45 km/h speed bikes: regulations, insurance and licence in France

Have your eye on a speed bike to eat up your commute at 45 km/h? A great way to save time… as long as you know the speed bike regulations well. Because in the eyes of French law, this fast bike isn’t an electric bike like the others: it’s legally treated as a moped. Registration, insurance, licence, approved helmet: here’s everything you need to know before hitting the road in 2026.

Speed bike or e-bike: why the 25 km/h limit changes everything

A “standard” electrically assisted bicycle (e-bike) — like the vast majority of electric bikes and scooters — has its assistance cut at 25 km/h on public roads. That’s the legal limit: beyond that speed, the motor stops pushing. The speed bike (or speed pedelec), on the other hand, keeps assisting up to 45 km/h.

This simple difference in speed puts it into another legal category: that of mopeds (category L1e-B at European level). As a result, a speed bike follows rules close to those of a 50 cc scooter, not those of a bicycle. That explains most of the obligations detailed below.

Speed bike regulations in France, point by point

Type approval and registration

To ride legally, your speed bike must be type-approved and have a certificate of conformity. You then have toregister it and fit a number plate at the rear, like a moped. A model sold “derestricted” or without type approval can’t be ridden on public roads: be careful with bargains that look too good to be true.

Insurance, compulsory

Like any motor vehicle, a speed bike must be covered by at least third-party liability insurance. Your home insurance isn’t enough: you need a dedicated policy, comparable to a moped’s. Remember to compare offers and check the additional cover (theft, damage, assistance) with your insurer.

Licence and minimum age

Riding a speed bike is allowed from age 14. If you were born on or after 1 January 1988 and hold no licence, the AM licence (formerly the BSR) is required. People born before that date are generally exempt. If in doubt about your situation, ask your prefecture or a driving school.

Helmet, gloves and equipment

Wearing an approved helmet (moped/motorcycle type, not just a bicycle helmet) is compulsory: it must be fastened. CE-certified gloves are also required. A type-approved speed bike is also fitted with a compliant mirror, horn and lighting. Keeping a retro-reflective vest within reach is still strongly recommended, especially at night or outside built-up areas.

In short, to ride you need:

• a speed bike that is type-approved and registered (plate at the rear);
• moped-type insurance;
• the AM licence if it applies to you, from age 14;
• an approved helmet fastened, and CE gloves.

Where are you allowed to ride a speed bike?

Since it’s treated as a moped, a speed bike in principle doesn’t belong on cycle tracks : it rides on the road, with the rest of the traffic, unless local signs expressly allow it. It’s also banned from pedestrian zones. Before taking a new route, check the signs: the rules can vary from one town to another, and some local authorities adapt their regulations for speed pedelecs.

Speed bike or standard electric bike: how to choose?

The speed bike shines on long commutes (15 km and more), where its speed saves precious minutes. In return, it requires registration, insurance and equipment: a little more budget and a few formalities.

If your journey is shorter or purely urban, a “25 km/h” electric bike is often simpler: no registration, access to cycle lanes, and a standard bicycle helmet is enough. The right choice therefore depends mainly on your daily distance and your tolerance for paperwork.

At Vélo Shop Obernai, we offer premium Stromer speed bikes as well as a wide range of electric bikes. For type approval, maintenance or a set-up before your first ride, our workshop is at your service. A question before you decide? Contact us or drop by the shop for a test ride.

FAQ — Speed bikes and regulations

Can a speed bike ride on cycle lanes?

In principle, no. Treated as a moped, it rides on the road, unless local signs expressly allow speed bikes on the cycle track. Always check the signs in your town.

Do you need a licence to ride a speed bike?

You can ride one from age 14. The AM licence (formerly BSR) is required for people born on or after 1 January 1988 who hold no other licence. Riders born earlier are generally exempt.

What insurance for a speed bike?

Dedicated third-party liability insurance, comparable to a moped’s, is compulsory. Home insurance doesn’t cover riding on public roads: ask your insurer for a suitable policy.

In short

A speed bike is a fantastic mobility tool… as long as you play by the rules: type approval, registration, insurance, AM licence if needed, approved helmet and gloves. Once these formalities are sorted, you enjoy assistance up to 45 km/h perfectly legally, where a standard electric bike leaves you at 25 km/h. A question about a specific model or the paperwork? Contact Vélo Shop Obernai or come and see us: we’ll help you ride with peace of mind.

General information given for guidance only; regulations may change. Check the rules in force with official sources and your insurer before any purchase.