What exactly is an e-bike?
In everyday life, the term "e-bike" is often used synonymously for various types of electrically assisted bicycles. However, from a legal perspective, a clear distinction must be made:
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Pedelec (Pedal Electric Cycle): Assists only when pedaling, up to a maximum of 25 km/h.
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S-Pedelec (Fast Pedelec): Supports up to 45 km/h.
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E-bike in the narrower sense: Can also be ridden without pedaling – basically a moped on two wheels.
This distinction is crucial when it comes to the question of a driver’s license.
Pedelecs – the driver’s license-free everyday companion
The classic Pedelec is legally a bicycle in Germany as long as:
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the motor support is limited to 25 km/h,
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the motor only supports pedaling,
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the rated power is a maximum of 250 watts.
👉 You don’t need a driving license for a pedelec.
You can ride it without a test certificate, insurance or registration – just like a normal bicycle.
Teenagers 14 and older can also legally ride pedelecs without a driver's license. Depending on the federal state, special regulations apply to children under 14, particularly in road traffic.
S-Pedelecs – this is where things get more complicated
S-Pedelecs assist pedaling up to 45 km/h. This means they are no longer legally considered bicycles, but rather mopeds.
Therefore, the following regulations apply to S-Pedelecs:
| Requirement |
Applies to S-Pedelec? |
| Driving license required? |
✅ Yes, at least class AM (from 16 years) |
| Helmet requirement? |
✅ Yes |
| Insurance number plate? |
✅ Yes |
| Is use of cycle paths permitted? |
❌ No, only on the street |
| Compulsory licensing? |
❌ No, but operating license required |
👉 Conclusion: You are not allowed to ride an S-Pedelec without a driver's license. Even if it looks like a regular e-bike, legally it's a small motorcycle.
E-bikes in the narrower sense – riding without pedaling
E-bikes that can be ridden without pedaling are colloquially called "e-bikes", but legally they are also classified as small motorcycles or mopeds.
Example: An e-bike starts moving at the push of a button or throttle – this is more reminiscent of an electric scooter.
The following applies:
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Driving license class AM is compulsory (from 16 years),
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Compulsory insurance with license plate,
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Helmet requirement,
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no cycle paths allowed,
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No registration is required, but an operating license must be available.
👉 Here too, no driving license, no driving.
What are the consequences of driving without a license?
Anyone who uses an S-Pedelec or e-bike (without pedaling) without the necessary driving license is committing a criminal offense – this also applies to minors!
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This is driving without a license (§ 21 StVG).
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In serious cases, you may face fines, points on your license or even imprisonment.
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Insurance coverage also expires if you drive without permission.
Can you still ride an e-bike if your driving license is suspended?
Yes – with restrictions:
So if you have lost your driving license, a classic Pedelec is the only legal option among e-bikes.
Brief overview: What can you drive without a driver’s license?
| E-bike type |
Driving license required? |
Max. speed |
Compulsory insurance |
| Pedelec |
❌ No |
25 km/h |
❌ No |
| S-Pedelec |
✅ Yes (Class AM) |
45 km/h |
✅ Yes |
| E-bike without pedaling |
✅ Yes (Class AM) |
Depending on the model |
✅ Yes |
Conclusion: With the right e-bike you can be mobile even without a driving licence
If you want to ride without a driver's license, a pedelec is the perfect option. It combines all the benefits of cycling with electric assistance – and all without the hassle.
However, as soon as it gets faster or operates without pedaling, a driver's license is required. If you're unsure, you should check the technical specifications and the operating license before purchasing.
Tip: If you want to buy an e-bike and don't have a driver's license, look for the label "assistance up to 25 km/h." This way, you'll be on the safe side — and can pedal completely legally.
