Penalties for unregistered power-assisted bicycles as from next month

Transport Malta will apply penalties for unregistered power-assisted bicycles as from 1 September.

To register for such a bicycle with a power of over 250 watts, one must be 16 years or older, own a helmet, pay a €11.65 registration fee, pass a theory test and be covered by third party insurance.

To register for a bicycle with a power of under 250 watts, one must only be 16 years or older and own a helmet.

In a statement, Transport Malta said that they will only register power-assisted bicycles that are specifically manufactured for that purpose.

They warned that it is illegal to fit an internal combustion motor or an auxiliary electric motor on a bicycle and drive it on the road. Power-assisted bicycles cannot be ridden along a promenade, on footpaths, in pedestrian subways or through road tunnels. They must be ridden in the direction of traffic, with the rider keeping to the nearside left as much as possible. The rider must observe all traffic regulations, signs and road marking applicable for all other vehicles.