Talking on the phone while riding an e-bike: fine or minor offense?
Quickly pulling out your phone to answer the call – a costly mistake on an e-bike. Here's what the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) say about using a phone while cycling, how high the fine is, and what's allowed with a hands-free function.
By Vincent Augustin 2 minutes read time
Published: June 24, 2026
Short answer: Not a minor offense, but a fine – and one that many underestimate. Anyone who uses their mobile phone while riding an e-bike, whether to make a call or even just to quickly check who's calling, is not operating in a gray area, but rather committing a clearly defined offense under the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO).
The legal basis: Section 23 of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO).
Since the reform of the Road Traffic Regulations, the ban on using mobile phones while driving no longer applies only to motorists, but explicitly also to cyclists and e-bike riders. This is regulated in Section 23 Paragraph 2 Sentence 1 No. 22 of the Road Traffic Regulations: Anyone who holds and uses a mobile phone or comparable electronic device while operating a vehicle – and a bicycle or e-bike is legally considered a vehicle – commits an administrative offense.
The crucial point is the wording "holding and using." Simply unlocking the display or briefly glancing at it is sufficient to fulfill the legal definition – not just the actual phone call.
How high is the fine really?
The amount of the fine varies depending on what happened during the violation:
| situation | fine |
|---|---|
| Using a mobile phone in hand (basic offense) | 55 € |
| Additionally, it causes a hazard | 75 € |
| Additionally, an accident was caused | 100 € |
These fines apply regardless of whether you're actually making a call, writing a message, or simply using the navigation system. Cyclists generally don't receive points on their driving record for this offense – unlike drivers, who risk an additional point. However, the fine alone is enough to make even a quick glance at your screen expensive.
What is allowed: Hands-free calling and headphones
The good news: Using a mobile phone while riding an e-bike is not generally prohibited – only holding the device at the same time is. The following is legally unproblematic:
- Make phone calls using a Bluetooth headset or headphones without holding your mobile phone.
- Hands-free function via a handlebar-mounted bracket, provided you do not operate the device while riding.
- Navigation via voice output when the phone is permanently mounted and you don't reach for it to operate it.
However, as soon as you touch the mounted mobile phone to operate it, unlock it or manually answer a call, the offense is again punishable – even if it is only in the holder.
Why this is even riskier with e-bikes
With e-bikes, there's an additional factor that exacerbates the problem: speed. At 20–25 km/h, you cover significantly more distance in the time it takes to glance at a display than with a conventional bicycle. Just two seconds of looking at your phone at 25 km/h translates to almost 14 meters of travel without looking at the road – enough to create a critical situation in city traffic.
Sources & References
- § 23 StVO "Neufassung des Absatz 1a zum Handyverbot". https://www.bussgeldkatalog.de/23-stvo/
- Bußgeldkatalog 2026 "Handy auf dem Fahrrad". https://www.bussgeld-info.de/bussgeldkatalog-handy-fahrrad/
- Bußgeldkatalog Fahrrad 2026 "Können Radfahrer Punkte bekommen?". https://www.bussgeldkatalog.de/fahrrad/
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