Can e-bikes be road legal? Understanding the regulations
As electric bicycles (e-bikes) gain popularity around the world, it’s important for enthusiasts and potential buyers to understand where and how to legally use these innovative vehicles. Today, we’re focusing on understanding the laws and regulations, riding and safety requirements, and e-bike compliance related to e-bikes in European countries. And we highlight why Bodywel e-bikes are an excellent choice within the legal framework.
E-bikes combine traditional cycling with electrically-assisted speeds and are positioned as an environmentally-friendly alternative to motorised vehicles and are easier to use than standard bicycles. At a time when eco-friendly travel is increasingly important, e-bikes have become a favoured mode of transport for many. However, whether they can legally be used on the road has different regulations in different regions.
What is an e-bike?
Before delving into legality, it’s important to understand what an e-bike is. E-bikes are equipped with an electric motor that assists in propelling the bike. There are two main types of e-bikes:
– Pedal Assist (Levels 1 and 3): The motor only assists when you pedal and stops assisting once you reach a certain speed (20 mph for Level 1 and 28 mph for Level 3).
– Throttle Assist (Level 2): The motor propels the bike forward without pedalling at speeds up to 20 mph.
Riding and Safety Requirements
Safety is still vital, no matter what the area:
– Helmets are usually recommended or required.
-There may be age restrictions, usually a minimum age of 16.
– Night riders should equip their e-bikes with lights and reflectors.
Global differences and local laws
It is important for e-bike owners to check specific local regulations, as these can vary even within the same country. For example, some cities have unique regulations regarding the use of e-bikes in pedestrianised areas or on specific roads.
1. France
Speed and power limits: e-bikes must not exceed a maximum continuous power rating of 250 watts and must not exceed a speed of 25km/h, with the power output cut off once the speed is exceeded .
Safety equipment requirements: front and rear lights, retro-reflective devices, brake brakes and horns must be installed 1.
Wearing a helmet: riders must wear a helmet .
Vehicle certification: selling, manufacturing or importing a vehicle that is not authorised and qualified by the EU is punishable by a fine of up to €1,500. Riding a light electric vehicle on the road that is not authorised and qualified will not be covered by the insurance company in the event of an accident .
driving zones: from September 2019, e-bikes are banned from pavements
2. Germany
Speed and classification: the maximum speed of ordinary e-bikes can not exceed 25km/h, if it exceeds, you need to obtain a driver’s licence, e-bikes considered as mopeds can reach a maximum speed of 45km/h, the rider needs to have the appropriate driver’s licence, and you need to install the vehicle with equipment such as mirrors, horns and low beams .
Training and Exam: Riders over 15 years of age must undergo at least two days of training and pass a test to obtain a licence to ride an e-bike. The training includes driving lights at night, not riding after drinking alcohol, and wearing a helmet when travelling at speeds above 20 kilometres per hour, etc.
vehicle marking and equipment: e-bikes must be marked on the body, equipped with lighting equipment, etc. and insurance companies will not pay for accidents on the road on unauthorised bikes; those who sell, manufacture or import unauthorised bikes are fined a maximum of 1,500 euros.
3. Italy
Vehicle definitions and restrictions: E-bikes are defined as bicycles that must be accelerated by pedalling, with an electric motor not exceeding 0.25 kW, a maximum speed not exceeding 25km/h, and must be accelerated by pedalling again after slowing down.
Penalties for non-compliance: the manufacture, production and sale of e-bikes exceeding these limits are subject to administrative penalties ranging from €1,084 to €4,339, and those who modify the bikes are subject to fines ranging from €845 to €3,382.
Special use regulations: if the e-bike is used for delivery, the maximum power can be from 0.25 to 0.5 kW, but the engine speed still can not be higher than 25km/h.
4. United Kingdom
Vehicle requirements: e-bikes are known as electric assisted bicycles and must have foot pedals, a maximum motor output of no more than 250 watts, and be designed for a maximum speed of no more than 15.5 mph, which is equivalent to 24.8 km/h.
Age limit: the motorist must be over 14 years of age.
No driver’s licence required, etc.: no need to apply for a driving licence, no need to register with the traffic department; no licence tax, no excise tax; riders do not need to wear helmets; no need to buy third-party insurance; no need to take a driving licence.
5、Spain
Vehicle Requirements
Power and speed limitations: the maximum power of the motor of an e-bike must not exceed 250 watts, and the maximum speed must not exceed 25 kilometres per hour. The motor must stop automatically when the rider stops pedalling or when the speed reaches 25 km/h.
Brakes and lights: Like conventional bicycles, they must be equipped with a bell and front and rear brakes. In addition, reflective devices must be installed on the sides, pedals and rear, and there must be lights on the front and rear.
Vehicle weight: The weight of a qualified e-bike (including motor) must not exceed 40kg, otherwise it will be considered as a motorbike.
Rider Requirements
Age limit: The minimum age for riding an e-bike is 14 years old.
Wearing a helmet: Helmets must be worn when riding on urban and inter-urban roads, but are not required when riding on cycle paths in city centres.
Vehicle registration and tax: e-bikes need to be registered for road tax purposes.
Advantages of choosing a Bodywel e-bike
Bodywel e-bikes are designed with compliance and convenience in mind, offering models that meet the legal standards of many countries. Benefits include:
– Compliance: Bodywel e-bikes are equipped with features that comply with global regulations, including speed limiters and required safety equipment.
– Versatility: Bodywel T16,F20SE, and F20Pro models have foldable features that make them easy to transport and store, making them ideal for urban environments where space is limited.
– Extended range: With their high-capacity batteries, Bodywel bikes can cover long distances on a single charge, making them ideal for long-distance commuting without having to worry about frequent recharging.
Conclusion
E-bikes are an exciting and environmentally friendly way to get around, but it’s important to understand the legal environment before hitting the road, and the Bodywel e-bike not only complies with legal standards, but also enhances the riding experience through its innovative design and useful features. By understanding these local laws, regulations, riding and safety requirements before hitting the road, you can ride your e-bike legally and safely on your local roads.
