Report: Where are Speed Pedelecs used?
Speed pedelecs — electric bicycles capable of reaching up to 45 km/h through pedal assistance — are rapidly becoming one of the most significant vehicles in the sustainable mobility transition. Unlike conventional e-bikes, they can cover longer commuting distances at higher speeds, making them a uniquely powerful tool for shifting car trips to zero-emission alternatives. Studies from the Netherlands show that 60% of speed pedelec journeys replace car trips; in Germany, that figure reaches 71%. Yet across Europe, the regulatory picture is fragmented, often ambiguous, and still evolving. How different countries approach infrastructure access, speed limits, and user requirements has a direct impact on how widely speed pedelecs are adopted — and how safely they integrate into the existing mobility system. What this report covers This comparative study, commissioned by ZIV (German Bicycle Industry) and conducted by Mobycon, examines the regulations and real-world experiences with speed pedelecs in five key European countries: Germany, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Drawing on desk research and expert interviews, the report addresses:
Where speed pedelecs are legally permitted to ride — on roads, cycle paths, or both What licensing, helmet, and equipment requirements apply in each country How infrastructure quality and availability shape regulatory choices What accident data and safety research tell us about risk How each country's approach affects modal shift and uptake
Key findings The five countries represent a wide spectrum of approaches. Switzerland has the most permissive framework, treating speed pedelecs largely like bicycles since 2012 and seeing consistent annual sales of over 22,000 units as a result. Belgium introduced a dedicated vehicle category in 2016, enabling tailored rules and driving registered numbers from 5,352 in 2017 to over 61,000 by 2021. Denmark operates under a pilot framework since 2018 that grants speed pedelecs broad access to cycling infrastructure, with evaluations showing strong public support for continuation. The Netherlands classifies speed pedelecs as mopeds, restricting them to combined moped/cycle paths, though multiple provinces and cities are running exemption experiments. Germany remains the most restrictive, generally prohibiting cycle path use — with Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia as notable exceptions. Across all countries, the evidence points to the same conclusion: high-quality infrastructure and clear, enforceable regulation are the critical enablers of safe and successful speed pedelec integration. Who should read this report This report is essential reading for transport policymakers and legislators developing or revising regulations for fast electric mobility, infrastructure planners designing or upgrading cycling networks, urban mobility advisors working on modal shift and sustainable commuting strategies, and bicycle industry stakeholders tracking European market developments and regulatory trends.
