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PedelecIndia

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of India. 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.

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India

54. 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 India 2 Speed limit 3 Toll road 4 Bus stop 5 Stop sign 6 Roundabout 7 Pedestrian crossing 8 Railway crossing 9 School area 10 Crossing animals 11 Curve 12 Roadworks 13 Priority at the next junction 14 Traffic lights 15 Driving licence 16 Traffic mirror 17 No stopping 18 Reversing 19 Licence plate 20 Charging station 21 Bus 22 Police 23 Ambulance 24 Pothole 25 Path 26 Particulates 27 Air pollution 28 Rush hour 29 Road code 30 Street gutter 31 Cargo bike 32 Forestry vehicle 33 Construction vehicle 34 Semi-trailer truck 35 Trolleybus 36 Speed pedelec 37 Delivery vehicle 38 Idling 39 Tow truck 40 Four-wheel drive 41 Bicycle 42 Motorcycle equipment 43 Rail track 44 Caravan 45 Trailer 46 Tow hitch 47 Fire truck 48 Siren 49 Convoy 50 Emergency vehicle lighting 51 Agricultural machinery 52 Electric bicycle 53 Electric vehicle 54 Pedelec 55 Quadricycle 56 Microcar 57 All-terrain vehicle 58 Van 59 Recreational vehicle 60 Scooter 61 Trikke 62 Personal mobility device 63 Skateboard 64 Segway 65 Kick scooter 66 Roller skates 67 Mailman 68 Hitchhiker 69 Toddler 70 Child 71 Disability 72 Handcart 73 Motorail 74 km/h 75 mph 76 Speedometer 77 Ride height 78 Dirt road 79 Driving 80 Start-stop system 81 Manual transmission 82 Automatic transmission 83 Throttle 84 Tachometer 85 Steering wheel 86 Power steering 87 Visual scanning 88 Mirror 89 Fuel 90 Fuel gauge 91 Petrol 92 Diesel 93 Diesel exhaust fluid 94 Car insurance 95 First aid kit 96 Fire extinguisher 97 High-visibility clothing 98 First aid 99 Concrete step barrier 100 Barriers ...