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PedelecItaly

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Italy. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Italy

90. Pedelec

A pedelec, short for pedal electric cycle, is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance while the rider pedals. The motor supplements the rider's effort rather than replacing pedalling entirely.

The maximum motor power and assistance speed permitted for a pedelec depend on local law. When the bicycle remains within the applicable limits, it is normally treated as a bicycle rather than a moped or motorcycle. Faster electrically assisted bicycles are commonly classified separately as speed pedelecs.

Pedelec
Pedelecs during an e-mobility dealer training event.
Wikimedia.org • holding graz • CC BY
What is a pedelec?

A pedelec is an electrically assisted bicycle whose motor provides assistance while the rider pedals.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2.15–2.17, 36 and 43; cycle and speed-pedelec classification; Belgian example

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, Riding an electric bike: the rules; GB EAPC example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 59–82, cycling; national guidance example

🔗 nsw.gov.au • NSW Government, bicycle safety equipment; NSW helmet rule

🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, mandatory bicycle equipment; child helmet example

Is a pedelec the same as a speed pedelec?

No. A speed pedelec can provide assistance at considerably higher speeds and is commonly subject to additional requirements concerning helmets, licences, registration or road use.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2.15–2.17, 36 and 43; cycle and speed-pedelec classification; Belgian example

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, Riding an electric bike: the rules; GB EAPC example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 59–82, cycling; national guidance example

🔗 nsw.gov.au • NSW Government, bicycle safety equipment; NSW helmet rule

🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, mandatory bicycle equipment; child helmet example

Is a helmet compulsory on a pedelec?

This depends on local bicycle law. Some countries require helmets for particular riders or circumstances, while others recommend them without making them compulsory.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2.15–2.17, 36 and 43; cycle and speed-pedelec classification; Belgian example

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, Riding an electric bike: the rules; GB EAPC example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 59–82, cycling; national guidance example

🔗 nsw.gov.au • NSW Government, bicycle safety equipment; NSW helmet rule

🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, mandatory bicycle equipment; child helmet example

1 Italy 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Speed limit 5 Footpath 6 Bike path 7 Shared-use path 8 Pedestrian zone 9 Customs 10 One-way traffic 11 Quay 12 Slope 13 Bus lane 14 Bus stop 15 Dead end 16 Stop sign 17 Give way 18 Roundabout 19 Road narrowing 20 Pedestrian crossing 21 Railway crossing 22 Mandatory direction 23 Overtaking 24 Crossing animals 25 Rockfall 26 Curve 27 Chevron 28 Wrong-way driving 29 Roadworks 30 Height limit 31 Weight limit 32 Traffic lights 33 Pedestrian lights 34 Road markings 35 Driving licence 36 Location marker 37 Traffic mirror 38 Emergency telephone 39 International border 40 Cycling route 41 End of restriction 42 No parking 43 Disabled parking 44 Traffic management 45 Reversing 46 Road surface 47 Tourist attraction 48 Horn 49 Licence plate 50 Charging station 51 Dangers 52 Cyclist 53 Motorcycle 54 Truck 55 Bus 56 Police 57 Ambulance 58 European emission standard 59 Pothole 60 Path 61 Particulates 62 Air pollution 63 Rush hour 64 Road code 65 Street gutter 66 Cargo bike 67 Forestry vehicle 68 Construction vehicle 69 Semi-trailer truck 70 Trolleybus 71 Speed pedelec 72 Delivery vehicle 73 Idling 74 Tow truck 75 Four-wheel drive 76 No vehicles 77 Bicycle 78 Motorcycle equipment 79 Rail track 80 Caravan 81 Trailer 82 Tow hitch 83 Fire truck 84 Siren 85 Convoy 86 Emergency vehicle lighting 87 Agricultural machinery 88 Electric bicycle 89 Electric vehicle 90 Pedelec 91 Quadricycle 92 Microcar 93 All-terrain vehicle 94 Van 95 Recreational vehicle 96 Scooter 97 Trikke 98 Personal mobility device 99 Skateboard 100 Segway ...