European country ebike law

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Ebike Class System

The EU-wide regulations for e-bikes primarily stem from two key pieces of legislation:

  • EU Regulation (EC) No 168/2013: Covers L-category vehicles (light motor vehicles), including L1e-A Power Cycles and L1e-B Mopeds (Speed Pedelecs).

  • Directive 2002/24/EC: Defines the Pedelec as an electric bike with 250 watts or less and restricted to 25 km/h motor-assisted speed, classified as a bicycle.

1. Pedelec （pedal electric cycle）

Pedelec is currently the most widely used type of e-bike in Europe, it usually follows the normal e-bike regulations but needs to comply with specific rules:

  • Motor Power : Limited to 250 watts.

  • Speed limit ：Assistance is provided only up to 25 km/h (approximately 15.5 mph).

  • Pedal assistance only ：The motor must assist only when the rider is pedaling and must cut off assistance once the speed reaches 25 km/h.

2. Speed pedelec

Speed pedelec is usually equipped with higher performance and offers faster riding speeds, and therefore follows the limits of motor vehicle regulations. It is usually classified as moped and requires registration, driver’s licence, insurance and other requirements.

  • Motor Power : Can have a motor power of up to 4000 watts.

  • Speed limit ：Can assist up to 45 km/h (approximately 28 mph).

3. Throttle-Controlled E-Bikes:

These bikes operate similarly to motorcycles and are subject to different regulations depending on their power output and speed capabilities.

Pedelec Regulations (Max Speed: 25 km/h, Motor: ≤250W)

Country Minimum Age Helmet Requirement License Requirement Insurance Requirement Allowed Roads Additional Requirements
Germany 14 Optional No No Bike lanes,paths and roads Weight: ≤55 kg
France 14 Recommended No No Bike lanes and public roads -
Italy 14 Required for <18 No No Bike lanes and public roads -
Spain 14 Required for <16 No No Bike lanes and public roads Weight: ≤40 kg
Denmark 15 Optional No No Bike lanes and public roads -
Netherlands 16 Optional No No Bike lanes and public roads -
Poland 14 Optional No No Designated bike lanes -
Finland 15 Recommended No No Bike lanes and public roads -
Sweden None Required for <15 No No Bike lanes and public roads -
Belgium None Optional No No Bike lanes and public roads -
Norway 12 Recommended No No bicycle infrastructure(bike paths and bike parks) The bike max assistant speed is only 20kph
UK 14 Recommended No No Bike lanes and public roads -
Other Regions Varies Typically optional/recommended No No Bike lanes EU manufacturing compliance required

Speed Pedelec Regulations (Max Speed: 45 km/h, Motor: ≤4000W)

Country Minimum Age Helmet Requirement License Requirement Insurance Requirement Allowed Roads Additional Requirements
Germany 14 Required Yes Yes No bike lanes Registration mandatory
France 14 Required Yes Yes No bike lanes Registration mandatory
Italy 16 Required Yes Yes No bike lanes Registration mandatory
Spain 15 Required Yes Yes No bike lanes Registration mandatory
Denmark 15 Required Yes Yes Marked cycle paths allowed Registration mandatory
Netherlands 16 Required Yes Yes Certain roads, no bike lanes Registration mandatory
Poland 16 Required Yes Yes No bike lanes Registration mandatory
Finland 15 Required Yes Yes Mixed traffic roads Registration mandatory
Sweden 16 Required Yes Yes No bike lanes Registration mandatory
Belgium 16 Required Yes Yes Certain bike paths allowed Registration mandatory
Norway 16 Required Yes Yes Specific road types Registration mandatory
UK 16 Required Yes Yes No bike lanes Registration mandatory
Other Regions Varies Typically required Yes Yes Country-specific EU compliance for manufacturing