Rules for e-bikes and fatbikes in Germany
In Germany, an e-bike or fatbike is legally a bicycle (pedelec) if the electric motor has a maximum of 250 watts (0.25 kW), only assists while you pedal and cuts out at 25 km/h at the latest. Without pedalling, the motor may only assist up to 6 km/h (start-up or push assist). An S-pedelec, with assistance up to 45 km/h, is a motor vehicle: for that you need an AM driving licence, an insurance plate and a helmet. Sources: § 1 StVG (gesetze-im-internet.de) and Mobilitätsforum Bund: S-pedelecs, read on 3 October 2026.
The rules in one table
| Rule | Pedelec (e-bike, fatbike) | S-pedelec |
|---|---|---|
| Assistance | only while pedalling, up to 25 km/h | up to 45 km/h |
| Legal status | same as a bicycle, not a motor vehicle | Kleinkraftrad (motor vehicle) |
| Driving licence | like a bicycle | category AM (from age 15) |
| Number plate | like a bicycle | insurance plate (Versicherungskennzeichen) |
| Helmet | like a bicycle | mandatory |
| Cycle path | like a bicycle | not allowed |
“Like a bicycle”: in Germany, a pedelec is legally treated the same as a bicycle. Sources: § 1 StVG (gesetze-im-internet.de) and Mobilitätsforum Bund: S-pedelecs, read on 3 October 2026.
Pedelec: e-bike and fatbike
How many watts may an e-bike have in Germany?
A maximum of 0.25 kW (250 W) nominal continuous power. The pedelec then does not count as a motor vehicle (§ 1 para. 3 StVG). Source: § 1 StVG (gesetze-im-internet.de), read on 3 October 2026.
Up to what speed does the motor assist?
The assistance cuts out at 25 km/h at the latest, and also as soon as you stop pedalling. Source: § 1 StVG (gesetze-im-internet.de), read on 3 October 2026.
May a fatbike in Germany have a throttle?
Without pedalling, the motor may only propel the bike up to 6 km/h, as start-up or push assist. Source: § 1 StVG (gesetze-im-internet.de), read on 3 October 2026.
Is a pedelec a bicycle in Germany?
Yes, a pedelec is legally treated the same as a bicycle. Source: Mobilitätsforum Bund: S-pedelecs, read on 3 October 2026.
Is a helmet mandatory on an e-bike in Germany?
The helmet requirement of § 21a StVO applies to motorcycles with a design speed above 20 km/h, such as the S-pedelec. A pedelec is not a motor vehicle; the sources we read do not mention a helmet requirement for the pedelec. Sources: § 21a StVO (gesetze-im-internet.de) and § 1 StVG (gesetze-im-internet.de), read on 3 October 2026.
S-pedelec
What is an S-pedelec?
An e-bike with pedal assistance up to 45 km/h. In Germany it is a Kleinkraftrad and is treated as a motor vehicle. Source: Mobilitätsforum Bund: S-pedelecs, read on 3 October 2026.
Which driving licence do you need for an S-pedelec?
A category AM driving licence. In Germany you can get it from age 15. Source: Mobilitätsforum Bund: S-pedelecs, read on 3 October 2026.
Does an S-pedelec need a number plate?
Yes, an insurance plate (Versicherungskennzeichen). Source: Mobilitätsforum Bund: S-pedelecs, read on 3 October 2026.
Is a helmet mandatory on an S-pedelec?
Yes, you must wear a helmet on an S-pedelec. Source: Mobilitätsforum Bund: S-pedelecs, read on 3 October 2026.
May an S-pedelec use the cycle path?
No, cycle paths and other cycling facilities are not allowed for an S-pedelec. Source: Mobilitätsforum Bund: S-pedelecs, read on 3 October 2026.
What if you ride an S-pedelec without a driving licence?
Driving a motor vehicle without the required driving licence is a criminal offence: up to 1 year in prison or a fine (§ 21 StVG). Source: § 21 StVG (gesetze-im-internet.de), read on 3 October 2026.
Fatbikes and parts at FatbikeKlaar
View the fatbikes and the fatbike parts. Delivering a fatbike in Germany costs €189. Shipping parts to Germany costs €13.95, 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.