The best 2023 speedbikes: our selection

The speedbikealso known as speed pedelec or speedelec, is still relatively unknown in France. However, this fast bike is becoming increasingly common in many European countries. Halfway between a moped and an electric bike, the speedbike is capable of providing electric assistance at speeds of up to 45 km/h! This makes the speedbike an ideal alternative to traffic jams and public transport when you live in the city or the suburbs.

How do you recognize a speed bike? What legislation governs its use? What are the best 2023 speedbikes? In this article, we present the essentials of what you need to know about these ultra-fast electric bikes.

It's hard to tell a speed pedelec from a simple electric-assist bike at first glance! A crankset and transmission that must be activated to move forward, slim handlebars and frame... Nothing that differs from an EAB in appearance. However, certain details are unmistakable.

Equipped with high-performance electrical components, these bikes focus on comfort, as weight is not an issue. The saddles are thick and comfortable, and tires is wide enough to absorb shocks and improve handling. Most of these bikes also feature large shock absorbers for even greater comfort.

Classed as mopeds, speedbikes are fully equipped to guarantee maximum safety for the rider. In fact, they are subject to the Highway Code's regulations on motor vehicles.

For example, a speed bike must have a rear-view mirror, a horn (if you prefer), a low beam at the front and a brake light at the rear.

Unlike a scooter, however, there's no need for turn signals. This is where the bike comes into its own: it's up to the rider to use his or her arm to indicate a change of direction.

A small but important detail (even if not obvious): the brakes are reversed, as on a scooter or motorcycle. You brake on the left for the rear, and on the right for the front. But don't worry, you'll soon get the hang of it.

If speed pedelecs are capable of reaching 45 km/h, it's above all because they have a more powerful motor than a VAE, and a long-range battery.

In fact, conventional electrically-assisted bicycles are limited to 250 W by the regulations governing them. However, as we've just seen, speedbikes are considered mopeds, so this limit doesn't apply. That's why this type of bike boasts powerful 300, 500 or even 1000 W motors, delivering torque in excess of 80 Nm!

Obviously, to supply power to such a motor, you need a battery worthy of the name.... or several. Manufacturers sometimes choose to equip their fast bikes with a 600 Wh battery, doubled with another 500 or 600 Wh battery.

The result? These exceptional components (when compared with those of a conventional electric bike) quadruple or even quintuple the rider's natural power! And that's just the beginning!

Before you take to the streets with your hair in the wind on the fastest electric bikes on the marketthere are a few rules to follow.

The first is that you don't ride with your hair blowing in the wind! A properly fastened, moped-approved helmet is mandatory. Another obligation: protective gloves. It may not seem much in a car, but on two wheels 45 km/h is already a lot. A fall at that speed without gloves... hurts like hell!

To be approved, a speedbike must be fitted with all the equipment we've already mentioned (low beam, brake light, horn, approved rear-view mirror), as well as... a number plate! Yes, your speed pedelec is a motor vehicle, so you need a vehicle registration document to drive it legally. But don't worry: since it's an electric bike after all, you'll only have to pay the cost of issuing a registration certificate (around 11 euros).

And that's not all: to drive a speedbike, you need to be at least 14 years old and hold a license authorizing you to drive a moped.

• you have a B licence (for cars...) AND you were born before 1988: no problem;
• you don't have a license or you have a B license but were born after 1988: you must hold an AM license (previously known as a BSR) to drive a moped, or an A license (motorcycle license);
• you're under 14: you'll have to wait a while before riding a speedbike.

We know you're anxious to get started, but it's important to know the rules before you ride your speedelec. For your safety, of course... but also for your wallet, as you can be inspected and fined when riding a speedbike.

It's likely to happen to you if you're riding on a bike path. A speedbike is not a conventional bicycle. You'll be going much faster than any other cyclist (with the exception of professional racers, but we don't meet many of them...), so it's dangerous to share bike paths.

With an electric speed bike, you have to ride on the road, like a scooter. This particularity can cause a lot of misunderstanding among motorists, since it's not easy to distinguish a speed bike from an EAB.

Now that you've got the various material and administrative constraints in mind, let's move on to the criteria to consider when choosing your speedbike.

As we've said, the speedbike is particularly well-suited to city-dwellers, because it's fast and maneuverable. But it's also very practical when you work less than 20 or 30 km from home, since it can get you to work in around 30 minutes, ecologically and economically, while avoiding traffic jams.

Depending on your profile and your needs, you need to define in advance what you want: a speed bike that's close to an electric city bike, or a beefier, almost moped-like model for longer trips. In the first case, a single 600 Wh battery and a 300 or 500 W motor will be more than enough for your urban trips. If you want to travel 20 or 30 km, you'll need a dual-battery system and a motor close to 1000 W.

It's true, we've said that weight isn't a problem on speedbikes because they're so powerful. But that doesn't mean it has no influence! A lightweight bike will be easier to handle and more responsive. So it's a criterion to take into account, especially in town where you need to be able to avoid obstacles quickly.

More powerful, more comfortable and better equipped, a speed pedelec will necessarily be more expensive than an ordinary electric-assist bike. However, depending on your requirements and needs, the price can vary enormously (from around 2,000 to 8,000 euros).

With its slender design and aluminum frame, the Trek Allant+ 8S speedbike looks like a classic city bike. You can barely make out the pedal motor.

And yet, it's a formidable speedbike for anyone choosing to convert to cycling to work or to get around town.

Although the motor isn't the most impressive in terms of watts (250 W "only"), it still develops a whopping 85 Nm of torque and propels you along at 45 km/h.

➕ An electric bike with an all-purpose design, ideal for urban users

➖ No ABS system on brakes

Perched on its pneumatic fork, this Cube Kathmandu Hybrid absorbs the slightest jolts from the road. All the more so thanks to tires 's 55 mm wide rims. And there's no need to worry about straddling it, thanks to the low-set frame - a rarity on speedbikes.

Comfort, then, but also safety, thanks to powerful hydraulic disc brakes.

In terms of equipment, Cube has left nothing to chance with a kickstand, integral mudguard and luggage rack.

➕ A well-equipped speed bike

➖ The lights could have been integrated into the frame for better aesthetics

As on the Trek, you can barely make out the electrical components on this Cannondale Tesoro Neo X, so carefully have the American engineers worked on its design.

And even though the motor and battery integrated into the down tube can be seen up close, we'd be forgiven for thinking it was a conventional electric-assist bike.

Integral mudguards, kickstands, advanced lighting, luggage rack... This speedbike manages the feat of being superbly equipped, while looking very minimalist.

In terms of performance, we can count on a motor delivering 85 Nm of torque and a 625 Wh Bosch battery.

A little extra: this speed pedelec is really all-purpose, thanks to its wide cassette with up to 51-tooth sprockets. No climb is too steep for you!

➕ Electric assistance that goes almost unnoticed

➖ A high price when bought new, even for the cheapest models

Robust. That's the word that comes to mind when we explain why we've selected this speedbike from the famous German brand Kalkhoff.

With its powerful hydraulic disc brakes, aluminum frame and 60 mm fork travel, this ultra-fast electric bike inspires confidence.

It's particularly well-suited to those who have a bit of a commute to work by bike, or those who use poorly-lit routes. In fact, it features a highly sophisticated, yet discreet, lighting system, including real high beams!

It's no surprise to find German components from the Bosch brand on this speed bike designed across the Rhine: a Bosch Performance Line Speed motor with 75 Nm of torque and a 625 Wh battery. All fully integrated, of course.

➕ Reassuring stability

➖ Weight can make it difficult to transport

And how can we suggest a top 5 without mentioning the Friday 27 FS Speed? Yes, as usual when it comes to VAEs, the Moustache brand always comes up trumps!

This is clearly a top-of-the-range model, and it shows! This speedbike is equipped with front and rear suspension, each with 100 mm of travel: enough to make you feel like you're on a pool table in all circumstances!

The powerful motor develops 85 Nm of torque and is powered by an integrated 625 Wh battery. A special feature is the "dual" version, which includes a second battery (500 Wh).

We particularly like the touch-sensitive, Bluetooth-compatible speedometer with GPS navigation.

➕ Made in France

➖ Once again, a price comparable to an electric scooter

By now, you've learned all you need to know about these atypical electric speedbikes. Even if the models we've suggested are the best speed bikes in 2023, you'll find in our stock reconditioned bikes that have been top sellers in recent years. Inspected by our team, they're just waiting for you to take to the roads at over 45 km/h.

Finally, we urge you to be very careful with these powerful VAEs. Always obey the rules of road safety.