Electric Bicycle Transforms into Motorcycle under New Policy Regulation
In Bielefeld, Germany, a 39-year-old resident found himself in legal trouble after riding an e-bike in the city centre at over 60 km/h on November 13, 2024. The motorised bicycle, which was technically modified, was spotted by a motorcycle police officer.
The use of the e-bike was prohibited due to its modifications, as it exceeded the legal speed limit and motor power for e-bikes in Bielefeld. According to the city's regulations, e-bikes are categorised into Pedelecs, S-Pedelecs, and E-Bikes, each with specific speed limits, motor power, and licensing requirements.
Pedelecs, which provide motor assistance only when pedaling and cut off at 25 km/h, are legally treated like regular bicycles without special licensing or insurance requirements. On the other hand, S-Pedelecs, which assist up to 45 km/h, must be registered, insured, and the rider must hold a driver’s license class AM. Helmets are mandatory for S-Pedelecs, as they are considered small motor vehicles.
E-Bikes, in the strict legal sense, are electric mopeds that can be powered without pedaling up to 25 km/h. These require an insurance plate, operating permit, and the rider must have at least a Mofa license. There is no helmet requirement for E-Bikes, but other motor vehicle regulations apply.
The motor of the e-bike in question had stickers claiming a power of 250 watts and 500 watts, but an inspection revealed that the e-bike could reach speeds over 60 km/h without pedal assistance. This modification made the e-bike legally classified as a motorcycle and required a driver's license (Class A).
Unfortunately, the 39-year-old resident did not have a driver's license or insurance for the e-bike. The resident had purchased the e-bike motor online from an Asian retailer and installed it himself, which further complicated the situation.
Outside of office hours, inquiries can be made to the control center at the given phone number, while press inquiries can be directed to the Police Headquarters Bielefeld at the given contact information. It is crucial for e-bike users in Bielefeld to understand and adhere to the city's regulations to ensure safety and legality on the roads.
[1] Source: Bielefeld.de, "Verkehrsordnung für Fahrräder" [2] Source: StVZO, "Allgemeine Verkehrsauflagen für Fahrräder" [3] Source: Bundesverkehrsblatt, "Elektrofahrräder – Regelungen für die Nutzung"
The modification of the motor on the e-bike, resulting in a power of more than 250 watts and capable of exceeding 60 km/h, classifies it as a motorcycle according to Bielefeld's regulations, necessitating a driver's license (Class A).
Unfortunately, the 39-year-old resident, who purchased the e-bike motor from an Asian retailer and installed it himself, was found to not have a driver's license or insurance for the e-bike, thereby violating the city's regulations regarding the use of smartphones, gadgets, and technology in the realm of e-bikes.
