E-bikes, pedelecs & S-pedelecs: Smart speedsters for the city

Is sustainability important to you? Are you interested in modern technologies? Do you like to be outdoors and also like to master longer distances? Then an e-bike could be just the thing for you!

The battery of e-bikes is usually installed in the frame or in the luggage rack.

Ab when can you drive an E-Bike?

Ab when you are allowed to ride an e-bike and whether you need a helmet, a driver's license and insurance cannot be answered in a general way, but depends on the type of e-bike.

Pedelec (up to 25 km/h, with pedal assistance)	S-pedelec (up to 45 km/h, with pedal assistance)	E-bike (up to 25 km/h, purely electrically operated)	E-bike (up to 45 km/h, purely electrically operated))
Age limit	–	from 15 years (depending on the federal state)	from 15 years	From 16 years
Helmet requirement	A helmet is recommended from 20 km/h; From 25 km/h onwards, helmets are compulsory.
Driving licence requirement	No	Yes, min. class AM	Yes, min. class AM	Yes, min. class AM
Compulsory insurance	No	Yes, motor vehicle liability	Yes, motor vehicle liability	Yes, motor vehicle liability
License plate requirement	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Driving on cycle path allowed?	Yes, because it is considered a bicycle	No	Only outside built-up areas or with "Mopeds free" sign	No

E-bike weight: How heavy are the e-bikes?

When buying an e-bike, also pay attention to its weight. Because it has an impact on how easily you can transport and operate it. For example, if you have to carry your e-bike to the bike cellar or often ride without pedal assistance. Even if you want to take your bike with you on a bike rack on holiday, you should consider the weight of the e-bike.

As a rule, e-bikes weigh more than conventional bicycles. The weight depends on various factors, such as the size of the installed battery, the type of motor and the frame material. Classic models weigh around 20 to 25 kilograms – but depending on the design, the weight varies. The electrical components weigh 5 to 10 kilograms of this. No wonder that handy and particularly light e-bikes are in demand. Tip: Find out whether the weight of the e-bike suits you during a test ride before buying.

E-bikes for men and women – what's the difference?

E-bikes for women and for men differ in some aspects. While the frame shape is basically the same, men's frames often have a high center bar and models for women have a lower step-through. E-bikes with a low step-through are recommended - regardless of gender - for joint problems, for example.

Often the bikes also differ in their size and design. The frames and tires are usually larger on men's e-bikes. In addition, men's bikes are often designed for more weight and are therefore more stable. So if you want to transport loads such as shopping more often, a men's bike is a good option (regardless of gender).

Leisurely cruising in the city on a fat bike? Fast-paced tours on a road bike? Or off-road action on a mountain bike? Whether it's an e-bike for women or men - simply choose a bike that suits your riding style and get advice from a specialist shop. And don't forget to test drive!

Special models: E-bike as folding bike, tricycle or cargo bike

You can also buy electric bicycles as racing bikes, Dutch bikes or trekking bikes. E-bikes are particularly popular as folding bikes: they are easy to transport and store: for example, for longer trips by public transport or in the car. These models are also perfect for commuters. Thanks to the electric drive, you will arrive at work fresh even after driving uphill.

An e-bike as a tricycle is also an exciting means of transport. And not only for people with physical disabilities. Thanks to the additional wheel, a tricycle stands and rides stably at all times and prevents falls - and is an ideal companion for shopping with baskets.

An e-cargo bike that is specially designed for transporting bulky or heavy objects does even more. The electric motor makes it particularly easy to start off in traffic or on hills. And with these models, you can also take small children with you comfortably.

What insurance do you need for e-bikes?

Thanks to the electric drive, you can get your bike faster. But: With higher speed, the risk of accidents also increases! Uneven dirt roads or potholes can quickly become dangerous. And other road users often do not correctly estimate the speed of e-bikes either.

If you have an accident with a normal bicycle, private liability insurance will take over the settlement of the claim. The insurance you need for your e-bike depends on the type of model.

For a moped or moped, you need motor vehicle liability insurance. An e-bicycle belongs to this category if: 

• it is operated without its own muscle power or
• a speed of over 25 km/h is achieved

In concrete terms, this means that you need your own car insurance for e-bikes and S-pedelecs, while pedelecs are covered by your private liability insurance. If you also have partial or fully comprehensive insurance, this covers damage to your own e-bike – for example due to theft or vandalism.

Can I lease or rent e-bikes?

Do you only want to use an e-bike for a limited period of time and therefore don't want to buy a model for several thousand euros? Then leasing and renting are interesting options. With leasing, you usually get the e-bike for a longer period of time (often 36 months) and pay a monthly rate for its use. Depending on the tariff model, insurance and inspections may already be included in the costs. A provider comparison is worthwhile!

Once the contract has expired, you often have the option of purchasing the e-bike at its residual value. Or you can simply return it.

In addition, many (online) dealers offer the possibility of leasing a job bike, provided that your employer supports it.

If you want to rent an electric bike instead, a shorter period of use is also possible. This allows you to test whether an e-bike fits into your everyday life without committing yourself to a long contract period.