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Driving license missing: Police stop illegal electric motorcycle in Suhl
Suhl police check 33-year-old driver of an unregisterable electric motorcycle without a license.
Driving license missing: Police stop illegal electric motorcycle in Suhl
Yesterday evening an incident in Suhl caused a stir. Police officers from the inspection service tracked down a 33-year-old female driver of an electric motorcycle who was traveling without the required driving license. The vehicle, which is equipped with a maximum speed of up to 65 km/h, is not registrable. The insurance license plate attached turned out to be invalid, which was reason enough for the police to prohibit her from continuing her journey. A complaint against the driver is currently being processed, as news.de reports.
But what does this mean for the use of electric motorcycles and e-bikes in general? The term “e-bike” is legally somewhat vague in Germany and many of the vehicles referred to as e-bikes are not real e-bikes. Most e-bike owners don't have to worry about approval as long as they ride a Pedelec. These have a maximum motor output of 250 watts and offer pedal assistance. The maximum speed of Pedelecs is 25 km/h and they are legally equivalent to conventional bicycles. This means that there are no registration, driving license or helmet requirements for Pedelecs, which makes them a popular choice for many cyclists. They may be used on normal cycle paths, as t-online.de explains.
Important legal knowledge
However, caution is advised: When it comes to S-Pedelecs or “real” e-bikes, different legal requirements apply. These may potentially result in driving license and registration conditions. Before buying an e-bike, it is advisable to find out about the applicable legal conditions. This not only prevents unpleasant surprises, but also protects against possible fines.
The incident in Suhl should be a warning signal to all drivers who believe that their electric power gives them a free ride. Anyone who does not adhere to the regulations must face consequences. Road traffic law makes no exceptions and in this context, a good hand when choosing a vehicle can be crucial. This is the only way to stay legally on the safe side and to enjoy the fresh air on a bike tour.