Pedelec, e-bike or S-Pedelec – what’s the difference?

Before we get to the question of age, a brief overview:

For parents and young people, the pedelec is the most important vehicle type – it is the most widely used and is considered a bicycle under traffic law.

At what age can you ride an e-bike?

✅ Pedelec (up to 25 km/h support):

• Recommended minimum age: 14 years

• No driver's license required

• Helmets are not compulsory , but strongly recommended

• No insurance license plate required

⚠️ S-Pedelec (up to 45 km/h):

• Minimum age: 16 years

• Class AM driving license required

• Helmet requirement

• Compulsory insurance (liability insurance with license plate)

Why 14 years? – The safety aspect

Even though pedelecs are treated like bicycles, they accelerate significantly faster with electric assistance and also uphill. This requires:

• Good responsiveness

• Safe assessment of traffic situations

• Responsible use of speed

Many traffic experts and pediatricians therefore advise:
👉 No e-bikes on public transport under the age of 14 – even if it might be permitted.

Insurance coverage: What you should know

🚲 Pedelec (up to 25 km/h):

• No separate insurance requirement.

• Liability damages (e.g. if an accident is caused) are covered by private liability insurance – but only if the child is old enough to be legally responsible (usually from the age of 7 in road traffic).

• Damage to your own e-bike is not insured – you would need bicycle insurance for this.

🛵 S-Pedelec or e-bike with throttle:

• Compulsory insurance (as with a moped).

• License plate must be visibly displayed.

• Without insurance, you risk fines and criminal charges.

What happens when children ride e-bikes “too early”?

Legally risky:

If children under 14 years of age ride a pedelec on public roads – especially without parental consent – this can have legal consequences:

• Parents may be liable in the event of accidents.

• Insurance coverage may be limited or excluded.

• An accident can lead to civil lawsuits or liability issues.

👉 Important: Even if there is no official lower age limit, parents are still liable if their child drives a vehicle that they cannot control safely.

Are there smaller e-bikes for children?

Yes – some manufacturers now offer child-friendly e-bikes:

• Smaller frame heights (20 or 24 inches)

• Reduced motor support

• Lighter construction

💡 These models are ideal for practicing on private property, campsites or country roads - but not intended for road traffic if the child is still too young.

Safety first – our recommendations

1. Always wear a bicycle helmet!

2. Regularly check road safety: lights, brakes, reflectors

3. Practice regularly: Especially braking from high speeds

4. Check bicycle pass and insurance

5. Introduce children to e-bikes in a safe environment

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about "E-Bikes & Children"

🔹 At what age can children ride e-bikes?
A minimum age of 14 is recommended for pedelecs. For S-pedelecs, the minimum age is 16 years with a driver's license.

🔹 Is a helmet mandatory for e-bikes?
Not legally required for pedelecs, but highly recommended. Helmets are mandatory for S-pedelecs.

🔹 What happens if my child has an accident on the e-bike?
In this case, private liability insurance may apply – but only if the child is considered to be capable of committing a tort (from the age of 7 in road traffic).

🔹 Can my 12-year-old child ride a small e-bike?
On private roads or in the garden, yes – but in road traffic this should be avoided at all costs, as the risk of accidents and liability is high.

🔹 What insurance do I need for an e-bike?
For pedelecs: not mandatory, but liability insurance and, if applicable, bicycle insurance are recommended. For S-pedelecs: mandatory insurance with an insurance license plate.

Conclusion: Better safe than fast

E-bikes are fun – even for children and teenagers. But especially for younger riders, safety should take priority over mobility.
Although the law permits pedelec riding from a young age, the responsibility lies with the parents. The rider's technical skills, maturity, and understanding of traffic conditions should be appropriate for the motor's performance.