Pedelec, S-pedelec, e-bike: these are the differences
The three terms are often mixed up. Here we explain what they mean and how they differ. You will find the rules that apply on our country pages for Switzerland and for Germany.
Pedelec
The motor only assists you when you pedal yourself. Most bikes sold in shops as an “e-bike” are legally pedelecs.
- Motor assists only while pedalling
- Most widespread type in the shops
S-pedelec
Also known as a “speed pedelec”: like a pedelec, but the motor assists your pedalling up to 45 km/h. This makes it considerably faster than a standard pedelec.
- Motor assists only while pedalling, but faster
- More strictly regulated than a pedelec
E-bike (umbrella term)
In everyday use, a collective term for all motor-assisted bikes. Legally, “e-bike” has its own, different meaning depending on the country.
- Commonly used colloquially for pedelecs and S-pedelecs
- Legal meaning differs from country to country
Why one term is not enough
Whether your bike is legally treated as a bicycle or as a motorised vehicle depends on the country: in Germany, a pedelec counts as a bicycle. In Switzerland, even a pedelec belongs to the group of motorised bicycles. What this means for driving licence, number plate and helmet requirements is therefore regulated differently in each country and is set out exclusively on the two country pages below.
The rules that apply, by country
Driving licence, number plate or insurance plate, helmet requirements, cycle paths and carrying children: this information changes from time to time and is therefore set out exclusively on the following two pages, not on this one.
Which model suits you?
For everyday use, short distances and the city, a pedelec is usually enough. If you regularly commute longer distances or simply want to get ahead faster, you will often benefit from the higher assistance of an S-pedelec.
- Pedelec: everyday use, city, shorter distances
- S-pedelec: longer commutes, more speed
- Cargo e-bike: carrying loads and children
Test first, then decide
Still unsure which type suits you? Try your preferred model before you decide.
Frequently asked questions about pedelecs, S-pedelecs and e-bikes
For details on driving licences, number plates and helmet requirements, see the country pages above.
What is the difference between a pedelec, an S-pedelec and an e-bike?
A pedelec assists you only while you pedal, up to 25 km/h. An S-pedelec (speed pedelec) assists your pedalling up to 45 km/h. In everyday use, “e-bike” is often used as an umbrella term for all motor-assisted bicycles, but it has its own legal meaning depending on the country. You will find the exact rules on the country pages for Switzerland and for Germany.
What exactly is an S-pedelec?
An S-pedelec is a pedelec whose motor assists your pedalling up to 45 km/h, instead of up to 25 km/h like a standard pedelec. Because it assists at higher speeds, it is legally treated more strictly than a standard pedelec. What this means for driving licence, number plate and helmet differs between Switzerland and Germany.
Is a pedelec legally a bicycle or a motor vehicle?
That depends on the country. In Germany, a pedelec is legally a bicycle. In Switzerland, even a pedelec belongs to the group of motorised bicycles, where it is known as a “slow e-bike”. The pages E-bike regulations in Switzerland and E-bike regulations in Germany explain the details.
Do I need a driving licence for an S-pedelec?
As a rule, yes, but the exact category and minimum age differ between Switzerland and Germany. You will find the current information on the page E-bike regulations in Switzerland or E-bike regulations in Germany respectively.
What does the term e-bike actually mean?
In shops and everyday use, “e-bike” is mostly used as an umbrella term for all bikes with motor assistance, whether pedelec or S-pedelec. Legally, the term is defined differently in Switzerland and in Germany. Details can be found on the pages Regulations Switzerland and Regulations Germany.
Which model suits me: pedelec or S-pedelec?
That depends on how you ride: for everyday use and shorter distances, a pedelec is usually enough. If you regularly commute longer distances, you will often benefit from the higher assistance of an S-pedelec. In Compare YouMo models you can see the differences between the models, and our advice service will help you decide.
Where can I find the current e-bike regulations for my country?
You will find the current, authoritative rules on the pages E-bike regulations & rules in Switzerland and E-bike regulations & rules in Germany. They cover driving licence, number plate, helmet requirements and further details for each category.
Which rules apply to your e-bike?
Choose your country for all the details on driving licence, number plate, helmet requirements and more.