Although the vast majority of electric bikes sold in France are eBikes limited to 25 km/h, it is still possible to buy a fast electric bike, called a Speed Bike. The latter cannot ride legally on public roads without a certain number of constraints such as the obligation to have an electric bike registration. Find out how it works.
No need for registration up to 25 km/h
In France, the motor power of an electric bike is legislated at 250W . With assistance of up to 25 km/h, it can drive on public roads and use cycle paths without problem. In this case, you do not need to register a bicycle to use it legally .
However, some users find themselves frustrated by this speed limitation. Because on a mechanical bike, you are not limited, except by the power of your legs, to ride at the pace you want.
Speedbike with assistance up to 45 km/h
If you have decided to use your electric bike to ride faster, it will then fall into the category of mopeds in the eyes of the law.
Like an electric scooter , you will no longer be able to use cycle paths with your fast electric bike.
Riding with a 45 km/h speed bike provides an extraordinary driving sensation and offers increased travel possibilities! But this requires some compensation.
In order to be able to enjoy it safely but above all legally, it is important to know the important points to comply.
Mandatory insurance
So if your electric bike goes faster than the standard using electric assistance, or even if it is equipped with an acceleration handle or trigger, you will need to register the bike. >.
Using a speed bike also requires taking out 45 km/h insurance specific to motorized two-wheelers. For information, it costs between €100 and €150 per year depending on the insurance companies to take out this type of protection. At a minimum, you will need to be covered by civil liability insurance for mopeds.
With the help of this insurance certificate, you will be covered in the eyes of the law. This insurance also covers you when you are responsible for damage caused to third parties with your speed bike electric bike.
Helmet required on fast electric bikes
In addition to all this, a bicycle helmet will also be mandatory to ride your fast electric bike. Just like gloves which must be approved. Not just for your body protection, but to comply with the law.
How to register an electric bike?
In order to start the procedure forelectric bike registration, you will need to contact the services authorized to take care of it. The application for a registration certificate is carried out in exactly the same way as for a car.
To do this, two choices are available to you, either through the ANTS government site or through an online registration professional.
You will then be asked for the following supporting documents to register an electric bike:
- the purchase invoice for the electric bike
- proof of address (an internet, telephone, electricity bill, housing tax, etc.)
- a valid identity document (identity card, passport, etc.)
- a European certificate of conformity with the bicycle identification number written on it
- the registration certificate application form (cerfa n° 13750*03) duly completed
You will thus obtain a Provisional Registration Certificate (CPI) allowing you to drive legally on public roads, while you receive your final registration certificate by mail. The registration number of the electric bike is indicated on the CPI.
Be careful because the license plate is not provided by the manufacturer of the electric bike. You will have to obtain one yourself, as well as for its installation.
Conclusion
Traveling by electric bike is very economical financially. Despite the additional cost of the speed bike, as well as the impossibility of riding on cycle paths, you need to see if it is still interesting for you.
If you are a heavy rider and a fast electric bike becomes your number 1 means of transportation, then this can be very interesting. Consider investing in an anti-theft device to better secure your two-wheeler.