PedelecPanama
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Panama
35. Pedelec
Un pedelec, abréviation de cycle électrique à pédalage, est un vélo équipé d’un moteur électrique qui fournit une assistance pendant que le cycliste pédale. Le moteur complète l’effort du cycliste sans remplacer entièrement le pédalage.
La puissance maximale du moteur et la vitesse d’assistance autorisée dépendent de la législation locale. Lorsque le vélo reste dans les limites applicables, il est normalement considéré comme un vélo plutôt que comme un cyclomoteur ou une moto. Les vélos électriques plus rapides sont généralement classés séparément comme speed pedelecs.
What is a pedelec?
A pedelec is an electrically assisted bicycle whose motor provides assistance while the rider pedals.
What does pedal assistance mean?
Pedal assistance means that the electric motor provides additional power when the rider uses the pedals. The assistance stops according to the speed and operating limits applying to the bicycle.
Is a pedelec the same as an electric bicycle?
A pedelec is a type of electric bicycle. The term specifically emphasises that the motor assists the rider while pedalling rather than functioning primarily as an independent means of propulsion.
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.
Do you have to pedal a pedelec?
Yes. With an ordinary pedelec, the motor is intended to assist the rider's pedalling rather than propel the bicycle independently during normal riding.
Can you ride a pedelec faster than the assistance limit?
Yes, by your own effort where otherwise permitted. The assistance limit determines when the motor stops helping; it does not normally prevent the bicycle itself from travelling faster through pedalling or downhill.
Do you need a driving licence for a pedelec?
Ordinary low-power pedelecs are generally treated as bicycles in jurisdictions that recognise the category and therefore commonly require no driving licence. Local rules should always be checked.
Does a pedelec need a licence plate?
Ordinary pedelecs commonly require no registration plate when they remain legally classified as bicycles. Faster electric cycles may have different requirements.
Can a pedelec use cycle paths?
When legally classified as a bicycle, a pedelec normally follows the same cycle-path rules as conventional bicycles.
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.
Can a pedelec carry passengers?
Yes, where the bicycle is designed and legally equipped to carry them. Appropriate seating, foot protection or child-restraint requirements may apply.
What happens if an electric bicycle is too powerful or too fast to qualify as a pedelec?
It may be classified as a motorised cycle, speed pedelec, moped or another vehicle category, resulting in different technical and traffic requirements.
