The electric bike is an increasingly popular means of transport and is increasingly used by users. To regulate these cyclists, numerous laws have been put in place. To be able to ride without risking breaking the law, it is therefore essential to follow the news on electric bikes. To do this, Weebot offers you numerous articles to keep you up to date with everything relating to your electrically assisted bicycle.
What the law says ?
According to the law, bicycles whose power does not exceed 250W or a speed of 25 km/h can travel with electric assistance. If he wants to go faster, the cyclist will not be able to pedal with his electric assistance.
Additionally, e-bikes designed to be fast and reaching a top speed of 45 km/h are allowed to travel at this speed. This type of bicycle is similar to a moped and will therefore need to take out insurance and have an A, B or AM driving license to be used. In fact, you must respect the highway code adapted to this type of vehicle. The law of July 1, 2004 provides that the bicycle must be registered.
If a cycle path is available nearby, the cyclist is obliged to use it. Otherwise, he will have to go to another passable route for his two wheels. As for users of fast electric bikes, they will not be able to use the cycle paths. They must follow the moped signs and the roadway.
Safety rules when riding an electric bike
When riding an electric bike, it is important to follow several safety rules. These rules allow you to protect yourself but also to protect pedestrians and other cyclists. Here is a list of some rules to follow when riding an electric bike:
- It is forbidden to wear headphones or check your phone on the road, in order to remain focused on the road and its surroundings. In the event of non-compliance with this legislation, you may be subject to a fixed fine of 135 euros.
- As with driving a car, it is advisable not to drive without alcohol when driving your electrically assisted bicycle.
- Helmets are mandatory for children under 12 and strongly recommended for adults.
- Always use the cycle paths and lanes available for your electric bike. In the absence of tracks, travel on the right side of the road.
- It is prohibited to travel on the sidewalks so as not to pose a danger to other users.
- If you are riding in a group, be sure to travel in single file at a speed that respects the speed limit rules.
The protections you are entitled to as an electric bike driver
Unlike car insurance, bicycle insurance is not compulsory but recommended. It is not uncommon for an electric bike to be stolen or for you to have an accident. For this it is important to take out insurance for your electrically assisted bicycle. It covers theft as well as damage that it could potentially suffer in the event of an accident.
Depending on the insurance you plan to subscribe to, the annual cost could vary between 4.5 and 7% of the purchase price of the electric bike. So for a bike costing more than €1000, bike insurance is a very good initiative. In addition, some insurance policies partially reimburse the cost of your electric bike.
The different types of electric bikes
Among all the electric bikes available on the market, there are different models for a specific audience. Here is a selection of the different types of electric bikes available on the market:
- The city electric bike, perfectly suited to city trips.
- The electric VTC generally used for short journeys.
- The electric cargo bike to support and transport heavier loads or additional people.
- The perfect speed electric bike for speed enthusiasts, it allows you to complete a much longer journey in just a few minutes.
- The folding electric bike to easily transport your two wheels on public transport or to climb the floors of your building without constraints.
- If you wish to turn to an intense or professional sporting activity, we invite you to turn to a VTTAE model.
Our articles on this subject
As a cyclist, you absolutely must know what legislation your electrically assisted bicycle is subject to. To do this, you must ensure that you find out as much as possible about the type of bike you have as well as the regulations in force. If you would like to find out more about electric bike news, do not hesitate to consult our various articles on the subject: