Rules & regulations for cargo bikes

How does the German legislature view cargo bikes? What regulations apply and what must be observed? In this section, we present the basic framework and place cargo bikes in the legal context.

E-Bike Fahrrad Icon

Cargo bike = bicycle

Since there is no specific definition of a bicycle, cargo bikes are considered by the legislature to be equivalent to bicycles and are therefore subject to the same legal regulations.

Speed Tacho Fahrrad E-Bike

250w | 25km/h

E-cargo bikes with a maximum rated power of 250W and a maximum speed of 25km/h are considered pedelecs and are therefore neither subject to tax nor insurance.

3D Raum

Dimensions

  • Length <4.0m
  • Height: <2.5m
  • Single-lane width: <1.0m
  • or multi-lane: <2.0m


The total weight as such is currently not limited.

Definition of "bicycle" according to § 63a StVZO

For a long time, the definition of a bicycle was not directly included in German law. But now we finally have a paragraph in the StVZO that defines a bicycle (source):


(1) A bicycle is a vehicle with at least two wheels, which is propelled exclusively by the muscular power of persons on it with the aid of pedals or hand cranks.

(2) A bicycle shall also be deemed to be a vehicle within the meaning of paragraph 1 which is equipped with an electric pedal assistance system, which is equipped with an auxiliary electric motor with a maximum rated continuous power of 0.25 kW, the assistance of which progressively decreases as the vehicle speed increases and is interrupted when a speed of 25 km/h is reached or when the rider stops pedaling or cranking. The requirements of sentence 1 are also met if the bicycle has an auxiliary drive within the meaning of sentence 1 which enables the vehicle to accelerate to a speed of up to 6 km/h, even without the rider simultaneously pedaling or cranking (start-off or push assistance).


Definition of "Pedelec" & "No motor vehicle" according to §1 of the StVG

The legislation here is formulated very generally and defines a large category that is not motor vehicles, see § 1 StVG:


Land vehicles which are propelled by muscle power and which are equipped with an electric motor auxiliary drive with a rated continuous power of not more than 0.25 kW, the assistance of which decreases progressively with increasing vehicle speed and

  1. when reaching a speed of 25 km/h or earlier,
  2. if the rider stops pedaling,

is interrupted.


We will not discuss the category of "S-Pedelecs," which are subject to tax, insurance, and license plates, due to their limited market relevance. In short: These bicycles or cargo bikes have a rated power greater than 0.25 kW and are assisted above 25 km/h. S-Pedelecs are not entitled to any bicycle-specific privileges, such as bike lanes, because they are classified as motor vehicles.

Definition of cargo bike dimensions

Since "bicycle" is defined only very broadly and contained in a large "other" category, there are various interpretations of the legislation regarding dimensions. We follow the more defensive interpretation, which is based on the dimensions of motorcycles. See §32 of the German Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). Paragraph (9) states the following:


(9) By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 to 8, motor vehicles pursuant to Section 30a paragraph 3 shall not exceed the following dimensions:

1.Width:

a) for motorcycles and three-wheeled and quadricycles 2.00 m,

b) for two-wheeled mopeds and bicycles with auxiliary motors, however, 1.00 m,

2. Height: 2.50 m,

3. Length: 4.00 m.

Cycling infrastructure, cycle streets, and rules of conduct. What regulations apply to cargo bikes?

Since cargo bikes and e-cargo bikes with a rated power of 250W and assistance up to 25m/h are considered bicycles, their riders are subject to the same rights and obligations. The use of cycle streets, cycle paths, or entering designated one-way streets is permitted. A special rule applies to multi-lane cargo bikes: If the use of cycle paths is required at a particular location, but the use is unreasonable given the circumstances of the individual case, non-use of the cycle path cannot be objected to (see VwV-StVO, Section 2 StVO, Number 23).