How fast is an e-bike allowed to go? Speed, rules, and tuning

How fast is an e-bike allowed to go? That depends on the type. A regular e-bike with pedal assistance helps you up to 25 km/h, then the motor stops. You can go faster, but only under your own power.

This is important for your fatbike because the speed determines which rules apply. If you want to see which models we have right away, check out our fatbike collection. Below you’ll read what is allowed, what is not, and when you need a license or registration.

How fast does a regular e-bike go?

A regular e-bike, also called a pedelec, provides pedal assistance up to 25 km/h. At that speed, the motor cuts out and you pedal on your own. You can go faster under your own power, for example downhill or by pedaling harder. The 25 km/h limit applies to the motor, not you. A start-up assist that pushes you up to 6 km/h without pedaling is allowed.

Within that limit, the e-bike counts as a regular bike. No license, no registration, no insurance, and no helmet requirement. You simply ride on the bike path. Almost every fatbike we sell falls into this category. You can read more about this in what is a pedelec.

When do you need a license or registration?

If the assistance continues up to 45 km/h, it is called a speed pedelec. This is no longer a regular bike but a moped. You need a license plate, insurance, at least an AM driving license, a helmet is mandatory, and you usually ride on the road instead of the bike path. You can read more about this in what is a speed pedelec.

If an e-bike has a throttle that propels you without pedaling above 6 km/h, stricter rules apply. In short: as soon as the motor pushes you forward without pedaling or supports you above 25 km/h, it is no longer a regular bike.

Is it allowed to tune an e-bike?

No. Removing the 25 km/h speed limiter is not allowed on public roads. Your bike will no longer count as a bicycle, your insurance will not cover anything, and you will be breaking the law. A model that can go faster than 45 km/h is only allowed on private property. If you want to ride fast without paperwork, stick to a regular e-bike up to 25 km/h. If you’re unsure which model that is, start with the fatbike collection and watch for the 25 km/h limit and pedal assistance.

Read more: What is a pedelec? · What is a speed pedelec? · Are fatbikes banned? · Fatbike rules · What is a fatbike?

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