An electrical moped is a more environmentally friendly, battery-powered vehicle that is a perfect fit for urban residents that want to travel shorter distances through the city. It’s the ideal vehicle for you to achieve daily trips such as going to the nearest supermarket, Grocery store, gym, or nearest park. It is doubtful if an electrical moped needs a license and the answer is more complicated as each state has its licensing and registration requirements and laws for mopeds. The procedure differs across the various countries and regions in the world. Moreover, one can argue that the electrical moped does not need a license because it is an eco-friendly, sustainable, safe, traffic escaper and a light vehicle that is only beneficial for short trips. Let’s clarify this doubt by exploring the matter among various regions and countries. Before investigating the license issue, let’s first go through some important facts that a moped buyer should know and the pros and cons of purchasing a moped. 

 

What do you need to consider before purchasing an e-moped? 

Commute Distance.  

Electric mopeds are ideal for short distances (10-20 Miles) commutes which is more efficient than driving a big four-wheeled vehicle through traffic.  

Outfitting.  

As e-mopeds travel faster, you must wear appropriate safety garments. The safety attire includes a standard helmet,  gloves, and not flip-flops but close-toed shoes. 

Maintenance and equipment. 

E-mopeds need routine maintenance; fundamentally, the battery replacement must be regular.  

Storage and security 

Lastly, you’ll need to ensure enough storage space to park your E-moped safely when it’s not in use. It is more appropriate to have a front brake disc lock, a chain lock, or a grip lock to keep your vehicle from thieves. In addition, it can be a good idea to have a waterproof moped cover to reduce damage from various weather conditions. 

 

 What are the pros and cons of purchasing an e-moped? 

Easy commuting.  

Mopeds make commuting within the city relaxing, fun, easy, hassle-free, and traffic-free even during busy hours. Due to its small size, it is far more convenient to escape traffic. Additionally, many states in many countries have a separate lane for mopeds.  

More cargo space. 

Naturally, e-mopeds have a  seat compartment for storage. The seat compartment is especially beneficial for running errands, carrying groceries, or holding stocks.  

More cost-effective. 

 As electricity for the charging process is relatively inexpensive, E-mopeds are comparatively cheaper than cars and non-electrical vehicles.  

Less noise pollution. 

The electric motor in E-mopeds is entirely silent. It feels more accessible than riding. It also increases your focus on the situation.

How do mopeds affect safety sometimes?

 

The most significant danger is that other traffic may not notice the presence of a moped.

Here’s why moped users who replaced their more extensive and expensive vehicles do not regret their decision.

It can be one of the best decisions they have ever made, according to their experience. Here are some tips and tricks they have picked up since the time they replaced their big vehicle with a moped.

 “Using the feature of “avoid highways” feature on Google maps.

There are many roads other than the interstate, and they can often get you to your exact destination in about the same amount of time with better scenery. 

Navigating with a Bluetooth earbud.

Pair the earbud to your phone, turn Google maps audio navigation on, and it will navigate you through turn by turn. You don’t constantly have to look down at your phone from time to time to see where you are. 

Bike lane to car lane 

In most states, mopeds can travel in both car and bike lanes. Roads with a bike lane can be a considerable advantage to the moped driver. When you see traffic or red light immediately, You can join the bike lane to avoid it. Changing lanes eliminate traffic and gives moped priority at every traffic light, and Changing lanes option results in happy-go-lucky commuting times. 

 Next, let’s have a look at the license issue.  

Do I need a license to drive a moped? 

It isn’t effortless to clarify the appropriate laws that apply to e-bikes and which do not. Classifying if your bike is an e-bike according to the definition of your country is problematic. Just because your bike needs electricity to work does not define it as an e-bike in every country around the globe; next, you need to figure out the type of moped you use and the maximum speed your moped can travel. Commonly, e-mopeds with a high speed that can run up to 45kmph need both a license and an insurance badge, and using a helmet for these bikes is mandatory. Therefore knowing the specifications of the bike you own is dominant. Let’s go through the laws for mopeds in various countries and regions and clarify this point deeply. 

  In the US, e-mopeds do not require a motorcycle but a valid driver’s license. In California, You must have a motorcycle license to drive a moped, be at least 16 years old or older, and wear a helmet while you ride. You don’t provide insurance to register a moped, but you need special license plates and an identification card. The situation in the USA is also the same. You need a Motorcycle license for a moped in some USA states. You might have to pay a fine, and you may also have to spend a few months in prison or pay a tax penalty if you ride a moped without a license.

In New York, Some laws dictate where you are allowed to operate a moped as determined by the vehicle class. On the other hand, in many states, riders who are not 18 years old of age must have a permit to drive a moped. Mopeds do not get permission to use the sidewalks.

 In Berlin, German law identifies two types of mopeds. One of those categories is the small mopeds called Mofos, which do not need a license. Nevertheless, Everyone does not have permission to ride them unless the rider is above fifteen. Moreover, you need to sit for a written test, do a practical test and qualify before you get the permit to use it on the road. A helmet is mandatory, and the Speed limit is up to 25kmph. In Berlin, it requires a particular set of regulations such as being below 50cc, using weight lower than 30kg, and the front and back wheel width should be between 26cm and 28cm, respectively. The more extensive version of Mofa is called Mokick, which requires a license as a couple of people are permitted to ride a Mokick. Although Mokicks are 50cc, just like Mofos,  45kmph speed is applicable. Mofa requires an appropriate age limit of sixteen years to ride, a year more than that for a Mock. Also read: Are There Any E-Bikes Or Mopeds In Berlin That Don’t Require A Motorcycle License?

The situation in Japan is significantly different regarding the use of e- mopeds. For a long time, e-mopeds have been banned in Japan because it was not easy to ride one on the streets of Tokyo. Strict regulations like needing a license plate, a valid driver’s license, and paying taxes made it unattractive to purchase an e-moped. The law changed in April 2022 that it is not necessary to have a driver’s license to ride an e-moped in Japan legally but still, you cannot ride an e-moped if you are under 16 years old.

Amsterdam also recently banned mopeds from bike paths within the city. The information found from an extensive traffic survey carried out by “Metrocount Netherlands” on percentages and speeds of light mopeds in 2018 enforced the complete ban a year later. Because e-moped laws are very confusing,  you must ensure that you meet the relevant requirements pointed out by your country when purchasing your e-moped. 

How do e-mopeds deal with the current world? 

When considering the situation in Sri Lanka, more than ten people have died in fuel queues since the beginning of the crisis. The working class people suffer due to a shortage of fuel. Most lost their job, and the primary mode of transport became walking or using a foot cycle. Minding the advantages of using an e-moped, it can be the best option for the fuel crisis in Sri Lanka. As some of the mopeds have the option of paddling, it can also provide exercise to the body. E-mopeds cost a comparatively low budget than other vehicles and motorbikes. Mopeds can achieve a fuel economy of over 100mpg too. 

E-mopeds will be a reason to reduce the car use in future and E-mopeds will be the primary mode of transport in cities soon enough. E-mopeds will minimize the blockage on roads and help cities achieve their environmental and road safety targets, but the dissenting voices protest they are irritating and menacing; they also argue that E-mopeds narrow their footpaths and risk pedestrians, and cause accidents and injuries. However, These E-mopeds could be a massive advantage for our cities as these modes of transport can be pretty effective between home and the nearest railway station also in another way, they can also be troublesome in case they would bring down the number of short trips taken by personal vehicles.

Electric bikes are rapidly increasing in popularity and the main reason that sparked the flame could be the recent Covid-19 pandemic situation. It has proven to be a great way to avoid public transport and still get to your destination in good time. Apart from that, their gradual rise to fame could also be owed to the fact that they advocate for clean energy. Many people have started realizing the damage they have been doing to the environment over the years and are starting to feel the repercussions of it. This has made them feel the need to become more responsible and to set an example for the future generation to come. E-bikes might not be a game-changing choice, but it does make an impact on the world’s carbon footprint if mass numbers of people shift from the usage of fossil burners to electric vehicles such as e-bikes.

The thing about e-bikes in the current time is that they have not yet been perfected. The global market for e-bikes is still expanding with no competitor having a significantly large share for themselves. This means that e-bikes are still undergoing research and innovation and it might take some time to come up with the perfect bike. So there can be many inefficiencies and inconveniences that one has to face while using them. And the existing e-bikes might not be exactly what you are looking for. This brings us to the topic of building your own e-bike!

 

Why Build Your Own E-Bike?

There are several reasons why one might attempt to build their own e-bike. 

• Cheaper
• The cost of an e-bike you get from the store covers a lot of extra costs that go for research, design, development, marketing, storage, shipping, and more. When making your own e-bike you will be cutting off a large chunk of these expenses. Moreover, you can avoid including the extra components that come with store-bought e-bikes which you won’t be using thereby, cutting those costs as well. 
• Customization
• When building your own e-bike, you get to customize it the way you want. This includes getting rid of parts that you don’t need or dislike, and adding parts that would make your riding experience better. For instance, not all e-bikes are suited for mountain biking or riding through tough trails. And such bikes might not be available at your local e-bike store. So in a situation like that, you can make a custom e-bike which you can even modify whenever you like. It is more like personalizing a bike for yourself and who better knows what you’re more comfortable with than yourself!
• Easy assembly
• Putting together an e-bike is now easier than ever before. You can find bicycle conversion kits that are specifically made for you to make your own e-bike. And there are so many DIY tutorials on the internet. So you don’t have to be a super mechanic who knows all the inner workings of an e-bike to make one yourself!
• Quality assurance
• There are various e-bikes brands on the market but not all of them are foolproof and of high quality. Moreover, it’s hard to be picky when there aren’t many good options to choose from in the first place. By building an e-bike yourself you can make sure that the parts you use are of high quality and secure.
• Fun
• The process of making an e-bike can be fun and seeing the end result will give you a sense of accomplishment. Imagine yourself sailing through the streets on an e-bike you made yourself. That would be the coolest experience and will give you a moment to shine in pride. If you go on YouTube, you’ll see a lot of Youtubers who’ve attempted making e-bikes where some of them were successful and some just ended up being hilarious.

 

Risks Of Homemade Electric Bikes

While making your own e-bike can be a great experience, it can be very hazardous if you go about it without knowing what you’re doing and not heeding the safety precautions given to you. For instance, your e-bike may go at a really high speed that you may not have expected. This risk is especially apparent in throttle-assisted bikes and hence your first ride might be a very scary one. And in the recent past, many people who built their own e-bikes purposely gave their bikes extreme speeds with hefty motors. This was done for ‘fun’ and clout, and often resulted in accidents. So make sure to follow the instructions properly, and wear safety gear when going on your test drives.

Nonetheless, such risks are the main reason why some countries have made registration, license, or insurance a requirement for some e-bikes. 

 

Does My Homemade E-Bike Need To Be Registered?

To officially run your homemade e-bike on the road you might need to get it registered first. But this depends on the country or state you live in. Some countries do not require registration as e-bikes do not fall under the motorcycle category and transport rules such as insurance or taxes are not applicable. In addition to that, whether or not your e-bike needs to be registered would also depend on the type of electric bike you’ve made and the motor used. For instance, in India, you do not require an ARAI approval for an electric bike as long as its electric motor has a power of less than 250W and can be ridden at a maximum speed of 25kmph. 

 

In Which Scenario Will My E-Bike Need Registration?

Since there are no construction laws in any country for a homemade electric bike, you will only need to comply with the usage law, i.e., a 250W motor and 25kmph maximum speed as mentioned before. As long as your e-bike complies with the law, you can ride it on roads or bike paths in most countries. 

However, if these requirements are not met, your e-bike will be treated legally as a motorcycle. If it falls under the motorcycle category, you will be required by law to wear a helmet when riding and get insurance for your e-bike. Nonetheless, if you do have a high-powered e-bike and no registration, you can still ride it on private land. 

In addition to that, in many countries, there is an age limit to ride an e-bike on public roads. This can vary from 14-18 depending on the place you live. For example, in the UK, the minimum age limit to ride an e-bike is 14. Furthermore, if you are using your e-bike on a public highway, you will most definitely need to register the e-bike as well as get a driving license, insurance, and wear a helmet when riding.  

There is an additional issue when registering a homemade e-bike though as most countries do not allow it unless the bike complies with certain standards. When buying off-the-shelf bikes, most of them come with a type of approval certificate that conforms with the European standards for e-bike manufacturing. In addition to that, they might have a sticker or plate showing the manufacturer’s name and the power output details to confirm there is no power assistance without pedaling. Due to this, when it comes to a homemade e-bike, it makes registration a bit more difficult. Without a legal certificate, it is difficult to confirm that your bike meets the construction and usage regulations for e-bikes. Nevertheless, in countries like the USA, there is a possibility to get your e-bike inspected before registration. The inspector will look into details such as how the motor was mounted if all the safety features are functional like head and tail lights, mirrors, and horns. Having insurance will be an added bonus for you when it’s time to register.

 

Registration Laws For E-Bikes By Country

Different countries have different registration laws for e-bikes. So in order to figure out whether your homemade e-bike needs to be registered, and if it is compatible with registration, you must take a look at the laws specified by your country.

 

USA and Canada

Every country has different rules and registrations for e-bikes. In large countries such as the USA it depends on the states like Virginia, the e-bicycles don’t need to be registered and are not categorized as motorcycles. In other states such as California, there are many classes to consider when registering your e-bike. Registration is only required for e-bikes traveling above 28mph. Also in California, riders have to be above 16 years old to go over 20mph. In places like Wisconsin, they do not have comprehensive e-bike laws, however, you still need to abide by regulations such as a 750W motor, riding less than 20mph, and not riding on “bike paths” while under motor power.

You should beware of the state you live in as in places like Michigan, all motorized vehicles should be registered. If your bicycle has a fitted motor it is classified as a moped, or motorcycle therefore registration is necessary. Although insurance might not be necessary, the motor vehicle rules will apply to your e-bike. In that case, you are required to have a license, satisfy all the safety gear, lights, seat, and handlebar requirements limitation of riders and not exceed a speed of over 30mph. You will have to register your e-bike under moped with an identifying frame serial number.

In Canada, the law for electric bicycles depends on the province you live in. There are eight provinces that allow you to ride them on roads. However, even in these provinces, you will need to abide by the rules that your self-made e-bike has an output of less than 500 W, and there is a speed limit of 32 km/h when traveling on motor power alone on level ground. Nevertheless, in some parts of Canada, the output power and speed limit may differ.

 

Australia and New Zealand

In countries like Australia, highway registration is not required as any motor vehicle is not allowed on a highway. There is an exemption for trailers, however, it does not extend to motorized/electric bicycles. As an electric bicycle has a motor it is not classed as a bicycle and considered a motor vehicle. Like in the UK and India, for an e-bike to be considered a motor vehicle: the motor should be the primary source of and the capacity of the ungoverned power output exceeding 200 watts. The rules do vary depending on the state, but e-bike riders are required to hold a motorcycle license and have the vehicle registered if they want to ride it on the road network. Furthermore, as a “motor vehicle” e-bikes cannot be ridden on footpaths or bicycle paths and must always wear a motorcycle helmet.

In New Zealand, the law classifies e-bikes as ordinary cycles as long as the bike has an electric power of less than 300 W, rather than motorcycle vehicles. Therefore, if you live in New Zealand the e-bike you made meets these regulations, it is not necessary to register or license them.

 

Europe

As mentioned previously in the UK the registration is similar to India however, the weight of the bike is limited to 30 kg. In Belgium, the rules depend on the motor of the e-bike you have made. There are 3 classes for e-bike types which are: 250W that can be ridden at 25 km/h by all ages without a helmet, 1000W bikes that require a conformity certificate, and the rider to be above 16 years that can also be ridden without a helmet and lastly,4000 W which you can ride up to a speed of 45 km/h but fall under the category of mopeds for all requirements. Denmark follows the same rules and allows you to ride it on cycle paths as long as you are above 15 and wear a helmet. The rules are laxer in parts of Europe like Norway and Sweden where e-bikes are classified as ordinary bicycles, in accordance with the vehicle regulation. So, registration and licenses are not needed to ride electric bikes there. They do have rules on e-bike construction so beware that your homemade bike abides by construction and safety laws in those countries even if registration isn’t required. 

 

Asia

In most Asian countries e-bikes fall under the same classification as bicycles such as the Philippines, therefore, even if your electric bike is homemade, it shouldn’t be a problem, and no registration is required. However, due to accidents and safety concerns, e-bikes are banned in some places in Asia or considered as motorcycles like in Hong Kong, therefore you might need to register and get approval from the Transport Department.

In Japan, electric bicycles are only categorized as ordinary bicycles if they are not capable of propulsion by just electric power. If your e-bike and run on just electric power it falls into the moped category therefore may require additional regulatory requirements and registration.  In case you need to register your homemade e-bike in Japan, you will need to make sure the power assist mechanism operates safely and the electric power generation by a motor ticks off all the requirements.

In middle eastern countries like Israel, the age limit is above 16 years old to use an electric bicycle with a speed limit of 25 km/h and a motor power of 250 W. All bicycles in Israel should meet the European Standard EN15194 and be approved by the Standards Institution of Israel. Therefore, if it is a homemade bike you will need to discuss and get your bike inspected by the Standards Institution. A new law was passed recently that states you need a special permit to ride an e-bike if you are under the age limit, therefore you will need to register for the permit depending on your age. You are not required to have a license or insurance. However, for you to ride on the streets the safety regulations you should follow are: the weight of your e-bike cannot exceed 30kg, the motor should be only activated by the pedaling effort and shut down when the rider stops pedaling and the motor power should decrease and cut off completely whenever the bicycle reaches a speed of 25 km/h. Russia is another country where no registration is needed for your e-bike. However, the same rules as in India apply for the motor power and speed limit.

 

Conclusion

Building your own e-bike can be cheaper and a fun experience. But if you are looking forward to riding it on the streets you will have to get a good idea about the e-bike laws in your region. Moreover, according to the definition of e-bikes stated by law, your product might not even classify as one. Which means a different set of rules may apply for them. 

Due to this, getting your homemade e-bike registered can be a complicated process. If you can first go through the registration requirements before building your e-bike, and then build it accordingly, it will make the process much simpler. 

 

Riding an e-bike gives you a sense of independence that you don’t get from any other mode of transportation. It also makes you feel good about the fact that you aren’t contributing to air pollution since e-bikes don’t burn fuels. Moreover, you have the opportunity to upgrade your e-bike to get the promise of increased speed, ease of handling, reliability, and safety. But when your new e-bike fails to deliver on its promises, it’s a huge letdown. Imagine your e-bike starts falling apart after a couple of rides. Was it because you handled it too roughly or was it a faulty bike in the first place? Whose fault is it, and what can you do about it? Well, there are laws that can handle the situation but you need to have a clear idea about which laws are applicable to your ride. For instance, despite the fact that e-bikes have a motor, the Vehicle Code does not classify them as a “motor vehicle.” So laws that apply to motor vehicles may not be relevant for e-bikes. The article will be discussing the Lemon Law, whether it applies to e-bikes, and if not, what other options are available instead.

 

What Is The California Lemon Law?

The Lemon laws exist to safeguard consumers who purchase consumer products for daily use. The California lemon law, in particular, protects consumers who buy motor vehicles for personal, family, or home use. These laws ensure that automakers follow through on their warranty promises. One of their most important promises is that the vehicles they sell would provide safe and dependable mobility. The lemon law also requires the auto manufacturer to fix any problems that arise during the warranty period. 

There have been cases of many automakers selling thousands of damaged automobiles every year and failing to address the flaws throughout the warranty term. In order to address this issue, the California Lemon Law mandates automakers or licensed repair shops to correct vehicle defects within a reasonable amount of time. Moreover, the California Lemon Law stipulates that if an automaker sells you a defective car, truck, or another motor vehicle, the carmaker must either replace it or refund your money.

 

Lemon Law And E-Bikes

The number of e-bike riders is rising by the day in the US. E-bike enthusiasts are also leveraging DIY kits and other mechanisms to maximize the power and speeds of e-bikes. Matters took a serious turn in France after a series of e-bike accidents were reported. It’s important that you are aware of the laws that are present in relation to e-bikes and riders.

Finding if Lemon law applies to your e-bikes can be tricky.  First and foremost, you must determine whether or not your bicycle qualifies as an “electric bike” as defined by the state. It must be noted that having two wheels and being driven by electricity does not make something an e-bike. Similar machines are categorized as electric motorized vehicles under state and federal legislation and are subject to far more inspection and regulation.

So what exactly is an e-bike? The only difference between an e-bike and a regular bicycle is that the e-bike has an electric motor. In California, an electric motor must have a power output of 1,000 watts or less, and be incapable of pushing the bike faster than 20 miles per hour to qualify as an e-bike rather than a motorized vehicle. That seems pretty straightforward, doesn’t it? Not so quickly! This speed categorization only refers to the motor’s capacity to push the bike faster than 20 mph, not the bike’s ability to travel faster than 20 mph (from pedaling or downhill momentum). Essentially, an e-bike cannot move faster than 20 miles per hour using only the motor, but it can go faster than 20 miles per hour if the rider physically pedals the e-bike like a regular bicycle or jams down a hill over 20 mph. There are other classifications of electric bikes (lawfully defined), but this basic definition distinguishes e-bikes from electrically powered motor vehicles and provides a broad overview of what an electric bike is. 

According to Jean C, a lawyer in California, Lemon laws do not apply to e-bikes, but they do apply to all other products under the Uniform Commercial Code or UCC. There’s a regulation known as the perfect tender rule. That is to say, goods sold as new are expected to be in flawless condition and free of issues. If they are offered secondhand or in any manner used, the vendor must inform the buyer of any known flaws. As a result, you would be entitled to a refund on the bicycle or reimbursement for the cost of repairs.

 

What Laws And Safety Protocols Are Applied To E-Bikes?

As discussed above, the perfect tender rule applies to e-bikes which work as an alternative to the Lemon Law.

Moreover, e-bikes are subject to a number of California laws, as well as some federal requirements, as legally defined vehicles. With a few exceptions, an e-bike in California is treated essentially the same as a traditional bicycle. E-bikes must be operated similarly to traditional bicycles and are not classified as motor vehicles under the Vehicle Code. As a result, e-bikes are exempt from a number of laws and regulations that apply to motorcycles and automobiles in California. For example, operator’s licenses, state or local registration, motor vehicle insurance, and license plates, for example, are not required or used by e-bike operators. None of these standards, which are all fairly common to car drivers, apply. 

As previously stated, e-bikes are not permissible in Lemon Law, and insurance is not required to ride an e-bike legally. Your existing policy, on the other hand, may cover an accident involving your e-bike. Incidents involving electric bikes are rarely covered by standard plans, although personal injury accidents are. Even if you don’t have e-bike insurance, you can receive cash compensation if you’re involved in an accident. You should contact your insurance company or agent to see if particular electric bike coverage is given or offered. You also have a few alternatives if you want to protect your e-bike against theft. For instance, you may purchase bike insurance coverage that will cover the cost of replacing an e-bike if it is stolen. Such plans are beneficial, but they can be difficult to come by and can be costly. 

Of course, if you have an accident while riding your e-bike or discover any defects after purchasing it, contact an expert bicycle accident attorney in California to discuss your case. While many of the same factors that define regular bicycle accidents apply in e-bike accidents, there may be unique issues that complicate the rehabilitation process.

 

Get Help from California Lemon Law Attorneys

If your e-bike has one or more recurring problems that you haven’t been able to fix after a reasonable amount of attempts, it’s high time you get legal advice. Most people are unaware of the laws that can help them out in such situations. But if you dive into it you will see that there are options for settling your e-engine bike’s troubles, malfunctioning transmissions, brake problems, and other nonconformities that might render an e-bike unreliable or dangerous. Jean C, a lawyer in California further claims that whether it is a company’s failure, a developer’s fault, or a seller’s mistake, they are responsible to replace it or pay you to fix it because he is in the chain of cells. He can then sue the manufacturer or even the designer if he believes they sold him faulty goods. Furthermore, you can demand any amount of money you want back, whether it’s a refund or the cost of repair, and if he refuses or ignores your calls, the next step is to take him to small claims court, which can be done without an attorney by filling out the small claims court form on the website of your local civil courts.

 

Conclusion

Having an e-bike is a fun experience, but it can be soiled if you’ve been tricked into purchasing a flawed bike or if your e-bike starts acting out and your automaker does not comply with your warranty claims. The Lemon law assures that consumers are not duped by automakers to purchase faulty products and makes sure that the consumers receive proper compensation in case of malfunctions during the period of warranty. However, the California Lemon Law does not apply to e-bikes. This is because they do not meet the requirements stated by law to classify as a motorized vehicle. 

Since they aren’t classified as motor vehicles, they will be exempt from requirements such as licensing, insurance, and so on. Nonetheless, there are several other general laws that apply to e-bikes like ones related to insurance policies, compensations, and more. 

If you are an e-bike owner or planning to purchase one, it will be in your best interest to be aware of these laws so that you don’t find yourself in a compromised position with a faulty e-bike. 

It can be very tricky to understand which laws apply to e-bikes and which don’t. In fact, the first hurdle to understanding is to know whether your bike classifies as an e-bike according to your country’s definition. Simply because your bike works on electricity doesn’t mean it is considered an e-bike in all countries around the world. The next thing you need to figure out is what type of e-bike yours is and the maximum speed it can travel at. Generally, e-bikes with a top speed of up to 25 kmph do not require a license. However, there are many kinds of e-bikes, some “high speed” ones that can run up to 45 kmph, that need both an insurance badge and a license. These types of e-bikes also require you to wear a helmet while riding. As for mopeds, the same regulations apply with a few additional requirements for bigger mopeds. So, in order to assess if you need a license, you will need to know what type of e-bike you have and its specifications. This article will be diving deep into the different kinds of e-bikes available, their features, as well as laws that may or may not apply to them.

 

Types Of E-Bikes

Different e-bikes are made to serve different purposes. While some are made for daily commutes some are better suited for activities like mountain biking. There are three types of e-bikes that are currently available on the market. However, not all of them are allowed to be ridden on the roads of Germany.

1. The first e-bike is called Pedal Assist. In this electric bike, the motor only works when you are pedaling. It is an ordinary bicycle with the addition of a motor that senses when you’re pedaling and activates to aid the pedaling effort. This is a very basic e-bike that most closely resembles a traditional bike. It is perfect for people of all ages and especially people who are less physically competent. It is also a better option if you ride bikes for exercise rather than for travel. Pedal Assist e-bikes do not need a license in most places and have no age restrictions, but the maximum speed is 20mph and they might not have a throttle.
2. The second type of e-bike is the throttle-only variation. The motor in this bike is controlled by a throttle. The advantage of this e-bike is that, unlike the Pedal Assist, you do not have to pedal to benefit from the motor. All you have to do is crank the throttle when you want to speed up and it will continue pushing forward even when you are not pedaling. However, the less you pedal, the sooner the battery runs out. Just like with the Pedal Assist, the regulations and specifics for the throttle bike are the same. Unfortunately, this bike is not allowed in Germany as it is throttle only and may increase the likelihood of an accident occurring during acceleration. In fact, there have been many cases reported where e-bike mishaps occurred due to pushing the throttle by accident.
3. The third type is also a Pedal Assist. This is faster than the first type and you can travel 28mph or 45kmph. This is considered the fastest “legal” e-bike as they have stronger motors of greater than 250-watt output as well as provide assistance for up to 45kmph. Although this still falls under a normal bicycle category you will need to get a license as the speed limit in Germany is 25kmph. In Germany, this e-bike is called an S-Pedelec or an S-bike. If you are to use this bike, you not only need a license but must also wear a helmet. In addition to that, riding these S-bikes at high speeds in bicycle paths in Germany is strictly prohibited. 

 

Motors And Other Features

The type of motor the bicycle operates on is just as important when looking for the right e-bike. This is because on different terrains an e-bike’s functionality can change and some e-bikes will not be able to bear the strain which causes them to get damaged. If you are looking to travel around Berlin, try to find an e-bike with a rear-hub direct-drive motor as it is good for flat commutes.

When you are buying these e-bikes it is important to know the level of power assist modes as well. In a typical e-bike, you will find three or four power-assist modes. The three modes are Eco, Standard/Tour, and High. If you prefer, you can switch off the assistance, but most people use either Eco or Standard modes for their day-to-day travel. These modes allow even beginners to ride along at a maximum speed of 25 kmph.  Moreover, if you are using your e-bike for off-road travel, the Standard/Tour mode will suffice even when climbing hills at a normal speed. However, unless you are using an S-Pedelec, the assist feature turns off when you reach speeds over 25 kmph.

 

Electric Bicycle Laws In Germany

The e-bike laws in Germany have changed over time. Previously, riders were required to have a special certificate if they wanted to ride an e-bike in Germany. However, with the new regulations, e-bikes, although they are electric vehicles, are classified as regular bikes. That is, it does not matter whether they have start-up aid or not. So congratulations! If your requirement is to travel on an e-bike at less than 25 kmph, then you do not need a license. Nevertheless, you need to follow German law and ensure your e-bike (pedal assist) or Pedelecs has a maximum continuous power output of 250W. If you are looking to ride a speed-pedelec then you will need a license when traveling as those e-bikes have more power and the speed limit is 45kmph.

Furthermore, as e-bikes fall into the small electrical vehicles category, even if you do not need a license, your e-bike has to weigh less than 55 kg, have all the safety features such as front lighting/side reflectors and warning signals, and possess two independently functioning brakes.

 

Mopeds

In Berlin, according to German law, there are two categories of mopeds. Small Mopeds do not require a license while bigger ones do. In Germany, small mopeds are called Mofas. They can be driven at speeds up to 25 kmph without a driving license. However, not everyone is allowed to ride them since the rider should be above 15 years of age. A helmet is mandatory. This is because their technical specification is lower than necessary for a European license class AM. Even if it wasn’t mandatory, you must always make sure to wear a helmet when riding any type of bike.

Unlike with e-bikes, for Mopeds you are required to pass a written and practical test and qualify before you are allowed to use it on the road. You can get these tests done through a majority of the driving schools in Berlin. 

Furthermore, in order to ride a Mofa, the Mofa in question needs to pass a set of specific regulations. This includes being less than 50cc, utilizing less than 0.5 kW of power, weighing less than 30kg, and the front and back wheel have a width of 26cm and 28cm respectively. 

The other category of mopeds is called the Mokick. This is a bigger version of the Mofa and a license is required as two people are allowed to ride a Mokick, unlike a Mofa. Although it is 50cc as well, a Mokick can be driven up to a speed of 45 kmph. The age limit to drive a Mokick is sixteen years which is one year more than that required for a Mofa. Even if you do not need a license both these mopeds need to have a license plate which has to be renewed every 12 months.

 

Conclusion

E-bike laws can be very confusing and different from region to region. So when purchasing your own e-bike, you need to make sure that you meet the requirements stated by the country you are planning to ride it in. To sum things up, throttle e-bikes are banned in Germany, Pedal Assist e-bikes with a maximum speed of 20 kmph do not require a license but Pedal Assist bikes with speeds exceeding that will require a license. Moreover, Mopeds come in two types called Mofas and Mokicks. Mofas do not require a license but Mokicks do. Of course, this is said in a general sense and there are several other factors, which were discussed above, that you have to take into consideration when deciding whether your e-bike falls into the right category.

There are many other rules and regulations that you are expected to follow in accordance with the type of e-bike or moped you have. These laws have been implemented to ensure your safety as well as the safety of pedestrians. Therefore, you must make sure to follow them if you want to make your riding experience a good one.