Regulations of 25 May 2022 no. 918

on requirements for small electric motor vehicles

(Regulations on requirements for small electric motor vehicles)

Laid down by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Directorate of Public Roads on 25 May 2022 under the provisions of Act of 18 June 1965 no. 4 on road traffic (Road Traffic Act) Section 13, Section 14, Section 15 and Section 16, cf. delegation decision of 24 November 1980 no. 1.

Table of Content:

Section 1.Purpose
Section 2.Scope
Section 3.Definition
Section 4.No approval or registration requirement
Section 5.General provisions regarding construction, equipment, marking, etc.
Section 6.Brakes
Section 7.Light and reflective devices
Section 8.Sound signal
Section 9.Electrical system
Section 10.Entry into force

The purpose of the regulations is to ensure that small electric motor vehicles put into use in Norway adequately meet traffic safety requirements.

The regulations apply to small electric motor vehicles that are put into use in Nor­way, including Svalbard.

Small electric motor vehicle:  An electrically powered motor vehicle for use by one person only, which is designed for a maximum speed not exceeding 20 km/h, and which has a maximum weight of 70 kg including battery, a maximum width of 85 cm, and a maximum length of 120 cm.  Motor vehicles without self-balancing technology are not permitted to have seating facilities.

  • Small electric motor vehicles shall not be presented for approval by the Norwe­gian Public Roads Administration.  The driver is responsible for ensuring that the vehicle is in proper condition, cf. Section 23, first paragraph, of the Road Traffic Act.
  • Small electric motor vehicles are not subject to registration, cf. Section 2−2, first paragraph, letter i, of the Regulations of 25 January 1990 no. 92 on the use of vehicles.
  • A small electric motor vehicle must be built, designed, equipped and maintained so that it can withstand the stresses to which it is usually exposed and can be used without causing unnecessary danger or inconvenience.
  • Small electric motor vehicles shall be clearly and permanently marked with the manufacturer's name, type designation and production serial number.  It shall be located and constructed so that it is clearly visible and so that it cannot be easily removed or altered.

Small electric motor vehicles must be equipped with a system that makes it pos­sible to stop in a safe, efficient and quick manner.

  • Small electric vehicles must have a red reflector at the rear.  The reflector must be CE marked.
  • Small electric motor vehicles used in the dark or in poor visibility on a normally used road or area must have a front lamp that gives yellow or white light and/or a multi-function lamp that can give flashing or steady white light.  Small electric motor vehicles must have a rear lamp that gives red light and/or a lamp that gives flashing red light.
  • The lights must be clearly visible at a distance of 300 meters.  Lights that provide flashing light must have a flashing rate of at least 120 flashes per minute.
  • However, requirements for reflectors and lights do not apply to vehicles that, due to their size or design, do not allow for appropriate installation of these.

Small electric motor vehicles must have a signal bell or horn.  Other warning devi­ces are prohibited.  The requirement for a signal bell or horn does not apply to vehic­les that, due to their size or design, do not allow for the appropriate installation or use of such equipment.

The electrical system of the motor vehicle must meet the requirements of Regu­lations of 20 May 2009 no. 544 on machinery implementing Directive 2006/42/EC of 17 May 2006 on machinery (Machinery Directive) and Regulations of 10 October 2017 no. 1597 on electromagnetic compatibility implementing Directive 2014/30/EU of 26 Febru­ary 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to electro­magnetic compatibility (EMC Directive).

These regulations enter into force on 15 June 2022.