Proposed Amendment to Norwegian E-Bike Traffic Legislation
A proposed amendment to Norwegian motor traffic law could classify electric bikes with off-road motorcycles and other motor vehicles when ridden off-road, despite their legal status as bicycles when used on-road. The mountain bike advocacy group, IMBA Europe, states that it will support efforts to prevent the adoption of a law “restricting the free movement of electric bikes in Norway.”
As in most countries, Norwegian traffic regulations treat pedal-assist electric bikes the same as non-assisted bikes, provided that the continuous maximum power of the electric motor does not exceed 250W and that motorized assistance cuts out at 25km/h.
Legal Implications for Off-Road Electric Bikes
According to IMBA, an amendment to the law regulating motor vehicle use outside of traffic environments and cultivated areas would include electric bikes, including pedal-assist models that comply with road regulations. This would mean that anyone riding an electric bike would be on a bicycle on the road but would immediately be on a motor vehicle once they hit an off-road trail.
In a statement this week, IMBA announced it had heard about these proposals from member organization NOTS (Norwegian Organization for Mountain Biking). IMBA explains its opposition by stating that the electric bike has proven to be, “perhaps the most effective tool for converting people to more sustainable and climate-friendly mobility.”
Arguments for Electric Bike Accessibility
IMBA argues that electric bikes reduce barriers to entry, make cycling more accessible to a wider range of participants, and increase the distance people are willing to travel by bike. “These benefits are shared by electric mountain bikes, making trail networks intended for MTB more accessible to e-bike users, who would otherwise only be reachable by car. Making cycling less attractive through complex legislation will only discourage the adoption of electric bikes, with severe consequences for the climate.”
Importance of Responsible Recreation
IMBA adds that a “cornerstone” of any nature preservation initiative must be to ensure that the public has the opportunity to appreciate it by providing access for responsible recreation. “We endorse measures aimed at limiting and reversing any damage caused by electric bikes in consultation with local community representatives. Local MTB representatives understand the terrain and the community and can help implement collaborative solutions that limit the impact of electric mountain bikes on sensitive areas.”
A primary measure to address the issue of sustainable outdoor recreation is the improvement of recreational infrastructure in the form of sustainable trails, a topic on which IMBA is a recognized international leader. Policies aimed at improving outdoor recreational infrastructure benefit all users while simultaneously protecting natural spaces.
Proposal for a More Nuanced Policy
A more nuanced and effective policy would respect local practices and engage the local community to address any concerns regarding the impact of outdoor recreation. Indeed, the framework of the current and functional law treats restricted electric bikes like regular bikes, in all forms of traffic and terrain, while allowing local restrictions if necessary.
Potential Consequences for Europe
Finally, IMBA Europe is concerned that the adoption of a poorly motivated and ill-informed law such as the one proposed in Norway could inspire a trend of similar restrictions affecting more of our member organizations and mountain bikers across the continent. We support NOTS’s efforts to prevent the adoption of this law restricting the free movement of electric bikes in Norway.
