What is a speed pedelec?

In this article, we explain what a speed pedelec exactly is, what the differences are compared to a regular e-bike, and what the advantages are. These fast bicycles are becoming increasingly popular, especially as an alternative to the car for commuting. Thanks to, for example, a bicycle allowance from your employer , you can also recover part of the cost. A speed pedelec is therefore not only good for the environment, but also for your wallet .

TL;DR

• Definition: A speed pedelec is a fast e-bike with pedal assistance up to 45 km/h (compared to 25 km/h for a regular e-bike).
• Differences compared to an e-bike:
  • Regular e-bike: no driving license, no license plate, no helmet required, maximum 25 km/h
  • Speed pedelec: driving license required (AM or B), license plate, helmet mandatory, minimum age 16
• Features: rear-view mirror, license plate, horn, higher speed → greater need for visibility.
• Advantages:
  • Environmentally friendly alternative to the car
  • Fast and efficient commuting (less traffic congestion, less sweating)
  • Health benefits: improved muscles, fitness, and reduced stress
  • Financial benefits: no fuel costs, often a bicycle allowance up to €0.25/km → part of the purchase price can be recovered
• Well-known brands: Stromer, Riese & Müller, Moustache

The difference between a speed pedelec and an electric bicycle

There are several important differences between a regular electric bicycle and a speed pedelec. These include differences in speed and in the regulations that apply to both types of bicycles.

Electric bicycle

An electric bicycle can reach a maximum speed of 25 km per hour and does not require registration, a license plate, or insurance. Wearing a helmet is not mandatory, and there is no minimum age requirement for using this type of bicycle.

A regular electric bicycle is therefore a convenient and sustainable way to cycle without too many rules or obligations.

Speed pedelec

Unlike a regular electric bicycle, there are several speed pedelec regulations you must take into account. If you want to ride this type of bicycle on public roads, you must register the speed pedelec with the DIV and attach a license plate to your bike.

You must also hold a valid driving license for your speed pedelec (at least a moped license). A specific speed pedelec insurance is not mandatory, unless your bicycle can move autonomously without pedal assistance above 25 km per hour. In that case, third-party moped insurance is required. It is mandatory to wear a speed pedelec helmet while riding, and the minimum age is 16 years.

These are rules that specifically apply to speed pedelecs and not to regular electric bicycles.

How do you recognize a speed pedelec?

A speed pedelec can easily be recognized by several features. The bicycle is always equipped with a mandatory rear-view mirror and a license plate. A speed pedelec is also fitted with a horn, allowing the rider to warn or alert other road users. This can be useful because the speed is significantly higher than that of a regular e-bike, meaning you approach cyclists ahead of you much faster. The sound of a standard bicycle bell is often not powerful enough.

Advantages of a speed pedelec

There are many advantages to riding a speed pedelec. We list the main ones for you:

A speed pedelec is an environmentally friendly and sustainable means of transport, as it runs on electricity instead of fuel.

It offers a fast and efficient way of traveling. Thanks to the assistance, you arrive at your destination without sweating.

Cycling with a speed pedelec is healthy. It strengthens the muscles and has a positive effect on heart and lung function. Moreover, it is relaxing and helps reduce stress.

You eliminate fuel costs, and as an employee you often receive a bicycle allowance for your commuting distance. This allowance applies to the round trip. A bicycle allowance is exempt from social security contributions up to €0.25 per kilometer. This means that you can recover (part of) the cost of your speed pedelec through your bicycle allowance. It is worthwhile to check whether your employer offers such an allowance and what the conditions are.

Well-known speed pedelec brands

There are now many well-known speed pedelec brands on the market. At Cyclobility, we distribute the brands Stromer , Riese & Müller , and Moustache . We consistently choose these brands because they guarantee superior quality and safety.