Makassar Polrestabes Bans The Use Of Electric Bikes On Public Roads

MAKASSAR - Traffic Unit (Satlantas) Polrestabes Makassar, South Sulawesi issued a ban on the use of battery-powered electric bicycles which are widely ridden by people on public roads because they do not have safety certifications.

"In addition to the prohibition on using it on the highway, we have also appealed to distributors not to trade the battery-powered electric bicycles anymore," said Head of the Makassar Polrestabes Satlantas, AKBP Zulanda, as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, July 11.

He explained that currently there are two types of electric motorcycles and electric bicycles being marketed. It's just that there are provisions regulated in the Minister of Transportation Regulation (PM) regarding the use of these special vehicles.

In the PM of Transportation number PM 45 of 2020 concerning Certain Vehicles Using Electric Motors. This type of electric bicycle is not included in the motor vehicle category because there is no Type Test Certification (SUT) and Vehicle Type Test Certification (SRUT) with a maximum speed of 25 kilometers per hour.

Meanwhile, PM Transportation number 44 states that electric motorcycles have SUT and SRUT and are officially registered with Samsat, have STNK and are registered and according to safety specifications, because they are tested for types first.

During the two-year implementation, his party has evaluated, where the public is ambiguous that the bicycle according to the Minister of Transportation Regulation number 45 is the same as the electric motorcycle in the Minister of Transportation Regulation number 44, even though the use is different.

"That's what I forbid its use on the road because there is no type test. However, many violators have electric bicycles to the road. On average they are used by school children, do not wear helmets, and the speed is more than 25 kilometers per hour," he said. Zulanda.

He emphasized that the use of electric bicycles should be in certain areas, such as closed tourist areas, home yards and circuit areas. It becomes a problem if used on public roads or flat roads because it is very dangerous for motorists and road users.

"We hope that people will not misunderstand even though there are two types of electric vehicles. I said there are differences in the use of electric motorcycles and electric bicycles," he hoped.

In addition, referring to Law number 22 of 2009 article 47 paragraph 4, it is clear which motorized and non-motorized vehicles are driven by humans or animals. As well as article 48 regulates the technical requirements and other roads including type testing conducted by the government.

"The criminal threat of one year in prison and a fine of Rp. 24 million is contained in article 277 of the KHUP if it is considered an assembled vehicle with proper modifications to a motorcycle without a type test. Bike sellers using battery-powered electric motorcycles can also be subject to articles 55 and 56 for participating in helping the sale of illegal motorcycles, " he emphasized.