{"id":84376,"date":"2026-08-18T16:19:28","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T14:19:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veloshop-obernai.com\/?p=84376"},"modified":"2026-08-18T16:19:28","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T14:19:28","slug":"speed-bike-45-kmh-regulations-insurance-licence-france","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veloshop-obernai.com\/en\/speed-bike-45-kmh-regulations-insurance-licence-france\/","title":{"rendered":"45 km\/h speed bikes: regulations, insurance and licence in France"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have your eye on a speed bike<\/strong> to eat up your commute at 45 km\/h? A great way to save time\u2026 as long as you know the speed bike regulations<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Speed bike or e-bike: why the 25 km\/h limit changes everything<\/h2>\n

A \u201cstandard\u201d electrically assisted bicycle (e-bike) \u2014 like the vast majority of electric bikes and scooters \u2014 has its assistance cut at 25\u00a0km\/h<\/strong> on public roads. That’s the legal limit: beyond that speed, the motor stops pushing. The speed bike (or speed pedelec<\/em>), on the other hand, keeps assisting up to 45\u00a0km\/h<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

This simple difference in speed puts it into another legal category: that of mopeds<\/strong> (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.<\/p>\n

Speed bike regulations in France, point by point<\/h2>\n

Type approval and registration<\/h3>\n

To ride legally, your speed bike must be type-approved<\/strong> and have a certificate of conformity. You then have toregister it<\/strong> and fit a number plate at the rear, like a moped. A model sold \u201cderestricted\u201d or without type approval can’t be ridden on public roads: be careful with bargains that look too good to be true.<\/p>\n

Insurance, compulsory<\/h3>\n

Like any motor vehicle, a speed bike must be covered by at least third-party liability insurance<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

Licence and minimum age<\/h3>\n

Riding a speed bike is allowed from age 14<\/strong>. If you were born on or after 1 January 1988 and hold no licence, the AM licence<\/strong> (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.<\/p>\n

Helmet, gloves and equipment<\/h3>\n

Wearing an approved helmet<\/strong> (moped\/motorcycle type, not just a bicycle helmet) is compulsory: it must be fastened. CE-certified gloves<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

In short, to ride you need:<\/h3>\n