Electric bicycle, speed pedelec, and moped: where does the legal boundary lie?
An electric bicycle remains legally classified as a bicycle as long as it meets three conditions: a motor of 250W or less, assistance that only activates when the pedals are being turned, and a cutoff of assistance beyond 25 km/h. As soon as it exceeds any one of these limits, it becomes a moped. This applies to "speed pedelecs," which offer assistance up to 45 km/h: they require registration, insurance, an AM license for drivers born after 1988, and a helmet, and they are prohibited from using bike paths. This guide clarifies the boundaries, case by case.
The essentials
- Electric bicycle: Maximum 250W motor, assistance only when pedaling, cut-off speed of 25 km/h. No registration required, no mandatory insurance.
- Motor: 251W to 1000W with assistance up to 25 km/h. This is a L1e-A category moped that requires registration.
- Assistance up to 45 km/h (speed pedelec): This is a category L1e-B electric two-wheeler, requiring registration and insurance, and a helmet and gloves are mandatory.
- An electric bicycle whose motor assistance operates beyond 25 km/h and has not been officially classified as a moped is considered "unlocked" or "modified": it is not permitted to be ridden on public roads.
- Unlocking or modifying an electric bicycle is a violation of Article L317-1 of the Highway Code.
The electric bicycle
Service-public.fr and the DREAL (Regional Directorate for the Environment, Planning and Housing) of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes provide the same definition. An electric bicycle, or pedal-assisted cycle, meets three criteria:
- A motor with a maximum power of 250W;
- An assistance system that only activates when the cyclist is pedaling: the motor provides assistance, but does not replace pedaling
- An assistance system that cuts out beyond 25 km/h.
In this case, it falls under the category of bicycles. It is not registered and does not require road approval. Furthermore, according to the Road Safety Agency, it is not subject to mandatory insurance, as it cannot move forward without the effort of the cyclist. It is permitted to operate in areas where bicycles are allowed, including bike paths.
Please note, as service-public.fr points out, that you should not confuse the power of the motor with the power of the battery: it is the motor's power that is relevant.
Beyond that: the bicycle becomes a moped
Service-public.fr distinguishes between two scenarios:
| Features: | Category: | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum 250W, pedal-assist up to 25 km/h | Electric bicycle | No registration required |
| 251W to 1000W motor, assistance up to 25 km/h | L1e-A category moped, "motorized bicycle" body style | Mandatory registration |
| Assistance up to 45 km/h | L1e-B category two-wheeled motor vehicle, commonly referred to as a "moped." | Mandatory registration |
These categories are derived from European Regulation No. 168/2013 and Article R311-1 of the Highway Code. According to the DREAL (Regional Directorate for the Environment, Planning and Housing), vehicles exceeding 45 km/h are classified as motorcycles.
Riding electric speed bikes: the regulations
An electric speed bike is a type of moped. As such, it is subject to the same regulations as mopeds, as published by the Road Safety Authority:
- Age and License: The AM license category allows you to ride a moped from the age of 14. It is obtained after theoretical training (ASSR or ASR) and at least 8 hours of practical training. People born before 1988 do not need a license, and another license, such as the B license, exempts you from the AM category.
- Registration: Mandatory, with a plate affixed to the rear.
- Insurance: Mandatory, just like for any motorized vehicle. The Road Safety Agency also reminds people about this requirement for high-speed electric bicycles, often called "speed bikes," which can travel at speeds exceeding 25 km/h.
- Helmet and gloves: Mandatory for mopeds; the helmet must bear an ECE compliance label and have four reflective elements.
- Vehicle Equipment: The road safety brochure for mopeds specifically mentions at least one rearview mirror on the left, front and rear lighting, and reflective devices.
- Where to ride: Mopeds are not allowed on bike paths, nor on highways or most expressways. Therefore, a speed pedelec must be ridden on the road, alongside cars.
This last point often surprises people: even though an electric bicycle may look like a regular bicycle, it is not permitted on bike paths.
Derestricting
The French government website, service-public.fr, clearly states that bicycles with electric assistance that operates beyond 25 km/h are considered "unlocked" bicycles and are not permitted on public roads. service-public.fr refers to Article L317-1 of the Highway Code for penalties, which prohibits the modification of speed limiting devices. For personal mobility devices, the DGCCRF (Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control) specifies that this article provides for a prison sentence of one year and a fine of €30,000. Article L317-5 imposes a prison sentence of two years and a fine of €30,000 on professionals who sell or perform unlocking modifications, both for electric bicycles and scooters.
Theoretically, it is possible to convert a bicycle into a legal electric moped, but the DREAL (French environmental agency) warns that a compliance inspection is required according to the decree of August 17, 2016, with justification for each regulated area, and the project would be expensive, with little chance of success. Our guide on electric vehicle homologation in France details the procedure.
And what about electric scooters?
The electric scooter falls under a third category: motorized personal mobility vehicles (PMVs). These are designed to a maximum speed of 25 km/h, do not require registration, but mandatory insurance is required, and there is no seat except for lightweight mopeds. See our guide PMVs and Highway Code.
Cargo bikes, e-bikes for taxi services, and professional fleets
For a cargo bike designed to transport people or heavy loads, the temptation to use a more powerful motor is strong. The limit remains the same: beyond 250 W or assistance exceeding 25 km/h, the vehicle changes category. Our engineering department specializes in electrifying cargo bikes, e-taxis, and tuk-tuks, sizing the motorization for the specific vehicle and its regulatory framework. For example, we provided the complete motorization for the two-passenger cargo bikes used by the Drop fleet, which will be deployed for the 2024 Olympic Games. Also, see our guide on motorizing a cargo bike.
Workshop tip
Before purchasing a "fast" electric bike, check its category on the seller's product page and on the certificate of conformity. A speedelec sold with a plate and certificate is legal; a bike advertised as "unlockable" is not, regardless of what the advertising claims. If you want to go faster legally, a registered speedelec is the only option, with its associated limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 500W electric bicycle legal?
Unlike electric bicycles, which are classified as mopeds and require registration if their power exceeds 250W.
Can an electric scooter be used on bike paths?
No. It's a moped, and mopeds are excluded from bike paths.
Do you need a license to operate an electric speed bike?
Category AM driving licenses are available from the age of 14 for individuals born after 1988, unless they already hold another type of license, such as a Category B license.
Is a throttle-controlled, pedal-less vehicle considered an electric bicycle?
No, if the motor can propel the bicycle forward without pedaling, it doesn't qualify as an electric bicycle. The definition of an electric bicycle requires that the motor only assists the pedaling.
Should I insure my electric bicycle?
It is not mandatory if it meets the definition. However, insurance remains useful for theft and for covering damages to your own property.