With the fast e-bike you can cover many distances in a very short time and make use of every minute on the way to the office or after work.
In this article, you will learn what points need to be taken into account in road traffic, what advantages an e-bike with 45 km/h has and how you can find the right model for you.
E-bike or Pedelec – what’s the difference?
Everyone has seen them before, but even when you look more closely, many people don't notice the difference between an e-bike and a pedelec . People often talk about an e-bike, even when it is actually a pedelec. This is no surprise, as the term e-bike is used more frequently in everyday life. To give you a better insight, you can find the basic differences here.
An e-bike is a bicycle with electrical support that can accelerate without pedal assistance. Like a moped, you can accelerate directly on the handlebars. For this reason, they are classified as mopeds and must meet certain requirements in order to be allowed to be ridden on public roads.
Pedelec
With a Pedelec, the motor only supports you when you pedal yourself. Many models can travel at speeds of up to 25 km/h. The term Pedelec is often used synonymously with the term E-bike. Many bicycles with electric motors that you see on German streets are actually not E-bikes, but Pedelecs.
S-Pedelec
Like a normal Pedelec, additional support from pedaling is required. Clear difference: with an S-Pedelec, speeds of up to 45 km/h are possible.
Theadvantages of an e-bike with 45 km/h
Do you want to buy an e-bike with 45 km/h? Then don't wait any longer, because you won't regret this decision. The powerful support is a real relief and makes every bike ride an experience. In everyday life, you can escape the stressful traffic by choosing practical shortcuts through side streets.
- long distances become a comfortable and convenient bike ride
- offers a real alternative to the car driver thanks to the starting support also suitable for sporty outdoor fans
- the speed is maintained without pedaling
In addition to the points just mentioned, an e-bike offers other advantages that speak in favor of purchasing one.
Climate-friendly : An e-bike is better for the environment than a car. The CO2 emissions per 100 km are significantly lower. Including production, you can expect around 7 to 8 grams per kilometer.
Economical: Many people are put off by the cost of an e-bike and decide to wait a few years. However, an e-bike is much cheaper than a car. The energy costs are less than €1 per 100 km. If you are travelling by car, you can expect to pay more than €10.
Health: If you are out and about by bike, you are not only travelling quickly and avoiding the morning rush hour, you are also doing something for your health at the same time. Daily exercise on the bike will quickly benefit your body.
This is what you have to consider with a 45 km/h e-bike in traffic
Due to the speed of e-bikes and S-Pedelecs at up to 45 km/h, the bikes are not considered bicycles. The bikes are considered motorcycles in road traffic. In this section, we will explain what you need to pay attention to and how you can ride the e-bike safely.
The appropriate approval
The most important criterion is registration. Since e-bikes are classified as motorcycles, they need to be registered for road traffic. The costs of registration are made up of various factors.
Every motorcycle requires an insurance license plate. The license plate must be changed every year in March and costs around 70 euros per year. Since the bikes travel faster than 6 km/h, additional motor vehicle liability insurance is required. This covers you if you cause damage to other participants in an accident.
Not without a driver's license
If you want to ride a 45 km/h bike, you need a valid class AM driving license. This driving license can be obtained in most German states from the age of 16.
If you have a class B car driving license, the class AM driving license is included. An additional driving license for an e-bike or S-Pedelec up to 45 km/h is no longer necessary.
Also important: The same rules apply to cyclists as to car drivers. The limit is 0.5 per mille, but if you cause an accident, the limit should be 0.0 per mille.
Pay attention to the helmet requirement
A helmet provides additional safety and can prevent the worst from happening in the event of an accident. If you are riding an e-bike at speeds of up to 45 km/h, a helmet is not only recommended, but mandatory. The law clearly states that riding motorcycles with motor support up to 45 km/h requires the wearing of a helmet.
Avoid bike paths and sidewalks
An important point for use in road traffic: E-bikes with speeds of up to 45 km/h are not allowed to ride on cycle paths or sidewalks. Due to their speed, the bikes are only allowed to ride on the streets.
The only exception are specially marked paths. Here it must be clearly marked that riding on the paths with an e-bike up to 45 km/h is permitted. If this is not the case, it is better to stay on the road with a fast e-bike. The same applies to forest, woodland and field paths.
Why are you not allowed to use bike paths and sidewalks?
E-bikes with high speeds of up to 45 km/h are considered small motorcycles. That's why they are considered like a moped or scooter. Riding one on the road ensures greater safety - for other road users and for yourself. Hardly any pedestrian expects a bike to travel faster than 40 km/h on the bike path.
Always safe on the road with the right insurance
Additional insurance for an e-bike is not mandatory, but it is a good idea due to the high purchase costs. If the bike is damaged or stolen, insurance is the best choice so that you don't have to dig too deep into your pockets.
The cost of insurance is determined individually and depends on the model, age of the bike and the insurance itself. Basically, you can choose between two types:
fully comprehensive insurance
Do you cycle a lot and need reliable protection? Then fully comprehensive insurance is the best choice. Whether it's repairs, damage to the battery or theft, fully comprehensive insurance covers such cases. You don't have to make an additional payment.
partial comprehensive insurance
Another insurance option is partial comprehensive insurance. This also covers damage and replaces the bike if it is stolen, but the damage is not covered 100%. You often have to pay a partial amount yourself. This is a good option if you use your bike regularly and have a safe place to park it.
Tip: Compare different insurance policies . The price depends on the age of the driver and the model, but can also differ by a few euros within the industry.
A powerful engine ensures high speed
The maximum power for Pedelecs in Germany is 250 watts. One exception is when accelerating the bikes. Here they can briefly exceed the 250 watt limit. An e-bike can offer higher power.
The torque is crucial for a good engine. If it is between 50 and 85 N m, the engine offers a lot of strength and power.
This is what the position of the engine says about the driving experience:
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Front wheel motors: Can be combined well with a hub gear, but are somewhat less stable.
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Mid-engines: The mid-engine is located in the bottom bracket. This placement ensures comfortable and safe riding.
Tip : Currently, the motors from Shimano and Bosch are among the most powerful models. That's why we use the high-quality motors from Shimano for our MYVELO bikes. Thanks to their robust construction and impressive power, you can enjoy your e-bike for a long time.
Engine metrics – what you should know
The motors of an e-bike provide speed and power, so you should pay attention to basic points before buying.
The drives often range from 50 - 85 Nm. 50 Nm is more than enough for the city and provides powerful support on small inclines. If you want to go even faster, a bike with 65 Nm is the right choice. If your bike tour includes a lot of mountains and rough terrain, a motor around 85 Nm is helpful for sporty riding. If you want to compare different motors, always remember that you are comparing motors with almost identical performance. This is the only way to make the result meaningful.
A robust brake is a must
There are different brake models for e-bikes. The most popular are disc and rim brakes. Both variants are available in mechanical or hydraulic versions.
The advantage of mechanical disc brakes is their strong braking power. For this reason, they are preferred for city and trekking bikes. Another advantage is that they are easy and safe to use while riding.
If you keep an eye on the weather conditions when riding a 45 km/h e-bike, nothing stands in the way of a safe ride.
From folding bikes to racing bikes – there is a suitable model for every riding style
E-bikes are available in many different designs. From folding bikes to single speeds, there is a model to suit everyone. To help you find a great model that suits you and your needs, we will briefly introduce you to the different models.
E-bike folding bikes are characterized by their space-saving folding function in the middle of the frame. If you travel a lot by bus and train, these models are a great addition. The bikes can even be stowed away quickly and in a space-saving manner in the car. Nothing stands in the way of your next vacation or day trip.
Are you looking for helpful support for everyday life? Then trekking bikes are an ideal choice. The bikes have powerful motors that provide powerful support for different areas of use.
Whether it's the city , forest paths or long distances, these requirements are no problem for a trekking e-bike. The bikes impress with their high performance, a safe driving experience and a good price. If you pay attention to additional equipment when buying, such as a durable luggage rack or robust mudguards, you will have even more comfort.
Modern design and safe driving, the fat bikes combine important features. Thanks to the thick wheels, the e-bikes can drive on rough terrain and are ideal for sporty routes.
A mountain bike shines with performance and a stable frame. Tires with a pronounced profile enable precise riding on off-road terrain. This ensures additional safety and stability.
If you value minimalist features, you should consider a single-speed bike . The bikes are super lightweight and require little maintenance. Since the bike has no gears, it can be used well in flat urban areas. If you value comfort more, you should choose a city or trekking e-bike .
E-bike with 45 km/h approval
If you are thinking of buying an e-bike with a top speed of 45 km/h, there are a few important aspects to consider regarding registration. In Germany, e-bikes that can travel faster than 25 km/h are considered mopeds and are therefore subject to special regulations. You need a class AM driving license, an insurance license plate and an operating license. Wearing a suitable helmet is also mandatory. So before you set off on your e-bike, you should make sure that you meet all legal requirements. This way you can be safe on the road and enjoy the full potential of your fast e-bike.
The most important points in brief
An e-bike with 45 km/h offers you a lot of power and speed in everyday life. The advantages of these bikes are the powerful support. On the way to work or on long bike tours, the speed remains constant even without pedaling. You should definitely pay attention to these points in traffic:
- Class AM driving license is mandatory
- there is a helmet requirement
- liability insurance and insurance license plate
A high-quality motor and a strong brake are of course a must for a fast 45 km/h bike. A Shimano motor and a safe mechanical disc brake are a good choice for your e-bike. Since there are many different e-bike models, the area of use is crucial. If you want to go on exciting tours on bumpy forest paths, an e-mountain bike is suitable. For comfortable bike tours through the city or flat field paths, an e-trekking bike with 45 km/h is ideal.
