{"id":48117,"date":"2025-05-02T05:25:09","date_gmt":"2025-05-02T10:25:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/latamobility.com\/?p=48117"},"modified":"2025-05-01T20:56:28","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T01:56:28","slug":"mopeds-in-colombia-urgent-regulation-needed-for-safe-and-sustainable-mobility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/latamobility.com\/en\/mopeds-in-colombia-urgent-regulation-needed-for-safe-and-sustainable-mobility\/","title":{"rendered":"Mopeds in Colombia: Urgent Regulation Needed for Safe and Sustainable Mobility"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The uncontrolled growth of mopeds in Colombia<\/strong> has raised concerns among key mobility stakeholders. While they are electric vehicles, their circulation without proper regulation or oversight poses legal and road safety risks<\/strong> that authorities must urgently address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mopeds in Colombia: growth without regulation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In 2024, moped imports in Colombia increased by over 700%,<\/strong> while formal registration of these vehicles dropped by 51% between 2022 and 2024, according to the Motorcycle Industry Chamber of ANDI. Many are sold as if they were electric bicycles, with no requirement for insurance (SOAT), registration, or a driver’s license,<\/strong> allowing them to circulate without meeting basic legal conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Informality has spread to the point that these vehicles are even sold in drugstores<\/strong> and other non-specialized retail outlets, with no warnings about legal obligations or safety recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: Verge TS Pro Sets Guinness World Record for Longest Ride on a Single Electric Charge<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Distinguishing mopeds from electric bicycles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An electric bicycle must weigh under 35 kg, have a motor of up to 350W, and provide pedal-assist up to 25 km\/h<\/strong>, with the motor only working while pedaling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, mopeds in Colombia may have up to 4000W of power, exceed 25 km\/h, and feature a throttle,<\/strong> meaning they do not require pedaling. As such, they are more like motorcycles, which do require insurance, registration, a driver\u2019s license, and mandatory helmet use.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Source: ANDI<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mopeds in Colombia and the risks to road safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The unregulated use of mopeds in Colombia presents a real threat to road safety.<\/strong> Inexperienced riders, without licenses or safety gear, riding on bike lanes or public roads, put pedestrians, cyclists, and themselves at risk.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, the lack of clear regulation distorts the electric mobility market<\/strong>, harming those who do comply with the law and contribute to the sector’s formal development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seven urgent solutions to regulate mopeds in Colombia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Private stakeholders have already proposed clear actions.<\/strong> The Motorcycle Industry Chamber of ANDI has suggested the following concrete measures:<\/p>\n\n\n\n