What is a pedelec, a speed pedelec and an e-bike?

Answer

An electric bicycle is an umbrella term for electrically powered bicycles. Usually, as in this fact sheet, it means a bicycle which only generates power when the cyclist is pedalling. Formally, however, such a bicycle is called a pedelec; short for Pedal Electric Cycle.

In this fact sheet, we distinguish between two kinds of electric bicycles: the ‘regular’ pedelec and the speed pedelec. A pedelec offers pedal assistance up to approximately 25 km/h, a speed pedelec up to 45 km/h, and the latter is therefore legally categorised as a moped (see the question What rules apply to pedelecs and speed pedelecs?). A pedelec and speed pedelec may look very much alike (see Figure 1).

Some people talk about e-bikes while pedelecs are meant. According to European regulations [1] e-bikes are not pedelecs with pedal assistance, but two-wheelers with an electric motor which do not require pedalling. This turns them into light mopeds (no faster than 25 km/h) or into mopeds (no faster than 45 km/h).

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Figure 1. A pedelec (left) and a speed pedelec (right; Source:  ANWB [2])

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elektrische fietsen
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Pedelecs and speed pedelecs

In 2020, over a quarter of the total number of bicycle kilometres were cycled on pedelecs; particularly the over-65s opt for pedelecs. This is also Meer

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