Support us

Speed pedelecPanama

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Panama

18. Speed pedelec

A speed pedelec is a high-speed electrically assisted bicycle whose motor can continue providing pedal assistance above the normal electric-bicycle assistance limit, typically up to approximately 45 km/h. It has pedals and is primarily designed to assist the rider while pedalling.

Because of its higher speed, a speed pedelec may legally be treated differently from an ordinary bicycle or electric bicycle. Special rules can apply concerning the minimum age, driving licence, helmet, registration, insurance, cycle-path use and permitted roads, depending on the country.

Speed pedelec
A Speedpedelec of German manufacturer 'Riese und Müller'.
Wikimedia.org • Sänger • CC BY-SA
What is a speed pedelec?

A speed pedelec is an electrically assisted pedal cycle capable of providing motor assistance at higher speeds than an ordinary electric bicycle, commonly up to approximately 45 km/h.

What is the difference between a speed pedelec and an ordinary electric bicycle?

An ordinary electrically assisted bicycle normally stops providing motor assistance at a lower speed, commonly around 25 km/h. A speed pedelec can continue assisting the rider at higher speeds.

Do you still have to pedal a speed pedelec?

Normally yes. A speed pedelec is primarily designed to provide assistance while the rider pedals, although limited walking or starting assistance may also be provided.

Can a speed pedelec travel at 45 km/h?

Many speed pedelecs are designed to provide assistance up to approximately 45 km/h. The actual permitted speed must still comply with the local speed limit and traffic conditions.

Do you need a driving licence for a speed pedelec?

This depends on the country's legal classification. Some countries classify speed pedelecs similarly to mopeds and require an appropriate driving licence.

Is a helmet compulsory on a speed pedelec?

Helmet requirements vary between countries, but because speed pedelecs travel considerably faster than ordinary bicycles, specific helmet requirements commonly apply.

Does a speed pedelec need a licence plate?

In countries where speed pedelecs are classified as mopeds or another motor-vehicle category, registration and a licence plate may be compulsory.

Does a speed pedelec need insurance?

This depends on its technical characteristics and local law. Some jurisdictions require motor-vehicle liability insurance, while others exempt pedal-assisted speed pedelecs under specified conditions.

Can a speed pedelec use a cycle path?

This depends on the country, road speed limit and traffic signs. Speed pedelecs may be permitted, required or prohibited on particular cycle paths.

Can a speed pedelec use a motorway?

Speed pedelecs are generally unsuitable for motorways and are commonly prohibited where mopeds or low-speed vehicles are not permitted. Follow the local access rules.

Can you carry a passenger on a speed pedelec?

This depends on the vehicle's construction and local rules. Where passengers are permitted, the speed pedelec must be designed and equipped to carry them safely.

Is a speed pedelec the same as an electric moped?

No. A speed pedelec is primarily designed to provide pedal assistance, while an electric moped can normally propel itself without requiring the rider to pedal. Their legal classifications may nevertheless be closely related.

1 Panama 2 Railway crossing 3 Reversing 4 Bus 5 Police 6 Pothole 7 Path 8 Particulates 9 Air pollution 10 Rush hour 11 Road code 12 Street gutter 13 Cargo bike 14 Forestry vehicle 15 Construction vehicle 16 Semi-trailer truck 17 Trolleybus 18 Speed pedelec 19 Delivery vehicle 20 Idling 21 Tow truck 22 Four-wheel drive 23 Bicycle 24 Motorcycle equipment 25 Rail track 26 Caravan 27 Trailer 28 Tow hitch 29 Siren 30 Convoy 31 Emergency vehicle lighting 32 Agricultural machinery 33 Electric bicycle 34 Electric vehicle 35 Pedelec 36 Quadricycle 37 Microcar 38 All-terrain vehicle 39 Van 40 Recreational vehicle 41 Scooter 42 Trikke 43 Personal mobility device 44 Skateboard 45 Segway 46 Kick scooter 47 Roller skates 48 Mailman 49 Hitchhiker 50 Toddler 51 Child 52 Disability 53 Motorail 54 km/h 55 mph 56 Speedometer 57 Ride height 58 Dirt road 59 Driving 60 Start-stop system 61 Manual transmission 62 Automatic transmission 63 Throttle 64 Tachometer 65 Steering wheel 66 Power steering 67 Visual scanning 68 Mirror 69 Fuel 70 Fuel gauge 71 Petrol 72 Diesel 73 Diesel exhaust fluid 74 Car insurance 75 First aid kit 76 Fire extinguisher 77 High-visibility clothing 78 First aid 79 Concrete step barrier 80 Barriers 81 Vehicle lights 82 Street lights 83 Dipped beam 84 High beam 85 Fog lights 86 Front fog lights 87 Rear fog lights 88 Side lights 89 Turn signals 90 Hazard lights 91 Dashboard lights 92 Bicycle lighting 93 Bicycle bell 94 Headlight flashing 95 Seat belt 96 Child restraints 97 Head restraints 98 Airbag 99 ABS 100 Esp ...