Spanish
Santo Domingo. – The National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (INTRANT) announced the strengthening of controls and oversight to ensure strict compliance with the rules governing the use of electric scooters and other personal mobility devices in public spaces in the country, prioritizing pedestrian protection and road safety.
The institution reminded that, in accordance with current regulations, electric scooters cannot ride on sidewalks and must respect a maximum speed limit of 20 kilometers per hour. Any alteration of the motorization system that allows exceeding this range constitutes a direct violation of the established regulation.You may be interested in: INational Institute of Transit and Terrestrial Transportation (INTRANT)
The INTRANT explained that these actions respond to the sustained growth in the use of electric mobility devices on public roads, which requires strengthening order and urban coexistence, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic, where the physical integrity of children, the elderly and citizens in general must be guaranteed. In the case of electric bicycles, regulations stipulate that road bikes can reach up to 45 kilometers per hour, while mountain bikes or those intended for the transport of people or cargo have a limit of 32 kilometers per hour. Failure to comply with these provisions entails equivalent sanctions of one (1) to three (3) minimum wages of the centralized public sector, in accordance with article 251 of Law 63-17 on Mobility, Land Transportation, Transit and Road Safety. The inspection will be carried out by the General Directorate of Traffic and Land Transportation Safety (DIGESETT). The executive director of INTRANT, Milton Morrison, reiterated the importance of differentiating between personal mobility devices and electric motorcycles. He explained that electric scooters without a seat and pedal-assisted bicycles whose motor complements human effort are considered personal mobility devices, subject to speed limits and the mandatory use of a protective helmet. However, electric motorcycles whose propulsion depends on a throttle, even if they have pedals, are considered motor vehicles and must fully comply with current legal requirements, including an official license plate, registration, civil liability insurance policy, Category 1 driver's license, and mandatory helmet use. Driving without these requirements entitles the authorities to proceed with the immediate impoundment of the vehicle. As part of institutional strengthening, INTRANT will formally notify the General Customs Directorate (DGA) and the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII) of the mandatory requirement that all electric motorcycles complete the ordinary import and registration processes before being put into circulation. Likewise, importers, distributors, and rental companies will be informed of their responsibility to ensure compliance with the current legal framework. The entity also reported that it is working on new provisions aimed at updating safety standards, including defining the minimum operating age according to power, the requirement for mandatory insurance in certain categories, and maximum permitted power limits. The INTRANT reiterated that electric mobility represents an opportunity for the sustainable development of the country; however, its growth must occur under criteria of order, compliance, and respect for the law, always guaranteeing the protection of pedestrians and road safety.
