In Sweden, there are several laws and regulations connected to electric bikes and electric scooters. These mainly concern limitations on maximum power and speed and regulate where you can or cannot ride, as well as the applicable vehicle classification.

Laws and regulations for electric bikes in Sweden

When is an electric bike considered a "regular" bicycle?

In Sweden, an electric bike is considered a bicycle (and follows bicycle rules) if it is constructed so that:

  • the motor only assists when you pedal (amplifies pedal power),

  • electric assistance does not provide power above 25 km/h, and

  • the motor's continuous rated power is a maximum of 250 W.

If the electric bike deviates from this (e.g., stronger motor, assistance at higher speeds, or the ability to run without pedaling), it can instead be classified as a moped, which entails entirely different requirements.

If the electric bike is classified as a moped

If the vehicle does not meet the requirements for a bicycle, it may fall into a moped class.

Moped class I (EU moped)

  • must be registered and have a license plate,

  • must be traffic insured,

  • requires you to be at least 15 years old and have a Class AM driver's license,

  • may not be ridden on a bicycle path.

Moped class II

  • may be ridden on a bicycle path if available, except where the bicycle path has the additional sign "No mopeds".

Helmet

For bicycles (including electric bikes classified as bicycles), children and young people under 15 must wear a helmet when cycling or being carried on a bicycle.
For adults, there is no general helmet requirement for bicycles, but a helmet is always recommended.

Where can you cycle?

As a cyclist, you should normally:

  • cycle on the right side of the roadway, and

  • use a bicycle path if available.

Equipment requirements (also applies to electric bikes as bicycles)

A bicycle must always have:

  • a bell, and

  • brakes.

When cycling in the dark, lighting and reflectors are also required (front/rear and side reflectors according to regulations).

Passengers

You may not carry more passengers than the bicycle is designed for. The Swedish Transport Agency also describes specific rules for when children may be carried, depending on age, the rider's age, and whether the bicycle has a suitable seat/protection.

Important to know

Rules may vary depending on whether the vehicle is classified as a bicycle or a moped, so always check the specifications for the model (especially speed limit for assistance and motor power) before purchase and use.


Laws & regulations for electric scooters in Sweden 

An electric scooter is considered a bicycle in Swedish traffic if it:

  • is designed for a maximum of 20 km/h, and

  • has an electric motor with a continuous rated power of max 250 watts.

When the electric scooter is classified as a bicycle, largely the same traffic rules as for bicycles apply.

How you may ride

  • Ride primarily on a bicycle path (and to some extent on the roadway).

  • It is not permitted to ride on sidewalks or pedestrian paths.

Equipment requirements

The electric scooter must have:

  • brakes

  • a bell (or other audible signal)

  • when riding in the dark: front and rear lights and reflectors

Helmet, passengers, and responsibility

  • A helmet is legally required for riders under 15 years old (a helmet is recommended for everyone).

  • You may not carry anyone – an electric scooter is a single-person vehicle.

  • You may not ride if you are impaired (alcohol/drugs) or too tired/sick to ride safely.

Parking

  • You may not park on a pedestrian or bicycle path unless there is a designated parking area/facility for bicycle parking.

If the electric scooter is tuned/faster/stronger

If the electric scooter goes faster than 20 km/h or has a continuous rated power higher than 250 W, it is no longer a bicycle.
The Swedish Transport Agency states that such electric scooters may not be ridden in general traffic, but only within a fenced area.
The police describe that it can then be considered a motor vehicle requiring a driver's license (with the risk of, for example, fines/unlicensed driving depending on the situation and authorization).

Traffic insurance – when is it required?

Since December 23, 2023, there are new rules in the Traffic Damage Act, meaning that many electric scooters must have traffic insurance when used in traffic.

According to the Swedish Motor Insurers (TFF), traffic insurance is required for electric vehicles without pedal or crank mechanisms if the vehicle:

  • is designed to go faster than 20 km/h, or

  • is designed to go faster than 14 km/h and weighs more than 25 kg.

As the owner of the vehicle, you must take out the insurance, and you must be able to show proof of insurance when riding.
This also applies to rented electric scooters (check the app of the rental company).

Want to know more, read more on the Swedish Transport Agency's website

Bicycle – Swedish Transport Agency