Moroccan Minister Abdessamad Kiyouh Announces New Measures to Regulate Electric Bikes and Enhance Road Safety
The Moroccan government has begun implementing new measures to regulate the use of electric bikes and “trotinette” scooters as part of a comprehensive review of the traffic code, as announced by Abdessamad Kiyouh, Minister of Transport and Logistics.
During a session of oral questions at the House of Councillors, the minister confirmed that the ministry has established a clear legal framework to control the use of these vehicles. This includes setting standards for violations related to speed, mandating the wearing of helmets and reflective vests, and stipulating rules for daytime and nighttime driving.
Kiyouh revealed additional measures, such as prohibiting the use of headphones while riding trotinettes, given the risks to rider and road user safety, due to the difficulty in hearing car horns.
The minister highlighted the social and technological transformations the country has experienced, explaining that these vehicles were not present fifteen years ago and that the delivery sector, which heavily relies on them, was minimal at the time. He pointed out that this group is considered vulnerable and has a high accident rate, especially in major cities like Marrakech, where a significant number of injuries among youth have been recorded at Ibn Tofail Hospital.
Two weeks ago, the minister presented a draft decree to the council of government, which includes a definition of “motorized personal mobility vehicles” and mandates equipping them with essential safety features like front and rear lights, aiming to enhance road safety.
Kiyouh noted that this type of bike currently operates without any legal framework allowing for the issuing of fines against its users, highlighting a legislative gap that the government aims to address through a new law that will clearly define usage conditions, permitted areas, and those where usage is prohibited.
The minister concluded his statements by emphasizing that the government has taken bold steps to adapt to the continuously evolving technological landscape by preparing a legislative framework to regulate the operation of these means, which have become part of everyday life in Moroccan urban spaces.
