What is the difference between a Pedelec, S-Pedelec and an E-Bike?

Have you ever heard terms like Pedelec, S-Pedelec and E-Bike without being able to identify the exact differences?

By Fabian Huber 3 minutes read time

Unterschied zwischen einem Pedelec, S-Pedelec und E-Bike

About the author Fabian Huber

Fabian founded MYVELO together with Vincent. The two share a long-standing passion for cycling. Together they have cycled thousands of kilometers and fought for victories in the German racing bike league. The idea of founding MYVELO arose from their many years of experience and knowledge of what makes a good bike. Find out more about MYVELO now

Published: April 8, 2021 | Updated: September 17, 2026

There are many terms in circulation around the topic of electric bikes, and there is a lot of confusion. Today we will focus on the terminology in order to clear up any misunderstandings and to provide a good overview for anyone interested in e-bikes.

The Pedelec for everyone who wants it simple and comfortable

First of all, it is important to find out what the term Pedelec means - it is simply an abbreviation for Pedal Electric Cycle. Here, the rider is supported with a maximum motor output of 250 watts up to 25 km/h. If you want to go faster, you have to use your own muscle power. The support can be regulated in several stages depending on your own muscle power and cadence, so that everyone can find the right level of support.

The definition of a Pedelec comes from the Road Traffic Act. Legally, it is absolutely the same as a normal bicycle. You don't need a driver's license, registration or insurance number. Furthermore, you don't need a helmet when riding - at least legally - and there is no age limit. This also applies if the Pedelec has a starting aid up to 6 km/h. Choose - buy - drive off - have fun (in our online shop you will find various models in the E-Bike folding bike category).

Pedelecs make up about 90% of the entire electric bicycle market.

Legal information can be found here

The S-Pedelec or fast Pedelec / the S-Class for those who would like it a little faster

An S-Pedelec is no longer a bicycle, but a small motorcycle. It works the same as a normal Pedelec, but you are supported up to a speed of 45 km/h , with a (current) maximum Motor power of 4000 watts.

To be allowed to ride such a fast Pedelec, you need a class AM driving license, you must be at least 16 years old and you must also wear a "suitable" safety helmet. There is currently no precise definition of what constitutes a suitable safety helmet. However, there are now a number of helmet manufacturers who advertise helmets that meet motorcycle standards. These are light and well ventilated and are therefore ideal for cycling.

Big disadvantage: S-Pedelecs are not allowed on cycle paths, even if they are approved for mopeds.

For the S-Pedelecs, the manufacturer requires an operating license or individual approval from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA). You as the owner, holder or driver require an insurance license plate - the cost is around €70 per year - and can be obtained from any standard insurance company.

Last but not least: The e-bike – for those who like to take it a little easier, with their own muscle power

All good things come in threes - which brings us to our last category. This is the electric light moped. The bike can be driven using a twist grip or gear knob without pedaling - just sit on it and drive off. The e-bike (electric light moped) must not have a motor output of more than 500 watts and can only support up to 20 km/h. If you want to go faster than 20 km/h, you are again dependent on your own muscle power.

As already reported for the S-Pedelec, we also need an operating license, a moped test certificate and an insurance number for the e-bike . However, there is no obligation to wear a helmet on e-bikes. In addition, they do not currently play a major role on the market. However, there is an upward trend among young people - the moped of today!

As a final remark, it should be said that the electric bike market now has something suitable for everyone who wants to get around on two wheels. You can find our current selection right here in the shop.

The team at MYVELO – your e-bike platform – wishes you lots of fun on the roads and safe journeys at all times.

E-Bike with 25 km/h: Everything You Should Know About Pedelecs

Sources & References

Straßenverkehrsgesetz (StVG) § 1 "Pedelecs mit maximal 250 W Nenndauerleistung und Unterstützung bis 25 km/h gelten rechtlich als Fahrrad". https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stvg/__1.html
Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO) § 21a Absatz 2 "Helmpflicht für Krafträder mit bauartbedingter Höchstgeschwindigkeit über 20 km/h". https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stvo_2013/__21a.html

Further information and FAQs about Häufige Fragen zu Pedelec, S-Pedelec und E-Bike

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Was ist der Unterschied zwischen E-Bike und Pedelec?

Beim Pedelec unterstützt der Motor nur, während Du in die Pedale trittst, und schaltet sich bei 25 km/h ab – rechtlich ist es ein Fahrrad. Ein E-Bike im juristischen Sinn fährt auch ohne Treten per Drehgriff bis 20 km/h und gilt als Leichtmofa mit Versicherungskennzeichen und Mofa-Prüfbescheinigung. Im Alltag ist mit „E-Bike“ aber fast immer ein Pedelec gemeint.

Braucht man für ein S-Pedelec einen Führerschein?

Ja. Für ein S-Pedelec brauchst Du mindestens die Fahrerlaubnis der Klasse AM und musst mindestens 16 Jahre alt sein. Ein Autoführerschein der Klasse B schließt die Klasse AM mit ein.

Gilt beim S-Pedelec Helmpflicht?

Ja, ein geeigneter Schutzhelm ist vorgeschrieben, weil das S-Pedelec als Kleinkraftrad gilt. Ein gewöhnlicher Fahrradhelm erfüllt diese Anforderung nicht sicher. Empfehlenswert sind Helme nach der Norm NTA 8776, die für höhere Geschwindigkeiten ausgelegt sind.

Darf man mit dem S-Pedelec auf dem Radweg fahren?

Nein. S-Pedelecs müssen auf der Fahrbahn fahren, auch wenn ein Radweg für Mofas freigegeben ist. Außerorts kann die Radwegnutzung im Einzelfall durch Beschilderung erlaubt sein – im Zweifel gilt: Fahrbahn.

Was kostet die Versicherung für ein S-Pedelec?

Die Pflicht-Haftpflicht mit Versicherungskennzeichen ist je nach Anbieter ab etwa 30 Euro pro Jahr zu haben. Mit Teilkasko, die zum Beispiel Diebstahl abdeckt, liegen die Beiträge meist zwischen 70 und 100 Euro jährlich. Das Kennzeichen selbst ist im Beitrag enthalten.

Sind die 250 Watt beim Pedelec die maximale Motorleistung?

Nein. Die 250 Watt bezeichnen die maximale Nenndauerleistung, also die Leistung, die der Motor dauerhaft abgeben darf. Kurzzeitige Spitzenwerte liegen bei vielen Motoren deutlich darüber, ohne dass die Einstufung als Fahrrad verloren geht.