In the eyes of the law, no: a bicycle that assists up to 45 km/h is a moped (category L1e-B, EU regulation 168/2013). It must be registered, insured, and driven with a license — exactly like a scooter.
Bicycle or moped?
Slide the speed
Find out when your electric bike changes category.
45km/h
Moped · L1e-B
Beyond 25 km/h → approved speed pedelec required: registration, motorcycle insurance, AM license and motorcycle helmet. Road traffic only.
At a glance
Classic e-bike or speed pedelec?
Classic e-bike · 25 km/h
Assistance cut off at 25 km/h, ≤ 250 W
Considered a bicycle
No registration, no license plate
No license, no motorcycle insurance
Allowed on bike paths
Speed pedelec · 45 km/h
Assistance up to 45 km/h (L1e-B moped)
Registration + license plate
AM license (14 years old) + motorcycle insurance
Motorcycle helmet, CE gloves, technical inspection
On the road only
The details, point by point
Everything you need to know
A moped, not a bicycle
A "classic" e-bike stops assisting at 25 km/h (motor ≤ 250 W): it's a bicycle, with no formalities. As soon as assistance goes up to 45 km/h, EU regulation 168/2013 classifies it as L1e-B — a moped (Service-Public.fr).
Registration: vehicle registration document and license plate
Like a scooter, it must be registered: vehicle registration document and license plate, via the ANTS, upon presentation of the certificate of conformity (COC). A provisional certificate allows riding while waiting.
Insurance: "motorized" liability insurance
Motorized two-wheeler liability insurance is mandatory: bicycle insurance is not enough. Generally expect €100 to €150/year. Riding without insurance can lead to severe penalties.
License and age: AM from 14 years old
At least the AM license (formerly BSR), from 14 years old. Exemption if you were born before 1988 or hold a B license (or motorcycle license).
Helmet, gloves and equipment
The approved motorcycle helmet (ECE 22.05/22.06) is mandatory — a bicycle helmet is not enough. CE gloves also. Lights, horn, rearview mirror and reflectors required.
Where to ride: the road
The speed pedelec travels on the road. Bike paths and lanes are forbidden, unless there is a municipal decree. Sidewalks are forbidden.
Technical inspection: every 3 years
Since April 15, 2024, technical inspection is mandatory like for mopeds, to be renewed every 3 years. The first deadline depends on the year of registration.
Derestriction: not to be confused
Derestricting an e-bike to exceed 25 km/h makes it illegal. A factory-approved speed pedelec is perfectly legal — provided the above obligations are met.
Stromer Dealership · Obernai
A speed pedelec that's compliant? We'll take care of it.
Vélo Shop Obernai supports you in choosing the model, registration and maintenance — Stromer certified workshop in Alsace.
Yes. It is a moped (category L1e-B): vehicle registration document and license plate are mandatory, via the ANTS. We will assist you with the process.
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Do I need a license to ride?
VS
Vélo Shop
The AM license (formerly BSR) is sufficient, from 14 years old. Exemption if you were born before 1988 or already have a B license.
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Which helmet is mandatory?
VS
Vélo Shop
An approved motorcycle helmet (ECE 22.05 or 22.06) — not a bicycle helmet. CE certified gloves are also mandatory.
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Can you ride on bike paths?
VS
Vélo Shop
No, unless there is a municipal decree. The speed pedelec rides on the road, with cars.
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Is there a technical inspection?
VS
Vélo Shop
Yes, since April 15, 2024, like mopeds — to be renewed every 3 years.
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E-bike or speed pedelec, what's the difference?
VS
Vélo Shop
The e-bike is limited to 25 km/h (bicycle, no formalities); the speed pedelec goes up to 45 km/h (registration, insurance, license, helmet) — half the travel time.
