Bicycle equipment

What does a properly equipped bicycle look like?

No item of the mandatory equipment may be missing from a bicycle. 

Cyclists under the age of eighteen must wear an approved cycling helmet while riding, properly fitted and fastened on the head. 

Children under the age of 10 may ride on roads, local roads (that is, roads within the municipality) and publicly accessible service roads, such as forest or field tracks, only when accompanied by a person over the age of 15.

Mandatory bicycle equipment:

• two effective, mutually independent brakes
• a white reflector at the front
• a red reflector at the rear
• amber reflectors on both sides of the pedals
• amber reflectors in the wheel spokes
• plugged handlebar ends
• the ends of the control levers (brake and gear levers) must be covered with energy-absorbing material
• wheel hub nuts must be capped unless they are wing nuts or quick-release nuts

Plus equipment for conditions of reduced visibility:

• a white headlamp at the front
• a lamp with a red rear position light at the back
• a power source (dynamo, battery)

If the bicycle is fitted with a child seat: 

• the seat must be firmly attached 
• the bicycle must have footrests for the child 

Additional bicycle equipment: 
If the bicycle has a luggage rack, it must be securely attached and must not affect riding safety. Mudguards are no longer part of the mandatory equipment, but they do protect your face and clothing from mud and other dirt. A bell and an effective chain guard are likewise not mandatory; even so, the police recommend using them for your own safety.  

Key principles for safe riding

Before setting off, check the following on your bicycle:
that the nuts and bolts on the wheels are tight, the condition of the tyres and their pressure, the condition and function of the brakes, that the lights work, that the chain is taut and lubricated, and that the reflectors are clean

Seeing and being seen matters a great deal, so: 
always switch your bicycle lights on in good time, wear bright clothing and use fluorescent and reflective accessories 

As a cyclist you are a road user too: never eat, drink, smoke or use the phone while riding — concentrate fully on the road, and always wear a cycling helmet. Respect the ban on alcohol, follow the rules of the road and behave towards others as you would like them to behave towards you. 

The technical requirements for bicycles, animal-drawn vehicles and handcarts are set out in Annex No. 8 to vyhláška č.153/2023 Sb. (Decree No. 153/2023 Coll.).