E-Bikes
Speed pedelec
What does Speed pedelec mean?
An e-bike that assists up to 45 km/h (28 mph). In the EU it is a type-approved L1e-B moped, ridden with an AM licence under national moped rules.
A speed pedelec, also called an S-pedelec, is a pedal-assist e-bike whose motor helps up to 45 km/h (28 mph). In the EU, Regulation 168/2013 exempts e-bikes from vehicle approval only up to 250 W and 25 km/h. A faster bike falls into category L1e, capped at 45 km/h and 4,000 W, and is an L1e-B two-wheel moped when it exceeds the L1e-A powered cycle limits.
What do you need to ride one?
EU licence law, Directive 2006/126/EC, puts mopeds up to 45 km/h in category AM, with a default minimum age of 16 that each country can set between 14 and 18. National moped rules decide plates, insurance, helmets and which paths you may use. In the Netherlands, Rijksoverheid requires riders to be 16 with an AM licence, a yellow moped plate, liability insurance and an approved moped helmet or one marked NTA 8776:2016, and bars speed pedelecs from bicycle-only paths. Switzerland’s fast e-bike category, set by the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA), allows up to 1,000 W and needs a plate, a category M licence from 14 and a bicycle helmet.
Is it the same as a US Class 3 e-bike?
Both assist to the same speed, but a US Class 3 e-bike is a bicycle in law and a speed pedelec is a moped. See our Class 3 vs speed pedelec comparison and the fastest e-bikes speed ladder.
Also known as: speed pedelecs, S-pedelec, S-pedelecs
Related terms
- Class 3 e-bike A US e-bike whose motor helps only while you pedal and stops assisting at 28 mph (45 km/h). California also requires a speedometer.
- Assist cut-off speed The road speed at which an e-bike's motor must stop helping: 25 km/h (15.5 mph) in the UK and EU, 20 or 28 mph in the US.
- Electrically assisted pedal cycle The legal name for an e-bike in Great Britain: pedals that propel it, no more than 250 W continuous power, and no motor help above 15.5 mph.