E-bike laws in Germany: 7 legal pitfalls you need to know before buying

Are you worried about overlooking important legal details when buying an e-bike? While new laws like SB 1271 apply in the USA, the StVZO (Road Traffic Licensing Regulations) is the ultimate authority in Germany.

Buying an e-bike requires more than just looking at the wattage. Choosing the wrong model can quickly lead to fines or insurance problems. Here are 7 mistakes to avoid to stay legal and safe on the road.

1. The misconception about the "throttle grip" (thumb throttle)

In the US, e-bikes with a throttle that allows them to be ridden without pedaling are widespread. In Germany, this is illegal for regular pedelecs.

• ✅ The rule: A pedelec may only provide motor assistance when you are also pedaling.

• The exception: Push assistance up to 6 km/h is permitted.

• The trap: Don't buy an imported bike that goes 25 km/h or faster with a thumb throttle, without you having to pedal. Legally, this is considered a motor vehicle (like a moped) and requires insurance and a helmet!

2. Exceeding the 250-watt and 25 km/h limits

Many international e-bikes advertise 750 watts or 500 watts of power.

• The law: In Germany, a pedelec that does not require a driver's license may have a maximum nominal continuous power output of 250 watts , and the assistance must switch off at 25 km/h .

• The risk: Anything beyond that (e.g. S-Pedelecs up to 45 km/h) requires an insurance license plate, an operating permit and a driver's license (class AM).

3. Use S-Pedelecs on the cycle path

If you consciously choose a fast S-Pedelec (up to 45 km/h) , different rules apply than for normal bicycles.

• Where you are allowed to ride: S-Pedelecs belong on the road .

• The rule: Cycle paths are generally off-limits to S-Pedelecs (unless explicitly marked with a "E-bikes allowed" sign – which is rare). Forest paths are also often prohibited.

• Pedelecs (25 km/h): These are legally bicycles and are allowed (and often required) to use the cycle path.

4. Tuning and “speed unlocking”

There are many instructions circulating on the internet on how to remove the 25 km/h speed limiter (chip tuning).

• The consequence: As soon as you tune your e-bike, its operating permit becomes invalid.

• The catch: In the event of an accident, your private liability insurance will not pay out. You are liable with your entire personal assets. Stay away from "speed modes" or tuning dongles on public roads!

5. Missing CE marking and test marks

Especially with cheap direct imports from the Far East, the necessary certification is often lacking.

• What you need to look out for: Look for the CE marking and confirmation of compliance with the EN 15194 standard.

• Why? Without this marking, the bicycle may not be roadworthy in the EU. Furthermore, it serves as an indicator of battery safety (fire protection).

6. Misunderstanding helmet and age requirements

• Pedelec (25 km/h): There is no legal requirement to wear a helmet and no minimum age (recommended from approximately 12-14 years old). However, we strongly advise wearing a helmet!

• S-Pedelec (45 km/h): Helmets are mandatory (suitable helmet according to standard ECE-R 22.05 or special S-Pedelec helmet) and a minimum age of 16 years (driving license AM) applies.

7. Give away financial benefits (leasing instead of vouchers)

While California is talking about "vouchers", we in Germany have a much better system: company bike leasing (e.g. JobRad, BusinessBike).

• The advantage: Through salary conversion, you can save up to 40% compared to direct purchase.

• Tip: Before buying, check if your employer offers e-bike leasing.

✅ Quick Compliance Checklist (Germany)

Rule	What to do
speed	Assistance only up to 25 km/h (for bicycles that do not require registration).
Performance	Max. 250 watts rated continuous power.
throttle	Only permitted as a pushing aid up to 6 km/h .
mark	Not required for pedelecs (required for S-pedelecs).
Cycle paths	Pedelecs: Yes / S-Pedelecs: No (mostly).
Security	Look for CE certification and EN 15194 .
Save	Use company bike leasing instead of buying outright.

Conclusion

German e-bike regulations (StVZO) are strict, but they ensure safety. Avoid illegal imports with throttles or excessively powerful motors. Choose a legal pedelec that complies with EU standards – this way you not only ride in a relaxed manner, but also insured and safely.

Stay informed. Drive responsibly.

Related news on German e‑bike safety and policy references:

ADAC. (2024, August 15). E-bikes and pedelecs: The most important traffic rules. Retrieved from https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/zweirad/fahrrad-ebike-pedelec/vorschriften-verhalten/e-bike-regeln/

ADFC. (2025, March 10). Legal information for cyclists: What applies to pedelecs and S-pedelecs? Retrieved from https://www.adfc.de/artikel/rechtliches-fuer-pedelec-fahrer

North Rhine-Westphalia Police. (November 5, 2024). Illegal e-bike tuning: A dangerous trend with costly consequences. Retrieved from https://polizei.nrw/artikel/e-bike-tuning-kein-kavaliersdelikt

Finanztip. (January 20, 2025). Company bike leasing: How to save up to 40% on e-bike purchases through your employer. Retrieved from https://www.finanztip.de/dienstfahrrad/

Stiftung Warentest. (2024, June 2). Safely charging and storing e-bike batteries: How to prevent fires. Retrieved from https://www.test.de/E-Bike-Akku-Sicherheit-5892134-0/