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PedelecDenmark

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Denmark. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Denmark

72. Pedelec

A pedelec, short for pedal electric cycle, is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance while the rider pedals. The motor supplements the rider's effort rather than replacing pedalling entirely.

The maximum motor power and assistance speed permitted for a pedelec depend on local law. When the bicycle remains within the applicable limits, it is normally treated as a bicycle rather than a moped or motorcycle. Faster electrically assisted bicycles are commonly classified separately as speed pedelecs.

Pedelec
Pedelecs during an e-mobility dealer training event.
Wikimedia.org • holding graz • CC BY
What is a pedelec?

A pedelec is an electrically assisted bicycle whose motor provides assistance while the rider pedals.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2.15–2.17, 36 and 43; cycle and speed-pedelec classification; Belgian example

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, Riding an electric bike: the rules; GB EAPC example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 59–82, cycling; national guidance example

🔗 nsw.gov.au • NSW Government, bicycle safety equipment; NSW helmet rule

🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, mandatory bicycle equipment; child helmet example

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.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2.15–2.17, 36 and 43; cycle and speed-pedelec classification; Belgian example

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, Riding an electric bike: the rules; GB EAPC example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 59–82, cycling; national guidance example

🔗 nsw.gov.au • NSW Government, bicycle safety equipment; NSW helmet rule

🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, mandatory bicycle equipment; child helmet example

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.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2.15–2.17, 36 and 43; cycle and speed-pedelec classification; Belgian example

🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, Riding an electric bike: the rules; GB EAPC example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 59–82, cycling; national guidance example

🔗 nsw.gov.au • NSW Government, bicycle safety equipment; NSW helmet rule

🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, mandatory bicycle equipment; child helmet example

1 Denmark 2 Motorway 3 Built-up area 4 Speed limit 5 Footpath 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian zone 8 Bus stop 9 Give way 10 Roundabout 11 Railway crossing 12 Crossing animals 13 Wrong-way driving 14 Selective barriers 15 Traffic lights 16 Pedestrian lights 17 Road markings 18 Driving licence 19 Traffic mirror 20 International border 21 Cycling route 22 Parking 23 No parking 24 No stopping 25 Parallel parking 26 Parking meter 27 Parking disc 28 Disabled parking 29 Traffic management 30 Reversing 31 Emergency exit 32 Licence plate 33 Charging station 34 Dangers 35 Cyclist 36 Bus 37 Police 38 Ambulance 39 European emission standard 40 Pothole 41 Path 42 Particulates 43 Air pollution 44 Rush hour 45 Road code 46 Street gutter 47 Cargo bike 48 Forestry vehicle 49 Construction vehicle 50 Semi-trailer truck 51 Trolleybus 52 Speed pedelec 53 Delivery vehicle 54 Idling 55 Tow truck 56 Four-wheel drive 57 No vehicles 58 Bicycle 59 Motorcycle equipment 60 Tram 61 Rail track 62 Caravan 63 Trailer 64 Tow hitch 65 Fire truck 66 Siren 67 Convoy 68 Emergency vehicle lighting 69 Agricultural machinery 70 Electric bicycle 71 Electric vehicle 72 Pedelec 73 Quadricycle 74 Microcar 75 All-terrain vehicle 76 Van 77 Recreational vehicle 78 Scooter 79 Trikke 80 Personal mobility device 81 Skateboard 82 Segway 83 Kick scooter 84 Roller skates 85 Mailman 86 Hitchhiker 87 Toddler 88 Child 89 Disability 90 Commercial vehicle 91 Motorail 92 Garbage truck 93 Parking violation 94 km/h 95 mph 96 Speedometer 97 National speed 98 Ride height 99 Dirt road 100 Driving ...