Regulations and recommendations for electric cycling

Bicycles are trendy and the electric bike is on the rise. The regulations are evolving and adapting to all our new uses, but they are still not well understood and questions arise when it comes to getting on this new travel companion.

Is a helmet compulsory? Is the cycle track suitable for my bike? What about registration and insurance?

To help you, we have put together some information in this article.

An update on cycling in general

When you buy an electric bike, don't forget to buy the mandatory the mandatory accessories.

• Two brakes in good working order, one on the front wheel and one on the rear wheel. One brake is sufficient for bicycles with small wheels.
• A bell that can be heard at least 20 m away
• A lighting device emitting a white or yellow light at the front and a red light at the rear. The devices must provide sufficient light without being dazzling.
• A visibility device (visual signalling). These are white reflectors at the front, red reflectors at the rear and orange reflectors on the sides and on the edges of the pedals. In addition, a high visibility waistcoat (approved with CE marking) is compulsory for riding outside built-up areas.

The electric bicycle

In addition to the above, the electric bicycle must comply with the following rules:

• The electric assistance must start and stop at the same time as the pedalling (the term assistance has its full meaning here). You cannot reach a speed higher than 25 km/h with the help of the electric assistance. If you want to exceed this speed, you will have to pedal with all your strength.
• The rated power of the motor may not exceed 250 Watts.
• The chargers are safe and the motor does not produce electromagnetic waves that could interfere with its operation.
• The battery is recyclable.

Good to know These rules apply to e-bikes sold and to bikes with an electrification kit.

With your electric bicycle, and provided that it respects the above rules, you can use the cycle paths and all the facilities dedicated to cycling.

Insurance is not compulsory, but it is advisable because you will have to pay the costs in the event of an accident at your own expense, and these can be high. Furthermore, in the event of theft or damage, insurance can compensate you.

Focus on headphones

The helmet is not compulsory but is strongly recommended for all cyclists regardless of age.

Spotlight on Speed Bikes

A bicycle that can exceed 25 km/ thanks to electric assistance and whose motor has a nominal power of more than 250 Watts is no longer considered an EAB according to European legislation. It falls into the category of mopeds and as such new rules apply.

To drive a Speed Bike you must meet the requirements below.

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have an AM (moped) or B (car) licence
• Wear an AE approved bicycle or moped helmet
• Register the bicycle *.

You cannot use the cycle paths.

There is a fine line between an electric bike and a Speed Bike. The look can deceive you when choosing. A professional will be able to advise you.

* To register your Speed Bike several documents will be necessary.

You can then apply online at the Direction pour l'Immatriculation des Véhicules (D.I.V.)

CE approval

For all electric bikes VAE or Speed Bikethe certificate of conformity is essential.

It is required to register your Speed Bike.

It secures your purchase by guaranteeing compliance with the mandatory standards and rules of the European Community.

Beware of non-compliance with legal obligations

Non-compliance can indeed be painful. You can be fined in various ways.