MopedFlanders
Traffic rules
Flanders
67. Moped
A moped is a lightweight motor vehicle, usually with two or three wheels, whose power, engine capacity or maximum design speed is limited by law. Mopeds generally occupy a legal category between bicycles and motorcycles, although their exact classification varies between countries.
Special rules may apply concerning the minimum riding age, driving licence, helmet, registration, insurance, maximum speed and use of cycle paths or roadways. Riders must therefore follow the classification and traffic regulations applying in the country where they are travelling.
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What is a moped in Belgium?
Belgian law distinguishes mainly between class A and class B mopeds. Their classification depends on characteristics including maximum design speed, engine capacity and motor power.
Mopeds prohibited.
Signal routier C9 • Accès interdit aux conducteurs de cyclomoteurs.
Verkeersbord C9 • Verboden toegang voor bestuurders van bromfietsen.
What is a Belgian class A moped?
A class A moped is a two- or three-wheeled moped with a maximum design speed of 25 km/h. For an internal-combustion engine, the cylinder capacity is generally limited to 50 cm³, while applicable power limits also apply.
What is a Belgian class B moped?
A class B moped is a moped that does not belong to class A and has a maximum design speed of no more than 45 km/h. For many two- and three-wheeled models, the engine capacity is limited to 50 cm³ or the applicable electric-motor power limit.
How old must you be to ride a moped in Belgium?
You must normally be at least 16 years old to ride a moped on the public road.
Do you need a licence for a class A moped in Belgium?
No. A driving licence is not required for a Belgian class A moped, although the rider must satisfy the applicable minimum-age and traffic rules.
Which licence is required for a class B moped?
A class B moped normally requires a category AM driving licence. Holders of a Belgian licence valid for category A1, A2, A or B automatically have access to category AM. Specific exemptions also exist for certain older drivers.
Must moped riders wear a helmet in Belgium?
Yes. Drivers and passengers of mopeds without a passenger compartment must wear an approved protective helmet. Specific helmet rules apply to speed pedelecs.
What is the maximum speed of a Belgian moped?
A class A moped is limited to 25 km/h, while a class B moped is limited to 45 km/h. A lower speed limit applying to the road must still be respected.
Must a class A moped use the cycle path in Belgium?
Where a suitable cycle path is provided and indicated in the manner prescribed by Belgian law, a two-wheeled class A moped must normally use it in the applicable direction.
Can a class B moped use a Belgian cycle path?
Under the rules currently in force, where the speed limit is 50 km/h or lower, a two-wheeled class B moped may use an applicable cycle path provided it does not endanger other users. Where the speed limit is higher than 50 km/h, it must normally use an available and usable applicable cycle path. Traffic signs can impose different requirements.
Can you carry a passenger on a moped in Belgium?
Yes, if the moped is designed with a passenger seat and the other applicable conditions are satisfied. A moped rider must be at least 18 years old to carry a passenger, and the vehicle may not carry more people than the number of seats for which it is designed.
Must a Belgian moped be registered?
Yes. Mopeds must normally be registered and display a registration plate. Belgian plates identify class A mopeds with S-A and class B mopeds with S-B.
Does a Belgian moped need insurance?
Yes. Class A and class B mopeds are subject to compulsory motor-vehicle liability insurance before they are used on the public road.
Can a moped use a Belgian motorway?
No. Mopeds are expressly prohibited from Belgian motorways. They are also excluded from roads legally designated as autowegen.
Is a speed pedelec legally related to mopeds in Belgium?
Yes. Belgian legislation places the speed pedelec within the broader legal definition of a moped, but speed pedelecs are identified separately and are subject to several specific rules concerning equipment, cycle-path use, helmets and insurance.
