ELECTRIC SCOOTER WITHOUT A LICENSE

Any road vehicle that participates in traffic on roads open for public use must be driven by a licensed driver unless the vehicle is an individual electric vehicle or it is a learner's vehicle being driven by a candidate during their training or examination for obtaining a driving license, as per the regulations.

Depending on the power and characteristics of the scooter, there may be different requirements regarding the need for a driver's license.

Basic rules for operating electric scooters without a driver's license:

    Power and Speed:

        Electric scooters with a maximum power of up to 250 W and a maximum speed of up to 25 km/h can be operated without a driver's license.

    Age Restrictions:

        Individuals aged 14 and older can operate electric scooters on bike lanes and roads within urban areas.

        Individuals aged 16 and older can operate electric scooters on roads outside urban areas.

    Traffic Rules:

        Electric scooters must be used on bike lanes, and if these are unavailable, on the far-right side of the roadway.

        Riding electric scooters on sidewalks is prohibited unless there is a marked bike lane on them.

    Lighting and Equipment Requirements:

        Electric scooters must have functional lights and reflective elements when operating during nighttime or in low visibility conditions.

        Wearing a helmet is recommended, especially for individuals under 18 years old.

Penalties for Violations:

    Violations of traffic rules with electric scooters can result in fines and penalties, such as:

        Fine for riding on the sidewalk: from 50 to 200 BGN.

        Fine for not having lights while riding at night: from 20 to 150 BGN.

        Fine for individuals under 14 years old operating an electric scooter: from 10 to 50 BGN.

Additional Information:

    More powerful electric scooters (over 250 W or with a maximum speed exceeding 25 km/h) require a driver's license of category AM or A1.

    Electric scooters must be registered and insured if they fall under the category of motor vehicles.

A driving license is issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to individuals who have completed the 10th grade and meet certain conditions, including physical fitness for operating motor vehicles, completion of driver training and first aid courses, and successfully passing the driving exam.

An "individual electric vehicle" is defined as a road vehicle equipped with an electric motor(s) and a maximum design speed exceeding 6 km/h, with or without a seat, where the reference point of the seat (point R) does not exceed 540 mm if the vehicle has no more than two wheels or 400 mm if the vehicle has three or more wheels, with a curb weight up to 50 kg. Wheelchairs serving persons with disabilities are not considered individual electric vehicles.

Any road vehicle participating in traffic on roads open for public use must be driven by a licensed driver, unless the vehicle is an individual electric vehicle or a learner's vehicle being driven by a candidate during training or examination for a driving license.

The driver, owner, or authorized user of a motor vehicle is prohibited from allowing the vehicle to be operated by:

    A driver with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.5‰ and/or under the influence of narcotics or their analogs, or a person who is not a licensed driver or does not possess a valid driver's license for the vehicle's category.

The owner must ensure that the vehicle does not operate on a toll road if the toll obligations have not been met according to the Road Act, based on the vehicle's category. If the registration certificate lists a user, the obligation is fulfilled by them.

Adhering to these rules is important for your safety and the safety of others on the road. For more information or specific questions, you can consult a lawyer, the traffic police (KAT), or check the current legal framework on the official website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Bulgaria.