Rules for e-bikes and fatbikes in Belgium
In Belgium, an e-bike or fatbike remains an ordinary bicycle if the electric auxiliary motor has a maximum of 250 watts and provides pedal assistance up to a maximum of 25 km/h. A bicycle helmet is not mandatory. For a motorised bicycle (motor up to 1 kW), you currently have to be at least 16 years old. A speed pedelec requires an AM or B driving licence, a helmet and registration with the DIV. Sources: Wegcode.be: fietsers en de wegcode and Wegcode.be: brochure speedpedelecs, read on 3 October 2026.
On 1 June 2027, the new Code van de openbare weg (Belgian highway code) comes into force; what changes then is described at the bottom. Source: Wegcode.be: Code van de openbare weg, read on 3 October 2026.
The rules in one table
| Rule | Bicycle with pedal assistance | Motorised bicycle | Speed pedelec |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | maximum 250 W (0.25 kW) | maximum 1 kW | up to 4 kW |
| Assistance cuts out at | 25 km/h | 25 km/h | 45 km/h |
| Minimum age | like any bicycle | 16 years (lapses on 1 June 2027) | 16 years |
| Driving licence | like any bicycle | like an ordinary cyclist | AM or B |
| Helmet | not mandatory, but recommended | like an ordinary cyclist | mandatory |
Sources: Wegcode.be: fietsers en de wegcode, Wegcode.be: Verkeersreglement, Wegcode.be: brochure speedpedelecs and Wegcode.be: wat verandert er voor fietsers, read on 3 October 2026.
Bicycle with pedal assistance
How many watts may an e-bike have in Belgium?
A bicycle may have an electric auxiliary motor of a maximum of 0.25 kW (250 W). It then remains an ordinary bicycle (article 2.15.1 of the traffic regulations). Sources: Wegcode.be: fietsers en de wegcode and Wegcode.be: Verkeersreglement, read on 3 October 2026.
Up to what speed may the motor assist?
The pedal assistance may work up to a maximum of 25 km/h. Source: Wegcode.be: fietsers en de wegcode, read on 3 October 2026.
Is a bicycle helmet mandatory in Belgium?
No, a bicycle helmet is not mandatory, but it is recommended. Source: Wegcode.be: fietsers en de wegcode, read on 3 October 2026.
Motorised bicycle
What is a motorised bicycle?
A bicycle with an electric motor of a maximum of 1 kW, whose propulsion cuts out at a maximum of 25 km/h (article 2.15.3 of the traffic regulations). Source: Wegcode.be: Verkeersreglement, read on 3 October 2026.
Which traffic rules apply to a motorised bicycle?
The rider of a motorised bicycle is treated exactly the same as an ordinary cyclist. Source: Wegcode.be: fietsers en de wegcode, read on 3 October 2026.
From what age may you ride a motorised bicycle?
Currently you have to be at least 16 years old. From 1 June 2027, that minimum age lapses. Sources: Wegcode.be: fietsers en de wegcode and Wegcode.be: wat verandert er voor fietsers, read on 3 October 2026.
Speed pedelec
What is a speed pedelec?
A bicycle whose propulsion cuts out at a maximum of 45 km/h, with a motor of up to 4 kW (article 2.17.3 of the traffic regulations). Source: Wegcode.be: Verkeersreglement, read on 3 October 2026.
Which driving licence do you need for a speed pedelec?
You must be at least 16 years old and have an AM or B driving licence. Source: Wegcode.be: brochure speedpedelecs, read on 3 October 2026.
Is a helmet mandatory on a speed pedelec?
Yes: a moped helmet, or a bicycle helmet (EN 1078) that also protects the temples and the back of the head. Source: Wegcode.be: brochure speedpedelecs, read on 3 October 2026.
Does a speed pedelec have to be registered?
Yes. You need a certificate of conformity and, since 2018, also a registration with the Vehicle Registration Service (DIV). Source: Wegcode.be: brochure speedpedelecs, read on 3 October 2026.
What changes on 1 June 2027?
When does the new Code van de openbare weg come into force?
On 1 June 2027. Source: Wegcode.be: Code van de openbare weg, read on 3 October 2026.
What changes for bicycles with an auxiliary motor?
A motorised bicycle will then become a bicycle with an auxiliary motor between 250 W and 1 kW, as a subcategory of bicycles. The minimum age of 16 lapses. Source: Wegcode.be: wat verandert er voor fietsers, read on 3 October 2026.
Fatbikes and parts at FatbikeKlaar
View the fatbikes and the fatbike parts. Delivering a fatbike in Belgium costs €79. Shipping parts to Belgium costs €11.95, free from €150.
This page summarises government information and is not legal advice. In case of doubt, the government text applies.
Last checked: 3 October 2026.