How are speedbikes and their speed of 45 km/h gradually making their way onto cycle paths in Germany?

In its own way, Germany is gradually integrating speedbikes into its cycling environment, even though this type of vehicle, categorized as mopeds, is prohibited on cycle paths. In the state of Hesse, a new experiment is taking place for a year, on a specific section of a cycle highway.

In France, speedbikes are not authorized to circulate alongside mechanical bicycles and electric bicycles on cycle paths. In Germany, the rules are the same, with a few exceptions. Our neighbors across the Rhine are in fact increasing their experiments to better integrate this category of two-wheelers into their cycling environment.

In the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg, tests are currently taking place in certain municipalities and with specific conditions, to open cycle paths and lanes to speedbikes. As a reminder, these can travel at a speed of 45 km/h. In France, strict and restrictive rules govern them.

A gentle approach

A third German state will relax its rules. This is the state of Hesse, which, from mid-May and for a year, will authorize speedbikes to use a section of the cycle highway which connects Langen and Darmstadt-Nord, we learn eBikeNews. The state Ministry of Transport and the Darmstad University of Applied Sciences are supporting the project.

The objective of this experiment is simple: to determine whether the cycle paths open to speedbikes are suitable, or not, for the use of such a vehicle. Implicitly, we imagine that understanding and cohabitation with bicycle users will also be analyzed. The first results of the study will be published in spring 2025.

This type of experience is interesting in more than one way. Firstly, it does not generalize an opening of the cycling network to speedbikes all at once: this is done gently, with analyzes and observations based on empirical tests. Two, it can show how tracks can be used for speedbikes, but in a very situational way.

A starving market share

Joining two cities separated by around ten kilometers via a cycle highway is already a godsend: joining them even more quickly, and only if the conditions and safety of cyclists do not deteriorate, is even better. The importance of a developed and already implemented infrastructure is also essential.

In Germany, the market share of speedbikes in the cycle fleet is stark: 0.5%. Their ban on the slopes partly explains this figure. ConverselySwiss legislation is, for example, much more flexible towards them (authorized on the slopes, unapproved bicycle helmet): their PDM then amounts to 6.7%.