When is an e-bike registration required.
Registration of electric bicycles is required by law for some electric bicycles, but not for others. This is because the bicycles commonly referred to as ‘ e-bikes ’ are legally considered pedelecs, s-pedelecs or e-bikes.
For an electric bicycle, a registration with a user license and insurance number plate is required if it is an S-pedelec. Operators of electric bicycles, on the other hand, do not need registration. But what are the differences between these bikes?
What is a Pedelec?
A pedelec (short for "pedal electric cycle") is an electric bicycle whose motor is only switched on when the rider pedals. The motor assistance is therefore in a sense only a pedal assistance. Only an additional starting aid can accelerate the electric bicycle to 6 km/h, even without pedaling. With motor assistance, electric bicycles can reach speeds of up to 25 km/h. If these conditions are met, the electric bicycle is legally equivalent to a normal bicycle. You do not need to register to ride an electric bicycle, nor do you need a helmet or a driver's license. Electric bicycles are also permitted on normal cycle paths.
What is a Speed-Pedelec?
An S-pedelec (short for "speed pedelec") is, as the name suggests, the faster version of an electric bicycle. S-pedelecs can reach speeds of up to 45 km/h with motor support when pedaling. These fast bicycles are legally considered mopeds. As such, registration is required for these bicycles. As a driver, you must be in possession of a user permit, an insurance plate and a driving license of class AM or higher. In addition, helmets are mandatory for S-pedelecs and normal cycle paths may only be used if an additional sign expressly permits this for mopeds. The minimum age for driving an S-pedelec is 15 or 16 years.
When is insurance mandatory for e-bikes?
All electric bicycles that are legally classified as e-bikes and that you can move without pedaling using only the motor are subject to compulsory insurance. You need an insurance plate for these bicycles. The same applies to S-pedelecs, which provide pedal assistance up to 45 km/h. In contrast, there is no compulsory insurance for electric bicycles. However, consumer protection organisations recommend taking out private liability insurance to be covered in the event of an accident.