Speedpedelec: get to your destination quickly, but also insured correctly?

With a speed pedelec (sometimes called 'speed bike' for short) you will reach your destination faster than with a regular electric bike. While pedalling, you can easily reach up to 45 km per hour! This also makes longer distances quite feasible, so you can leave your car at home more often for your commute or the route to school. You also reduce your carbon footprint this way. And maybe your employer will also give you a financial boost through bicycle leasing or an extra bonus?

So it should come as no surprise that the speedpedelec is gaining in popularity. In 2024, almost 13,000 new and over 8,000 second-hand speedpedelecs were sold in Belgium. Unfortunately, this coin also has a downside: in 2022 (latest figures), the Belgian federal police recorded 633 injuries due to accidents involving speedpedelecs, 2 people did not survive such an accident.

So before you kick off your new life as a speedpedelec rider, you'd better know what you're getting into.

Cycling safely with a speed pedelec

• Buy a correctly equipped speedpedelec.
  Among other things, a horn and a rear-view mirror are compulsory and you must wear a helmet with a CE label. The full mandatory equipment can be found at the VSV-Vlaamse Stichting Verkeerskunde . In addition, regularly check the condition of your brakes, tyres and lights.

• Inform yourself about the traffic rules for speedpedelecs.
  You probably already know that you need a number plate and that you have to register your speed pedelec with the DIV (Dienst Inschrijvingen Voertuigen), but did you know that you should be at least 16 years old and have driving licence AM (moped) or B (car)? Furthermore, you must ride on the carriageway within built-up areas and are not allowed to carry children under 3 years old. Know that the highway code for speedpedelecs is still evolving, check from time to time latest updates at Fietsersbond .

• Choose a safe route.
  Plan your route via bicycle highways and low-traffic roads to avoid busy traffic points, as the road layout is not yet adapted to speedpedelecs everywhere. The shortest route is by no means always the safest ...

• Adapt your speed to conditions.
  If you are blazing at 45 km/h, you need 25 metres to come to a stop. So it is better to reserve that speedpedelec top speed for quiet environments without pedestrians or suddenly sprinting children.

• Bear in mind the danger of skidding.
  Your bike is heavier and travels faster, making it easier to lose control in corners, in wet weather or when braking.

• Realise that other road users sometimes mistake you for an average cyclist.
  Motorists and truck drivers cannot always judge how fast you are approaching. So be extra alert for vehicles turning and make eye contact with drivers at junctions and roundabouts.

• Be aware of the difference in speed with other cyclists.
  They move a lot slower than you, even on an electric bike. When you overtake, they don't hear you approaching. So it is up to you to slow down or honk your horn in time. Being courteous is the message!
  

• Make yourself visible.
  For instance, with fluorescent accessories on top of the mandatory lights. On that sturdy 'super bike' you may feel stronger, but you are just as vulnerable as an average cyclist.

You need these insurances

Did you know that European regulations actually consider a speedpedelec to be a moped? Legally, it falls under the 'moped class P' category. As a result, you are obliged to take out civil liability (BA) insurance . This covers any material or physical damage you cause to others with your speedpedelec.

You have 2 options for this:

• Do you already have family insurance ? If so, this includes civil liability. This is sufficient for most speed pedelecs.

• Do you not have family insurance or can your speedpedelec go faster than 25 km/h without pedalling? Then you need motor vehicle liability insurance (moped insurance)) .

More than that is not mandatory. But know that damage to your own vehicle or your own medical expenses after an accident with your speedpedelec are not yet insured. And maybe you also want to protect your new means of transport against theft and get legal assistance when necessary? Then you would do well to add these additional options to your bicycle insurance or moped insurance . Exactly which of the two you need depends on the type of speed pedelec you buy: for one that goes up to 25 km/h without pedalling, ordinary bicycle insurance will suffice.

Do you use the speed pedelec for commuting to work or school? Then you are at least also partly protected by your employer's work accident insurance or school insurance.

Want to make sure you have the right insurance policies? Contact us without obligation: we will make sure you are not underinsured, but also not double insured.