Laws and regulations for S-Pedelecs

Definitions

EPAC The standardized term EPAC stands for „Electrically Power Assisted Cycle“ according to DIN EN 151941 and is the technical term in the EU standard for e-bikes.

The EPAC is currently being used in the European Regulation 168/20132 described. The regulation defines requirements for the type approval of vehicles.

E-Bike: The term "e-bike" is commonly used for bicycles with an electric motor. Bosch eBike Systems uses the term almost exclusively in the sense of a pedelec.

Pedelec stands for Pedal Electric Cycle and is the official designation for e-bikes. Technically, the designation only covers bicycles with motor assistance up to 25 km/h.

S-Pedelec EU Bicycles that offer assistance up to 45 km/h are referred to as S-Pedelecs (Speed Pedelecs). Technically, they fall under the EU vehicle category L1e-B (light two-wheeled motor vehicles), more specifically, mopeds or light motorcycles. The L1e-B classification is established in EU Regulation No. 168/2013.

S-Pedelec CH In Switzerland, S-Pedelecs are considered „motorized bicycles“ (vehicle category M) and are subject to Vordinance on the technical requirements for Sroad vehicles (VTS) in Art. 18 let. a VTS. regulated.

Regulations / Laws

• Legal regulations for S-Pedelecs in:
  CH = Art. 18 let. a no. 2 VTS | Summary of bfu |  Signage CH
  DE = §50 STVZO
  NL = Übersicht von rijksoverheid.nl
  BE = Übersicht von joule.be
• Comparison The industry association ZIV (Zweirad-Industrie-Verband) has published the first comparative Study (Nov. 2023) on the speed pedelec category in Europe. For the study Mobycona Dutch consultancy firm for sustainable mobility, investigated the regulations and experiences with these vehicles in Germany, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

  Pro Velo Switzerland has made a comparison of the regulations (CH / FL / DE / FR / AT / IT). The table is here to be found (as of Nov. 2020).

• A good overview is also provided by the page PedeLaw.info (per 6/2026, Switzerland only)
• The ASTRA (Federal Roads Office CH) summarizes with the Bicycle etiquette all relevant information in many small video animations. You can also find out at veloplus.ch information, including a clear comparison of the regulations for pedelecs and S-pedelecs in Switzerland.

EU - Overview

CH - Overview (as of June 1, 2025)

An overview of all vehicle classes can be found in the following PDF.

See also here in the FAQ - ‚Helm - Which regulations apply?‘
See also here in the FAQ - ,How to adjust the light‘
See also here in the FAQ - ,Factor 4 Regulation – What is it?‘
See auch PIMP myStromer — ,Kindersitze auf dem Stromer‘
See also PIMP mySTROMER - ‚Anhänger‘
See also PIMP mySTROMER - 'Blinker'