E-bike tuning
- An introduction
NUMBERS & FACTS
In 2020, around 1.95 million pedelecs and e-bikes were sold in Germany. This means that the share of these two-wheelers in total bicycle sales in Germany was around 39 percent. Of these, around 99 percent are pedelecs, i.e. motor-assisted bicycles. E-bikes and S-pedelecs are currently still a niche market. But what exactly distinguishes the pedelec from the e-bike?
EXPLANATION OF TERMS
Both the pedelec (pedal electric cycle) and the e-bike are bicycles with a motor. However, there are subtle differences that need to be taken into account. In general, bicycles that reach a speed of more than 6 km/h without human effort, i.e. without pedalling, are no longer considered bicycles. They are motor vehicles. An insurance licence plate, a moped test certificate or even a driving licence of the appropriate class is required.
In a nutshell: The motors of pedelecs serve as pedal assistance and only work up to 6 km/h without it.
The motors of the e-bikes also work without human muscle power.
PEDELEC UP TO 25 km/h
Strictly speaking, this is a motor-assisted electric bicycle that is legally treated as a bicycle. This type of pedelec is the most common in Germany.
The motor has a maximum rated continuous output of 250 watts.
From 25 km/h, the assistance from the auxiliary motor is interrupted.
From 6 km/h, the motor only works with progressive support through pedalling.
Driving licence/test certificate not required.
No minimum age. However, recommended for persons 14 years and older.
No helmet requirement.
Signposted and other cycle paths must or may be used.
PEDELECS UP TO 45 km/h
These fast pedelecs, also called S-pedelecs, have a motor that supports pedalling up to 45 km/h. However, due to the higher speed, they are considered power vehicles. However, due to the higher speed, they are considered motor vehicles.
An insurance licence plate is required
From 45 km/h, the support from the auxiliary motor is interrupted.
From 6 km/h, the motor only works with progressive support through pedalling.
Minimum age 16 years
Driving licence class AM required
Cycle paths may not be used
Helmets are compulsory
E-BIKE UP TO 25 km/h
As already mentioned, these motors do not need the support of muscle power. They are therefore considered mopeds.
Insurance licence plate required
Helmets are compulsory
Cycle paths are prohibited
Minimum age 15 years
Test certificate required
E-BIKE UP TO 45 km/h
These models are treated as mopeds and are rarely seen on German roads.
Class AM driving licence required
Insurance licence plate required
Helmets are compulsory
Minimum age 16 years
Cycle paths may not be used
E-BIKE OVER 45 km/h
These bikes are virtually non-existent on the German market, as they are classified as light motorbikes or - depending on their performance - as class A or A2 motorbikes.
Insurance licence plate not sufficient
Number plate required
Vehicle tax obligation
Minimum age 18
Licensed for road use only
In summary, it can be said that most motorised bicycles in Germany are pedelecs. Of course, this is mainly due to the fact that pedelecs do not require a licence plate, driving licence or helmet. Pedelecs can be mounted directly after purchase and the fun can begin. However, private liability insurance is virtually obligatory, because especially in the case of personal injury in accidents, very high costs can arise.
WHY TUNING AT ALL?
The restriction to 25 km/h and the "wall effect" are annoying restrictions in the long run that unnecessarily slow down the pedelec and e-bike. Of course, they make perfect sense in city traffic, but for cross-country rides or tours in the mountains, each rider should decide for himself how fast he wants to go. Of course, pedelecs and e-bikes should be designed for higher speeds, but that is usually the case, because even without tuning assistance, speeds beyond 25 km/h are quickly reached with muscle power. Who brakes penetratingly downhill? Who stays constant at 25 km/h on a downhill pass?
Only the permanent stress on pedelecs and bikes due to high speeds should be avoided. Material fatigue is possible. Once you are back in normal traffic, tuning should generally be switched off. Pedelec and e-bike tuning is an interesting way for responsible riders to push their two-wheeler to the limits and experience a whole new experience.
WHICH MOTOR DO I HAVE?
The modules are very precisely tailored to the different motors and displays. The manufacturer of a motor is quickly determined; usually the name is written in large letters on the housing in which the drive is housed. The exact model and year of manufacture of the motor and display, on the other hand, can only be determined from the data sheet supplied with the pedelec or e-bike.
By the way, most modules only work with the so-called middle motors, which is due to the fact that many manufacturers of pedelecs and e-bikes no longer install drives on the front or rear axles. The motor in the middle of the e-bike or pedelec has more or less become the standard.
Here you can see for which motors we offer tuning at SIP Scootershop.
WHICH TUNING VARIANT IS RIGHT FOR ME?
As described above, the motors of most pedelecs and e-bikes only work up to 25 km/h. With pedelecs, the speed is abruptly reduced. With pedelecs, the abrupt cessation of motor support is also called the "wall effect", because all of a sudden the motor resistance has to be overcome. Due to the higher weight of the pedelec, this is much more strenuous than on a conventional bicycle. There are pure software solutions, dongles, so-called boxes and modules that are installed directly on the motor and are therefore invisible. We'll help you find your way through the tuning jungle:
Here you can see which types there are and which ones we offer at SIP Scootershop.
WHICH TUNING MANUFACTURER SHOULD I CHOOSE?
More and more companies are entering the competitive market for tuning modules. No wonder - the sales of e-bikes and pedelecs are increasing rapidly every year. The manufacturers' approaches are as varied as the bikes themselves, and it's not easy to keep track. If you know which motor you have, the choice of manufacturers is already narrowed down. But of course we are happy to introduce you to some of the companies that we consider to be the best.
Here is an overview of the manufacturers we have in our range at SIP Scootershop.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE:
It should be noted that the operation of this type of modified electric bike on public roads may be against the law in some countries. The dealer accepts no responsibility for any damage caused by the use of tuning products. Electric bicycles equipped with tuning products must not be used on public roads, cycle paths and squares. Electric bicycles equipped with tuning products may only be used on private property and at your own risk.