Taking a motorcycle license exam on an electric bike could soon be possible
Could riders hoping to get their motorcycle license soon be able to take the exam on an electric bike? That’s the case in Belgium after a new policy goes into effect, and it could spread elsewhere.
Class 3 e-bikes that can reach up to 28 mph (45 km/h) are common in the US, and they don’t require any special license to ride them. But in much of Europe, these fast electric bicycles are considered to be their own class of “speed pedelecs” and fall under limited regulation including requiring a license plate and an AM license.
An AM license is the lowest level of motorcycle license in much of Europe, allowing riders to operate low-power motorcycles and scooters – usually up to 50cc engine capacity and with speeds up to 28 mph (45 km/h).
To receive an AM license riders nearly always take the test on a scooter – usually a 50cc-style combustion engine scooter. But starting this month, riders seeking an AM license in Belgium can take the test on a speed pedelec, or what most Americans know as a Class 3 electric bicycle.
That’s a first across Europe, according to the Light Electric Vehicle Association.
It’s a move that could reflect a changing industry that is seeing many more electric bikes incorporated into its ranks.
While the majority of electric bicycles in Europe have lower power and speed limits to avoid license and registration requirements, these faster speed pedelecs are becoming more popular among riders that want the convenience of a lighter vehicle as well as the exercise benefits of an electric bicycle.
Now those riders may not have to learn to ride a Vespa before they can travel around town on their electric bicycles.
Electrek’s Take
While this is an interesting move for just one region right now, it could speak to an important reevaluation of how we view motorcycle training in Europe and the US.
Electric motorcycles, electric scooters and speed pedelec e-bikes are becoming more common. While they require much of the same general riding knowledge of older combustion engine motorcycles, their operation is often sufficiently different that it can be a hinderance to train a rider on a vehicle they don’t intend to use.
I’ve taken motorcycle licensing classes on multiple continents and have always had to take the exam on a gasoline-powered motorcycle despite spending a solid 99% of my time on electric motorcycles. Until the LiveWire came out, it was my first time on a Harley-Davidson. And for another exam in another country, it remains my first and only time on a Kawasaki (at least until those electric Ninjas come out soon). While I did find the knowledge interesting from a practicality experience (and it allows me to borrow a friend or family member’s bike from time to time), many newer riders are intimidated by the steeper learning curve of combustion motorcycles. I’ve often heard that reason cited for not yet getting their motorcycle license.
Moving toward providing an option for electric motorcycles and e-mopeds during training and licensing can help increase accessibility and interest for more riders, and I think that’s a good thing. And when you consider all of those Sur Ron riders out there that have never had any formal training, perhaps this is a way to bring them into the fold and give them the skills to help them ride more safely.
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On today’s extreme episode of Quick Charge, we’ve got the most affordable new EV in America packing 255 miles of range, sub-30 minute charging, V2H support, and more – all that for a price about $10,000 LESS than that new “affordable” Tesla.
We’ve also got specs for the all-new, all-electric Ferrari Elettrica and a world’s first, hydrogen-powered autonomous farm tractor from Kubota.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Climate XChange, a nonpartisan nonprofit working to help states pass effective, equitable climate policies. The nonprofit just kicked off its 10th annual EV raffle, where participants have multiple opportunities to win their dream model. Visit CarbonRaffle.org/Electrek to learn more.
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Momentum, the lifestyle-focused urban bike brand under Giant Group, has just launched the latest version of its popular Vida E+ electric bike – and this one’s all about making e-biking smoother, safer, and more accessible to riders of all experience levels.
The updated Vida E+ features a new 500W SyncDrive Move S motor offering 60Nm of torque and pedal assist up to 28 mph, designed to provide natural-feeling power whether you’re cruising to work or just exploring around town. The system uses a combination of sensors to analyze torque, speed, and cadence, automatically adjusting power output to match your pedaling effort.
According to Momentum, the motor engages with as little as 4Nm of pedal pressure and just 10° of crank movement, giving riders what they describe as an ultra-smooth and effortless start every time.
A new optional throttle adds another layer of convenience, letting riders cruise at speeds up to 20 mph without pedaling, which should be perfect for hills, traffic-heavy starts, or when you just want to relax and take it easy on the way home. The bike’s EnergyPak 700 battery provides up to a claimed 55 miles (88 km) of range on pedal assist or 43 miles (69 km) on throttle-only riding.
The Vida E+ also leans hard into comfort and safety. It sports a low-step aluminum frame for easy on-and-off, an 80 mm suspension fork, and wide 26×2.4-inch tires for stability and plushness. Four-piston hydraulic disc brakes ensure solid stopping power, while a new automatic motor cutoff feature stops assistance as soon as the brakes engage. The bike is UL 2849 certified, meaning it meets top-tier safety standards for batteries and electronics, which is a growing priority in the e-bike world as more cities and states consider requiring safety certification as a prerequisite.
With support for up to 300 pounds (136 kg) total load and optional racks front and rear, the Vida E+ is also built for everyday utility. And on the tech side, momentum’s RideControl app lets riders fine-tune speed and assistance, lock or unlock the bike electronically, and monitor battery health.
The new Momentum Vida E+ is available now through Giant Group’s nationwide dealer network with an MSRP of US$2,480.
Returning from a recall on its previous bike, Giant Group will now have an opportunity to see how the new version of the Momentum Vida E+ will fare.
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VW’s US EV lease deals just went from hero to zero. Federal tax credits are now dead, the automaker has wiped out up to $12,000 in lease incentives on the ID.4, and ended $10,500 in discounts on the ID. Buzz. The move bucks the trend as other brands continue to sweeten their EV lease offers.
As of September 30, 2025, Volkswagen offered up to $12,350 in lease cash on the ID.4, depending on configuration. That included a $7,500 federal lease tax credit for lessees as Bonus Customer Cash, plus $3,500 to $4,850 in Dealer Lease Cash. It made the ID.4 one of the top EV lease deals around.
On October 1, those incentives vanished. While the ID.4 still has a 0% APR equivalent lease rate, drivers lost more than $12,000 in savings overnight. The ID. Buzz took a similar hit. Last month, the 2025 ID. Buzz offered $10,500 off MSRP between the $7,500 tax credit and $3,000 Dealer Lease Cash. Now, almost all lease cash is gone. VW Credit is offering just $750 in Dealer Lease Cash, and weirdly, not on models with two-tone paint. According to CarsDirect’s lease calculator, the lowest-priced ID. Buzz trim now carries an effective monthly cost topping $1,000 — a considerable jump.
For comparison, the ID. Buzz Pro S was previously advertised at $589 a month for 36 months with $5,999 due at signing, or an effective monthly cost of $756.
The ID.4 lease once cost just $233 a month, making it one of the cheapest EVs to lease. According to updated estimates, that figure is now north of $800 – that’s hair-raising.
Meanwhile, VW’s rivals are going in the opposite direction. Ford extended its Mustang Mach-E lease deals through early January. Subaru’s updated 2026 Solterra still qualifies for the $7,500 lease credit, and Jeep replaced the expiring EV lease credit with equivalent bonus cash.
If you really want a Volkswagen, though, there’s some good news: financing deals haven’t changed. The 2025 ID.4 continues to offer 0% APR for 72 months, and buyers of the ID. Buzz can still get up to $3,250 in Bonus Customer Cash through November 3, a perk unavailable to lessees.
It kinda seems like VW doesn’t want to lease their EVs anymore…?? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Read more: From $189 a month: 5 of the best EV lease deals in October
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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