11
7.
pedelecs
(
ped
al
ele
ctric
c
ycle
s
)
(a)
or
epacs
(
e
lectrically
p
ower
a
ssisted
c
ycle
s
) are bicycles with an auxiliary motor that only
switches on when the pedals are moved by the rider. When you
stop pedalling, the motor switches off.
A driving licence is not required for riding a pedelec
(b)
if the mo-
tor assistance switches off automatically at a speed of 25 kmh/15
mph. You do not need an operating licence and need not insure the
pedelec either. Please do not confuse your pedelec with a speed
pedelec (S-Pedelec) (see item 9).
All regulations that apply to bicycles, also apply to pedelecs, i.e.
they are allowed to or must use cycle paths without any restric-
tions. Wearing a helmet is recommended, but not compulsory.
Most pedelecs are designed for cycling exclusively on lanes and
roads with a smooth surface
(c)
. Only use trails that are allowed for
bicycles. In general, typical pedelecs are not suitable for off-road
use. Using pedelecs off-road can result in crashes with unforesee-
able consequences.
If your pedelec does not look like a typical mountain bike (see the
cover), then please read the chapter
“before your first ride”
.
U
Please note that there are different types of pedelecs and
e-bikes which are subject to different overall legal condi-
tions. Check the class of your WHEELER pedelec or e-bike
in the bicycle card. Keep the specific regulations for your
pedelec/e-bike class in mind when riding on public roads
and also through the countryside.
8.
pedelecs
(d+e)
(
ped
al
ele
ctric
c
ycle
s
) as well as
epacs
(
e
lec-
trically
p
ower
a
ssisted
c
ycle
s
) with starting or pushing aid are
considered as motor vehicles with special authorization. Neverthe-
less, you do not need an operating licence and need not insure the
pedelec either. Wearing a cycle helmet is not compulsory either,
but highly recommended.
The starting or pushing aid provides assistance during pushing or
when doing a hill start, even without pedalling, up to a speed of 6
kmh / 3.7 mph.
These WHEELER pedelecs are not required to be insured for riding
on public roads.
U
If you were born after 1st April 1965 you will require a
moped driving licence (driving licence class M) or a driving
licence for motor vehicles according to the German Bicycle
Association (ZIV).
U
The laws and regulations concerning pedelecs, speed
pedelecs and e-bikes are currently being revised. Read the
daily press to keep yourself informed about current legisla-
tive changes.
The other regulations do not differ from those relating to pedelecs
(see item 2.).
9.
Speed pedelecs
are bicycles with an auxiliary motor which pro-
vide assistance to the rider even beyond a speed of 25 kmh / 15
mph, as long as you continue pedalling. Without pedalling a speed
pedelec provides assistance to a maximum speed of 20 kmh/12
mph.
Speed pedelecs are regarded as motor vehicles, have an operat-
ing licence or EU type approval, and are therefore subject to strict
guidelines regarding the replacement of components or making
any conversions.
It is mandatory to wear a helmet
(f)
in Germany and Switzerland.
If you are riding a speed pedelec you may not use cycle paths
within built-up areas in
germany
. The only exception to this is in
cases where the cycle path or lane has been approved for use
by mopeds (this is marked by an additional sign). Outside built-up
areas it is permissible to ride a speed pedelec on cycle paths and
lanes
(g+h)
.
These speed pedelecs are required to have an operating licence
and to be insured as motor vehicle when riding on public roads. If
you were born after 1st April 1965 you will require a moped license
(driving license class M) or a driving license for motor vehicles. You
can obtain a moped license if you are aged 15 or over. Enquire at
your driving license agency.
a
b
c
d
10
e
f
g
h
Summary of Contents for Cross
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