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Riding Electric Bikes and Scooters in Israel: Eligibility and Vehicle Registration

In response to inquiries from international couples, AIC is pleased to announce that we have successfully advocated for several policy changes and exemptions benefiting foreign partners of Israelis who use electric scooters and bikes.

Thanks to AIC’s efforts, and in collaboration with other nonprofit organizations, the A3 theory exam is now available to non-Hebrew speakers. Additionally, holders of foreign driver’s licenses are exempt from testing, without having to convert their license to an Israeli one (nor must they be eligible for a license conversion!)

Who Can Ride Light Electric Vehicles In Israel?

To ride an electric bicycle or an electric scooter in Israel, you must meet the following conditions:

  1. Be above 16 years old
  2. Qualify as trained for riding: Have an Israeli driving license OR have a foreign driving license* OR pass a driving theory exam in Israel OR pass a riding theory exam (“theory A3”)
  3. Owners of electric bikes and scooters must register their vehicles, issue a license number, and attach a license plate

Note! Riding a hoverboard or Segway does not require ride training or licensing (conditions 2&3)

*Holders of foreign driving licenses are exempt from additional testing to ride electric bikes or scooters in Israel. To receive this exemption, visit the licensing office and present a foreign license to enter into the system. More information will be available soon.

How to Take The A3 Theory Exam in Israel?

If you don’t already have a driving license (Israeli or foreign), the easiest way to qualify for riding light electric vehicles is by taking the A3 Theory Exam. This exam is specifically designed for users of electric bikes and scooters, covering topics such as road usage, bike and scooter rules, and more.

Following AIC’s advocacy, the A3 theory test has been made available in the following languages: Hebrew, English, and Arabic. In addition, the MoT confirmed to AIC that additional testing languages will be made available soon (Russian, Spanish, French, Amharic, Chinese).

Step 1: MoT ID number (“מספר זהות פיקטיבי”)

Skip this step if you already have an Israeli ID number (A5 visa holders, permanent residents, citizens, etc.)

Go to the Ministry of Transportation office of your choice* (no appointment needed), with your passport and a valid long-stay visa (B1, B4, A2, A3, A4).

At the office, you can first try the self-service kiosk – you might be able to get a “fake ID number” there. You should get a paper with a 9-digit ID number, starting with 89 (89XXXXXXX).

This number will be your identification number for anything related to the Ministry of Transportation (including law enforcement).

*Except for the following branches: Beit Shean, Safed, Yokneam, Dalyat El Carmel, Kiryat Arba, Ariel, Ofakim, and Rahat.

Step 2: Online Application

Complete the online application and health statement. The form is available in Hebrew, English, and Arabic – use the menu on the top bar to change the language.

The form includes:

  1. Personal information – if you don’t have an Israeli ID, remember to use your fake ID number in the ID field (“תעודת זהות”).
  2. Choice of license category – choose “Issue a new driver’s license” and then pick “A3 – אופניים חשמליים”
  3. Declaration and written consent to provide medical information to the licensing authority.
  4. Health statement – a Yes / No questionnaire.

Notes regarding the health statement:

  • You don’t need to visit a doctor to complete the form.
  • A health issue included on the form will not automatically disqualify you from getting a license.
  • The statement is valid for 3 years.
  • You may need to attach medical documents to your statement.
  • You must notify the licensing authority of changes to your health, such as heart disease, nervous system conditions, skeletal system conditions, or changes in vision or hearing.

Step 3: Photo & Eyesight Test

Go to one of the nationwide photo stations, and bring your MoT ID paper or your Israeli ID with you. Most of the photo stations are located inside commercial optometrist shops that have an arrangement with the Ministry of Transportation, so the eye test and photo taking are usually done in the same place.

Notes regarding the eyesight test:

  • Make sure the optometrist is authorized to perform the test on behalf of the Ministry of Transport
  • Call ahead to check the operation hours for licensing eyesight tests and photo-taking
  • There are different eyesight tests for different license categories

Cost: For eye test – 50₪ (unless additional testing is required).

The photo is free.

After completing the eye test you will be notified by SMS on how to proceed. These are the 3 options:

  • You can register for the theory exam
  • You’re exempt from the theory exam (only relevant for experienced drivers applying for additional licenses)
  • You can’t continue with your application and the reasons why 

Step 4: A3 Theory Test

*Important* You cannot register for the Israeli Theory Exam before receiving the text message that allows you to do so (see step 3 above).

Theory test centers are located across Israel and are open 6 days a week. You must register in advance.

Thanks to AIC’s inquiries, the A3 theory test can be taken in the following languages: Hebrew, English, and Arabic. In addition, the MoT confirmed to AIC that additional testing languages will be made available soon (Russian, Spanish, French, Amharic, Chinese).

Book Your A3 Theory Test

Book your theory test online (highly recommended). Alternatively, you can book it through the theory test call center at 1-800-800-907.

Cost: 71₪ (In Eilat 61₪)

Important notes:

  • If you book online – the fields on the website must be filled in Hebrew only.
  • Remember to use your MoT ID number for identification if you don’t have an Israeli ID.
  • Payment must be done in advance, by credit card only (either online or over the phone).
  • You do not need to choose a language in advance but you must inform the testing center when you arrive.

Day of the Theory Test

Make sure to bring with you the following documents:

  1. Valid passport/Israeli ID card (if you don’t have an Israeli ID, in addition to your passport bring your MoT ID paper).
  2. SMS booking confirmation.
  3. Confirmation of payment (if you prepaid online).
  4. If you have any special learning needs, bring your supporting documents.

Rules of the Israeli A3 Theory Test

The Theory Test checks your knowledge and understanding of traffic laws, vehicle operation, behavior, and safety on the road.

  • The theory test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions.
  • You need to answer 26 questions correctly to pass. You will get the test results immediately after taking the test.
  • The theory test lasts 40 minutes.
  • The theory test is done on a computer. If you need any special accommodation, read more here.
  • If you pass, the results are valid for 3 years.
  • If you fail, you can retake the exam starting the following day (subject to booking an exam and paying the fee again), or you can appeal the test results (within 7 days).

To prepare for the test, you can check out the pool of questions and answers (published by the Ministry of Transportation), which includes 58 example questions and allows you to test yourself.

As of August 2024, the question pool is only available in Hebrew. AIC has inquired multiple times about publishing the questions in other languages- stay tuned for updates!

In addition, there are plenty of online practice resources. Feel free to ask about your options on our Facebook Community.

How to Register Your Personal Electric Bike or Scooter in Israel

From August 1st, 2024, owners of electric bicycles and scooters must register their vehicles with the government and attach a license plate. To do that, you first must qualify for riding the vehicle (meet conditions 1 and 2 listed above), and have an Israeli ID number (or an MoT ID number).

To register an electric light vehicle, you must be above 16 years of age and qualified for riding (as listed above).

Step 1: Register your electric bike or scooter

Register your electric bike or scooter through the Government Identification System (Gov IL). If you aren’t already, you must register with Gov IL first.

  1. Go to the appropriate registration system:
  2. Accept a declaration (on your first entry).
  3. Click on “Add a New Vehicle.”
  4. Choose the type of vehicle – bicycle or scooter.
  5. Fill in the manufacturer’s name, frame number or serial number, and the dominant color of the vehicle.
  6. Check the declaration box.
  7. Submit the request online.
  • You can register up to 20 different vehicles by clicking on the “New Vehicle” button.
  • When canceling a registration due to an error, scraping, or sale, the license number can be reused for a new vehicle.
  • To cancel the registration of a vehicle due to theft you must report the theft to the police and attach a confirmation. The license number linked to the stolen vehicle becomes inactive and cannot be used for registering another vehicle.

Step 2: Produce and install a license plate

After completing the registration process and receiving a license number, go with the vehicle to one of the stamping and installation points of your choice.

  • Standard installation: Attach the plate to the rear of the vehicle using the provided bracket.
  • For vehicles without a designated spot for a plate: Install a special bracket.
  • If rear installation is not possible: Install the plate at the front of the vehicle on the handlebars.
  • Ensure visibility: The plate must be installed in a way that it remains clearly visible and unobstructed.
  • Payment: Pay the service provider for issuing and installing the identification plate.

Once you have installed the license plate, you’re good to go. Safe riding!

—

Official MoT source

AIC is proud to have successfully advocated for the inclusion of additional languages and the exemption for foreign license holders, ensuring the rights of international couples. Many volunteer hours were invested in this project. If you found this article helpful, please consider supporting our association with a donation.

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Adv. Lior Beres
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