They entered into force in Slovakia on August 1, 2024 significant changes in compulsory contractual insurance (PZP), which also affect some small electric vehicles.
If you own electric bicycle or scooter, you must be wondering if these new rules apply to you. In this article, we'll take a look at what's changed and what you should watch out for.
What changes did the new law bring?
According to the new rules, every vehicle with a design speed higher than 25 km/h or one that weighs more than 25 kg and reaches a speed of over 14 km/h. This means that the insurance obligation applies mainly to more powerful electric scooters, segways and electric carts.
What about electric bikes? This is where the confusion arises because some insurance companies have also included those in PZP, confusing many owners.
What about the PZP for electric bikes?
Insurance companies offer PZP based on 2 parameters: speed and weight. If your e-bike exceeds the weight 25 kg or has speed over 25 km / h, you may have to insure it.
For example, insurance company UNIQA offers PZP for heavier and faster electric scooters and also e-bikes. Allianz also includes e-tricycles and other small electric vehicles without a registration number in its PZP.
However, the problem arises precisely with weight, when most e-bikes are just above or below the 25 kg limit. Many times they only have an auxiliary electric motor with a limiter.
How do the authorities see it?
Ministry of Finance, which prepared the legislation, claims that PZP applies to all vehicles meeting the specified parameters, regardless of their category. The Ministry of Transport did not comment on this and refers to the Ministry of Finance.
According to the findings of the portal openiazoch.zoznam.sk, SR Police considers a motor vehicle to be one that has a design speed over 25 km / h or weight over 25 kg at speed more than 14 km / h. If your e-bike meets these criteria, you may need insurance.
What does the European Union say?
According to EU directives and the decision of the Court of Justice, bicycles with an auxiliary electric motor that are primarily powered by pedals and the engine only assists, they are exempt from the insurance obligation and license plate. This means that if your e-bike works mainly as a pedal bike, it can be exempted from this obligation.
How do the owners react to it?
Many owners are confused and not sure if they really need insurance. Although insurance companies offer PZP at different prices (according to our survey in the range of 25-35 € annually), the decisive factor is whether the engine is considered the main source of propulsion or only an auxiliary one. Make sure you are clear about what applies to your type of e-bike - even if the current rules are unclear.
What next?
Due to the confusion with the insufficiently clear law, further discussions between officials are expected, so for a clear and we will have to wait for a unified opinion. However, we think that it is essential to follow the rules set by the Slovak Police, as a control body that also hands out the fines themselves.
What is your experience with PZP for electric bicycles? Watch the web China Planet and be sure to follow ours as well Facebook page, group Everything from EU warehouses and subscribe our Telegram, where we add the best deals and coupons from China daily.
