MTPL (OCTA) for Electric Bicycles – Who Will Need It from May 1, 2026?

If you own an electric bicycle, you’ve probably heard that MTPL (OCTA) insurance will be required from 2026. However, the reality is not that simple—not all electric bicycles will fall under this requirement. With the new amendments to the law in Latvia, bicycles are divided into several categories, and only one of them is actually subject to mandatory MTPL. In this article, we explain which bicycles will require MTPL, from what date it becomes mandatory, and what you should do.

Classification of Electric Bicycles

The new amendments clarify the definition of a bicycle by dividing it into three groups:

• A bicycle is a vehicle powered by human muscle using pedals or handles, including electric bicycles and self-propelled bicycles, unless otherwise specified by the Road Traffic Law;
• An electric bicycle is a bicycle additionally equipped with an electric motor with a maximum continuous rated power of up to 250 watts, which cuts off when the rider stops pedaling or gradually reduces power and switches off before the vehicle reaches a speed of 25 km/h;
• A self-propelled bicycle is a bicycle additionally equipped with an electric motor with a maximum continuous rated or useful power not exceeding 1000 watts, whose primary function is to assist pedaling and which switches off before the vehicle reaches a speed of 25 km/h.

It is specifically self-propelled bicycles that will require MTPL insurance starting from May 2026. Registration of such bicycles with the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) begins on April 1. These bicycles will only be allowed to participate in road traffic if a new type of state registration sticker is affixed to the vehicle.

From What Date Will MTPL Be Mandatory for Self-Propelled Bicycles?

There are two important dates to remember:

• From April 1, 2026 – registration of self-propelled bicycles with CSDD becomes mandatory. Participation in road traffic is only allowed with a state registration sticker;
• From May 1, 2026 – mandatory MTPL insurance comes into force.

Important: MTPL policies can be purchased even before this date.

How to Purchase MTPL for an Electric Bicycle?

Once the vehicle is registered with CSDD, it will receive a registration sticker number, which must be entered in the registration certificate field in our calculator. In practice, the process is identical to that for electric scooters.

If you have already registered your vehicle with CSDD, you can check MTPL prices right now using our MTPL calculator.