What is the maximum speed of an electric bicycle?

By limiting the effort, an electric bike allows high speeds but has a technical limitation, where the cyclist must also adhere to traffic rules.

Biking is on the rise in France, and it’s good news. More people are taking up cycling, but some may ignore certain rules or consider themselves able to bypass the traffic code, similar to many electric scooter users. What rules must be followed and what are the limitations for an electric bicycle?

A speed of 25 km/h for a standard electric bike

All electric bikes are technically “power-assisted bicycles”. They operate with pedaling, aided by an electric motor supporting the effort up to a maximum of 25 km/h. This is the rule in France, as well as in Europe, whereas the United States, for example, allows up to 32 km/h (20 miles/h).

However, it is possible to ride beyond 25 km/h. An electric bike doesn’t limit speed, but its weight prevents very high speeds. Some cyclists won’t exceed 30 km/h, while others can reach over 40 km/h with some effort or downhill.

What are the penalties for excessive speed?

If you exceed 25 km/h with electric assistance, it remains legal. However, a cyclist is required not to ride above the speed limit for all vehicles. In urban areas, the limit is 30 or 50 km/h. If an infraction is observed, the fine is 35 euros. However, a fine of 135 € may be issued if one is caught committing a “speed inappropriate to the circumstances”. The Road Safety authorities cite examples such as crossing pedestrians and turns.

45 km/h with a speedbike

A less known and still marginal category in France, speedbikes can go even faster. These electric bikes are classified as mopeds by law, necessitating the mandatory use of a full-face helmet, gloves, a registration plate, or mirrors. These speedbikes have a speed limit of 45 km/h, again on electric assistance, so nothing prevents riding faster with muscular effort (beyond the speed limit on the specific road). This has consequences: they are prohibited from riding on bike lanes and paths.

Also read: Bike Bonus 2023: who can benefit from the purchase aid?