Speed pedelecWallonia

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


88. 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 in Belgium?

A Belgian speed pedelec is a two-wheeled vehicle with pedals and an auxiliary drive primarily intended to assist pedalling, with assistance ending at a vehicle speed of no more than 45 km/h.

How powerful may a Belgian speed pedelec be?

A speed pedelec with an electric motor may have a nominal continuous maximum power of up to 4 kW.

Is a speed pedelec legally a bicycle in Belgium?

No. Under the Belgian traffic rules, a speed pedelec belongs to the broader legal category of mopeds, although several special rules distinguish it from ordinary class A and class B mopeds.

How old must you be to ride a speed pedelec in Belgium?

You must normally be at least 16 years old to ride a speed pedelec on the public road.

Which driving licence do you need for a Belgian speed pedelec?

You need at least a category AM driving licence. A licence valid for category A1, A2, A or B also provides access to category AM.

Must you wear a helmet on a speed pedelec in Belgium?

Yes. Both the rider and passenger must wear either an approved moped helmet or an appropriate bicycle helmet that provides the additional protection required for speed-pedelec use.

What type of bicycle helmet may be used on a Belgian speed pedelec?

The bicycle helmet must comply with the applicable approval requirements and provide protection for the temples and the back of the head. Belgian guidance specifies an EN 1078-approved helmet providing this additional protection.

Must a Belgian speed pedelec be registered?

Yes. A speed pedelec must be registered with the DIV and display a registration plate. Belgian speed-pedelec plates begin with S-P.

Does a Belgian speed pedelec need a certificate of conformity?

Yes. A certificate of conformity is required for a speed pedelec. It confirms the vehicle's approved technical classification, although the rider does not normally have to carry the certificate during every journey.

Is motor-vehicle liability insurance compulsory for every Belgian speed pedelec?

No. A normal speed pedelec whose motor provides pedal assistance and cannot propel the vehicle autonomously above 25 km/h is not subject to compulsory motor-vehicle liability insurance. If the motor can propel the vehicle above 25 km/h without pedalling, compulsory motor-vehicle liability insurance applies.

Can a speed pedelec use a Belgian cycle path?

Where the speed limit is 50 km/h or lower, a speed-pedelec rider may generally choose between the carriageway and an applicable cycle path, provided other cycle-path users are not endangered. Where the speed limit is higher than 50 km/h, the applicable cycle path must normally be used. Supplementary signs can impose different rules.

Can a speed pedelec use a D9 cycle facility in Belgium?

Yes. Speed pedelecs may use sections indicated by D9 under the applicable speed-based rules. They are not permitted on a D10 pedestrian-and-cycle facility under the current rules.

Can a Belgian speed pedelec use a motorway or autoweg?

No. Speed pedelecs belong to the moped category, and mopeds are prohibited on Belgian motorways and autowegen.

Can you carry a passenger on a Belgian speed pedelec?

Yes, when the vehicle is designed to carry one. The rider must be at least 18 years old to carry a passenger. A speed pedelec may carry no more passengers than its approved seating arrangement permits.

Can you carry a young child on a Belgian speed pedelec?

Children younger than 3 years may not be carried. Children from 3 to under 8 years old must be carried using an appropriate child-restraint system that satisfies the applicable requirements.

Can passengers travel in a trailer behind a Belgian speed pedelec?

No. A trailer may be attached for carrying goods where permitted, but persons may not be transported in a trailer attached to a speed pedelec.

1 Wallonia 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Bike path 9 Cycling street 10 Pedestrian zone 11 Speed bump 12 Customs 13 One-way traffic 14 Quay 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Dead end 18 Stop sign 19 Give way 20 Roundabout 21 Priority road 22 Road narrowing 23 Priority over oncoming traffic 24 Give way to oncoming traffic 25 Pedestrian crossing 26 Railway crossing 27 Mandatory direction 28 Turn prohibition 29 School area 30 Crossing animals 31 Rockfall 32 Curve 33 Chevron 34 Wrong-way driving 35 Roadworks 36 Height limit 37 Width limit 38 Weight limit 39 Radar speed sign 40 Selective barriers 41 Intersection direction sign 42 Priority at the next junction 43 Traffic lights 44 Pedestrian lights 45 Driving licence 46 Location marker 47 Traffic mirror 48 International border 49 Cycling route 50 Parking 51 No parking 52 Kiss and ride 53 Parking meter 54 Traffic management 55 Reversing 56 Uncontrolled crossroad 57 Road surface 58 Ring road 59 Cycle highway 60 Licence plate 61 Charging station 62 Dangers 63 Turn on red 64 Identity card 65 Fire risk 66 Pedestrian 67 Moped 68 Car 69 Truck 70 Bus 71 Police 72 Ambulance 73 Tram lights 74 European emission standard 75 Pothole 76 Public square 77 Path 78 Particulates 79 Air pollution 80 Rush hour 81 Road code 82 Street gutter 83 Cargo bike 84 Forestry vehicle 85 Construction vehicle 86 Semi-trailer truck 87 Trolleybus 88 Speed pedelec 89 Delivery vehicle 90 Idling 91 Tow truck 92 Four-wheel drive 93 No vehicles 94 Bicycle 95 Motorcycle equipment 96 Railcar 97 Rail track 98 Public transport 99 Caravan 100 Trailer ...