Don't miss the bike of your dreams
What is the electric bike speed bike ?
Electric speed bikes are also known as speed pedelec. The electric speed bike goes up to 45 km/h, enabling you to cover greater distances in a given time. The motor's power is 350 Watts, or even 500 Watts for some, which puts it in the category of mopeds with engines under 50cc.
As for the VAE, the electrically assisted bicycles, they have a maximum authorized speed of 25 km/h for a 250 Watts motor, the maximum authorized in Europe, including for the MTB electric.
Visually, a speed bike looks like a conventional electric-assist bike, with a seat, handlebars, brakes, crankset, derailleur, frame and wheels. Its styling is similar to that of a VAE city bike, VTC (mountain bike) or road bikefor the majority of electric bike models in any case.
Who is the electric bike for? speed bike
An electric bike speed bike is intended for drivers over 16 years old and holding a B or AM (moped) license. It is more for people who need to get around quickly, rather than for those who want to practice a hobby.
The fast electric bike, for what type of use?
With your speed bike, ride long distances without any problem ! A speed bike is ideal if you need to make trips between 10 and 20 km, whether in the city or in the countryside. It is a versatile, fast, but also ecological and economical mode of transportation.
Indeed, according to a report by the ADEME (Agency for the Environment and Energy Management), over a period of 10 years, for a 30 km round trip made 3 to 4 times a week, the average cost would be 0.16€/km against 0.74€/km with a new diesel car. That's a lot of savings in the long run!
The speed pedelec requires very little physical effort, and also allows you to avoid traffic jams and parking problems.
Speed bikethe VAE adapted to urban traffic
Speed bikes are the urban bikes par excellence. With 45 km/h a speed bike can easily insert itself in the urban traffic, because of its manoeuvrability it reacts with agility to get out of a situation of blockages, traffic jams or during an overtaking, contrary to a scooter. The speed conferred by the electric assistance is modulable as on an electric urban bicycle and depends only on you. The autonomy of the lithium-ion batteries of EABs in general allows you to make many trips.
Mopeds or electric bikes: what's the difference?
With its pedals, handlebars, derailleur, motor and battery, the speed bike is indeed an electric bicycle on which you have to pedal to move forward. Nevertheless, in the eyes of the law, it must respect the legislation of mopeds, because it is classified in this category. It must be said that with its rear view mirror, its license plate and its horn, it borrows many typical codes of scooters!
Transform your bike with an electric bike kit speed bike
It is possible to electrify a classic bike, but also to give it even more speed thanks to an electric bike kit speed bike. The latter contains a motor exceeding the 250 W of a traditional EAB. It is allowed to upgrade your bike in this way, but keep in mind that beyond a motor power of 250 W or 25 km/h of assistance, it becomes a speed bike and thus falls into the category of class P mopeds in the eyes of the law.
Speed bike What is prohibited and mandatory
The law considers speed bikes as mopeds, which requires users to respect certain obligations and avoid certain practices. Speed bikes must therefore comply with the legislation for mopeds under 50 cc. Here is an overview of the do's and don'ts of riding your little pedal bike.
Obligations in speed pedelec
Wearing a helmet is mandatory when riding a speed bike, unlike other electric bicycles. The helmet must be an ECE2205 approved helmet, i.e. a motorcycle helmet! However, some manufacturers have developed helmets specifically for speed bikes. Of course, your helmet must be fastened. In case of missing safety equipment, you risk a fine of 55 € for each missing item. Gloves are the other accessory of the mandatory outfit, as for the helmet, you need approved gloves: namely motorcycle gloves as defined by the EN13594:2015 standard.
The seller must provide you with a certificate of conformity attesting that your electric bicycle speed bike is approved. The authorized spare parts are only those listed in the certificate of conformity. It must be registered (you can apply online at the Direction pour l'Immatriculation des Véhicules (D.I.V.)) and therefore have a registration card. However, in Belgium, an electric bicycle insurance speed bike is not necessary.
The prohibitions in speed bike
In the eyes of the law, speed bikes must comply with moped legislation, since they fall into this category. This means that you can't use cycle lanes or contra-flow lanes dedicated to bicycles. You'll have to ride on the road alongside cars and other motorized vehicles. Note that in Belgium,on roads where the speed limit is over 50 km/h, speed bikes must use the cycle lane . At speed pedelec, equipment such as baby seat are also prohibited.
What are the technical requirements for electric bicycles speed bike ?
When designing speed bikes, manufacturers must follow certain rules. Thus, these speed bikes must be equipped with at least a front low beam and a stop light at the back. Your license plate must also be illuminated and you must be able to check your speed at all times on a monitoring tool such as a speedometer or a screen.
You'll also need a CEE-approved rear-view mirror on the left-hand side of your speed pedelec . It must be equipped with two independent braking systems, and a stand to hold it upright when parked. It should also be fitted with a horn, similar to that of a motorcycle. A speed bike's tires must be homologated for speeds of up to 45 km/h, so it's not a classic tires bike.
Finally, since the purchase of a bicycle of this type is not trivial, it is strongly recommended to opt for one or two lockseven if they are not mandatory.
Which insurance for speed bike ?
As previously mentioned, electric bicycle insurance is not mandatory in Belgium for a speed bike. It is only compulsory for bicycles that operate autonomously, without the need to pedal.
But, if you want to be covered in case of an accident on speed bike, it is still possible to take out a special insurance policy, because your family insurance does not cover you when you ride your fast electric bike. In this case, opt for a contract that covers you in case of accident, but also against damage, loss or theft of your bike .
The best speed bikes
Several manufacturers of electric bikes have entered the market of electric speed bikes, among them we find for example Kalkhoff, Moustache, Cube, Cannondale, Trek, Gazelle and Haibike.
Among the most popular models is the speed bike Kalkhoff Endeavour 7.B Excite 45, known for its excellent riding comfort. This fast electric bike is equipped with a telescopic fork, a Bosch Performance Line Speed motor and a 625 Wh battery. Very well equipped to allow you to move around the city as well as in the countryside, it has a luggage rack, among other things.
Ride long distances on a French speed bike from Moustache. The Moustache Friday 27 FS Speed is specially designed for cyclists. It is powered by a Bosch Performance Line Speed motor with a torque of 85 Nm and its autonomy is ensured by a PowerTube battery of 636 Wh, allowing you to ride up to 81 km.
The Trek Allant+ 8S is a fast electric bike with the same battery and motor as the two models shown above. It is designed for cyclists who need or want to cover long distances quickly, without burning out. With its sporty look, it is fully equipped to face the city: integrated front and rear light system, mudguards, rear rack and 27.5" rigid wheels...
What is the price of a speed bike ?
Because of its technical characteristics, the price of a speed bike is high. It is therefore necessary to foresee a budget ranging from 2 000€ to more than 7 500€ for the most high-end models. The solution to buy your electric bike speed bike cheap: opt for second-hand models or reconditioned.
Why choose an electric bike speed bike refurbished ?
The first reason that pushes cyclists to turn to a model refurbished, is of course to be able to offer an electric bike speed bike cheap. The reconditioning allows you to buy your EAB 20 to 60% cheaper.
What is reconditioning? It's the act of returning a product that has already been used to new , in order to give it a second life. As well as saving money, it's also environmentally friendly.
Speed bike refurbished by Upway
Upway reconditions a wide selection of electric bikes, including speed bikes. We carefully select each and every speed bike we resell, and all go through a thorough inspection and reconditioning by one of our professional mechanics.
Upway electric bike reconditioning consists of 4 stages: mechanical and electronic inspection, mechanical repairs, electronic repairs, final adjustments and final inspection. After this, all structural components (frame, battery, motor and electronics) of your electric speed bike are guaranteed for one year.
Are there any incentives for buying an electric bike speed bike ?
In Belgium, incentives for the purchase of an electric bicycle are a regional or local competence.
So, depending on where you live, you may be eligible for one or more speed bike incentives. This is the case, for example, for the residents of Deinze, to whom the municipality grants a subsidy of up to a subsidy for the purchase of a speed bike of up to 50% of the purchase price of the bike, up to a maximum of €400, if you hand in your license plate. All used speed bikes Upway are eligible.
To find out more and perhaps benefit from assistance, contact your municipality or region.