New Regulations for Motorized Bicycles in Costa Rica for 2025
- January 15, 2025
- Comments: 0
- Posted by: Alexánder González Rojas
Starting in 2025, Costa Rica will implement new regulations for Motorized Bicycles, vehicles that have gained popularity in recent years. The Road Safety Council (COSEVI) has established that these vehicles must meet requirements similar to those of motorcycles, including obtaining a license, payment of a stamp, and approval of the vehicle technical inspection.
According to COSEVI, bicycles must be registered in the National Registry, and their drivers will be required to wear a safety helmet and reflective vest. In addition, its circulation will be limited to roads where the maximum speed allowed does not exceed 80 km/h.
The Former Minister of Public Works and Transportation(MOPT), Luis Amador, has indicated that these measures seek to improve road safety and regulate the use of vehicles that, until now, operated without adequate controls. “It is essential to ensure that all vehicles on our roads meet minimum safety standards,” Amador said.
However, these regulations have raised concerns among scooter users, especially those who use them as a means of work in delivery services. A delivery girl in San José said: “The investment in licensing, marking and technical inspection represents a significant expense for us. We fear that these measures will affect our source of income.”
For his part, the urban mobility expert, Andrés Mora, considers that regulation is necessary but suggests a gradual implementation. “It is important to regularize the use of mopeds to guarantee the safety of everyone on the roads, but we must also consider the economic impact on users and look for solutions that do not harm their livelihood,” Mora said.
The authorities have expressed their willingness to dialogue with users and seek mechanisms that facilitate the transition to the new regulatory framework. It is expected that, with these measures, accidents related to mopeds will be reduced and a culture of responsibility will be promoted on Costa Rican roads.
Although these measures have sparked debate, experiences from other countries with similar regulations can provide valuable insights.
Spain: Safety and Control through Licenses and Insurance
Since 2021, Spain has enforced specific regulations for motorized bicycles or personal mobility vehicles (PMVs), which include:
- Speed limits capped at 25 km/h.
- Mandatory registration with the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT).
- Compulsory use of helmets and lights.
Impact:
A 2022 report by the DGT revealed an 18% reduction in accidents involving motorized bicycles following these measures. Mandatory registration also helped identify vehicles involved in incidents, fostering greater responsibility among users.
Chile: Rules to Reduce Accidents
In Chile, motorized bicycles are regulated under the Road Coexistence Law, which requires:
- Mandatory registration with the Civil Registry.
- Use of certified helmets.
- Restrictions on certain streets and prohibition from highways.
Impact:
Data from the National Traffic Safety Commission (CONASET) reported a 22% decrease in severe accidents in 2023. However, initial resistance arose due to the associated costs.
United States: Local Regulatory Models
In cities like New York, specific licenses and insurance requirements have been established for e-bikes and mopeds. Dedicated zones and educational campaigns have also been implemented.
Impact:
A 2022 study by New York University highlighted a 25% decrease in motorized bicycle accidents in areas with strict regulations and informational campaigns, particularly in densely populated zones.
Considerations for people from Costa Rica
- Promote Education and Dialogue
International experiences show that educational campaigns are crucial for users to understand the importance of regulations and comply with them. In Costa Rica, this could include workshops on road safety and the benefits of regulation. - Facilitate the Transition
Some countries have provided subsidies or grace periods for users to adapt to new rules. Costa Rica could consider financial incentives to cover part of the costs of licenses and safety gear. - Encourage Safe Infrastructure
Cities like Barcelona and Bogotá have emphasized the importance of bike lanes and exclusive zones for motorized bicycles. Costa Rica could invest in infrastructure to ensure safer and more orderly use.
