The Ministry's Director General of Land Transportation, Budi Setiyadi, noted in a statement received here on Wednesday that the letter's content was based on Government Regulation Number 55 of 2012 concerning Vehicles that stipulated every motorized vehicle operating on the road must meet the technical and roadworthy requirements.
According to the letter, the aforementioned technical requirements encompass though not limited to motors that comprise combustion engines, electric motor, and a combination of a combustion and electric motor.
"The driving engine is a motor designed for motor vehicles, with a speed of no more than 25 kilometers per hour on a flat road. It must have the power to be able to climb on a ramp, with a minimum angle of eight degrees and minimum speed of 20 kilometers per hour in all road conditions," the director general explained.
In order to ensure safety and security in operating the low-speed motorized vehicle, Setiyadi has encouraged the local government to regulate its operations.
"Operational arrangements include the driver being at least 17 years of age and must use a helmet that meets the Indonesian National Standard. The brakes must function optimally if the vehicle is operated at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour and can stop completely within a distance of nine meters from the starting point of braking," he expounded.
Moreover, the scooters should be equipped with a light system and/or reflective device, and the motor powers are not modified with the objective of increasing speed.
In case of vehicles using electric motors, the battery and motor must be firmly integrated into the vehicle unit to prevent components from getting loose during operation, and if the scooters are designed as single-seater vehicles, then carrying passengers is not allowed.
Electric scooters should come equipped with handlebars, pedals, and/or other controlling devices that can work optimally.
"Electric scooters can also be operated with the help of human labor, but they are not allowed to be operated by intoxicated drivers or that can impair concentration while driving. Electric scooters are also operated on certain lines or in certain areas with road equipment, such as those already regulated by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Transportation Agency, for instance, electric scooters can be operated on bicycle lanes," he explained. Related news: Rented e-scooters not permitted to cross thoroughfares in Jakarta
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Translator: Juwita Trisna Rahayu/Aria Cind
Editor: Suharto
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