What counts as an e-bike
The current vehicle-classification rules define K3 as a bicycle with at least two wheels, driven by the rider's or passenger's own power through pedals or hand cranks, and fitted with an auxiliary electric motor. The motor's maximum continuous rated power must not exceed 0.25 kW; it must switch off when human propulsion stops, and its assistance must taper off and finally cease at 25 km/h. These conditions apply together: an “e-bike” label in an advert or on an invoice does not by itself determine the category.
When it is a moped
If a vehicle does not meet the K3 conditions, it may be an L1 moped or fall into another category. L1 is a two-wheeled vehicle not declared as K3, with a design speed of no more than 45 km/h and, for an electric motor, maximum continuous rated power of no more than 4 kW. N1 describes the models in its report that can move without pedalling, using a throttle or button, as L1, but a particular vehicle's category should be confirmed from its technical documents. It cannot be decided from a photo or marketing name alone.
Why it became disputed
Owners of such two-wheelers held protests in Subotica in July 2026. N1 and the local outlet Subotičke report that some vehicles were bought as electric bicycles but are now treated as mopeds; participants seek an explanation of the process and time to bring their documents into line. RTV reports that the difficulty concerns models with unclear or missing technical documentation, preventing registration from being completed. Whether each individual vehicle matches the participants' description has not yet been established.
Status as of 22 July 2026
For a moped, the law provides for an AM driving-licence category, available from age 16. The general registration process requires proof of technical roadworthiness, compulsory insurance, documents proving origin and ownership, and proof that tax and customs obligations have been settled. Those rules do not automatically resolve an earlier purchase lacking the technical documents required for registration. The N1, Subotičke, and RTV reports checked on July 23 did not identify an adopted transitional solution or a separate route for those owners.
Why it matters and what remains open
The distinction between K3 and a moped can require a driving category and registration. Before buying a vehicle or attempting registration, check the technical sheet, manufacturer's declaration, and declared category for motor power, design speed, and type of drive. For already purchased vehicles, the open question is whether the competent authorities will publish a clear procedure for models without the documents needed for registration.