10 exam questions, at least 8 answers are correct, the candidate is entitled.In the case when there are more incorrect answers, you can come for a retake, but you will have to pay a symbolic amount for this service.
The presence or absence of rights is not specifically verified by anyone; they are only required if an offense is committed. Every cyclist in Latvia must wear a safety helmet when riding until he is 12 years old. A child who is 12 years old has the right to decide whether to ride with or without a helmet. Adults who have the right to drive other vehicles can also freely ride a bicycle.
In Germany, they also practice issuing cycling rights. This is done in school, in the 4th grade. Students study the rules of the road as a separate subject, and then pass tests to test their knowledge. Students who successfully pass the test are solemnly awarded the right to drive a bicycle. Whoever failed to pass the first time, you can repeat the procedure, it is free.
For residents of Germany, cycling rights are conditional. Nobody needs to present them, and anyone can ride this type of transport, but only in the places allotted for this.
Historical facts
In Russia, there is experience in issuing documents authorizing driving a bicycle. In the 30s of the last century, all cyclists had to undergo mandatory registration of a vehicle. After that, a number was assigned to him, and a certificate was issued to the owner, which contained:
- name of the document, name of the authority that issued it;
- registration number;
- information about the owner: photo, surname, name, patronymic, place of residence;
- excerpts from traffic rules regarding cyclists.
As practice has shown, this innovation did not bring the desired results. Confusion soon arose with registration numbers and had to give up bicycle rights.
Back in Soviet times, or rather, in 1989 in Belarus there were attempts to make it mandatory to pass an exam in order to gain the opportunity to ride a bicycle freely. They were also unsuccessful. But the fact that in recent years, due to the development of bicycle infrastructure, the death rate of cyclists in road accidents has decreased significantly. The availability of specially designated places for driving helps to reduce road accidents.
The main thing in the management of cycling
In order to follow the rules of the road, you need to know them. Therefore, before going on the road by bicycle, regardless of the presence or absence of a driver’s license, you need to thoroughly study the road code. Any two-wheeled transport - with or without a motor - is a full-fledged participant in the movement. But unfortunately, not all car drivers treat cyclists on an equal footing. But because a bicycle cannot protect its owner from shock in any way, all hope is only for a quick reaction and compliance with traffic rules.
In any case, a bicycle with a motor is a very useful thing that has more advantages than disadvantages. For the pleasure of driving it is worth going to a driving school and getting right. Since the conversations that will introduce the mandatory registration of bicycles have been going on for a long time, it means that someday it will happen all the same.
On the need for rights to the bike, see further
