Updated in November 2026
In the eyes of the law, an e-bike is an ordinary bicycle if it meets two conditions: the motor's continuous rated power is at most 250 watts and the motor assistance cuts out at 25 km/h. Such a bike is not registered, and it needs no driving licence or traffic insurance.
The short answer
An ordinary pedal-assist e-bike works so that the motor helps only when you pedal. The assistance cuts out at 25 km/h and the rated power is at most 250 W. Walk assist is allowed only up to 6 km/h. Such a bike is ridden like a bicycle: on cycle paths and in cycle lanes, without registration, a driving licence or traffic insurance. Damage is usually covered by home insurance, and you should check the terms with your insurer.
Three types, three sets of rules
| Type | Limits | What is required |
|---|---|---|
| Pedal-assist bicycle | At most 250 W, assistance cuts out at 25 km/h | No registration, no traffic insurance |
| More powerful, up to 25 km/h (L1e-A) | Rated power at most 1 kW, design speed at most 25 km/h | No registration. Traffic insurance only if the bike weighs over 25 kg |
| Faster or more powerful | Over 1 kW or assistance above 25 km/h | Not a bicycle. Approved, for example, as a moped (L1e-B); registration, insurance and a right to drive are required |
Always check the bike's power and speed limit on the product page and in the manufacturer's papers before you buy.
What is the 25/25 rule?
Since the beginning of June 2024, traffic insurance has been compulsory for electric vehicles that weigh over 25 kg or whose design speed is over 25 km/h. The rule applies to, for example, electric scooters and children's electric vehicles.
Ordinary pedal-assist e-bikes are outside the rule as long as they meet the bicycle conditions: pedalling is required, the assistance cuts out at 25 km/h and the power is at most 250 W.
What do the weight and speed limits mean?
- Speed: the limit is the design speed stated by the manufacturer. Limiting the speed afterwards does not change it.
- Power: this means rated power, not momentary peak power.
- Weight: the weight of the bike in riding condition including the battery, without accessories and load.
Can you tune an e-bike?
It is not worth it. Once the motor assistance goes beyond 25 km/h or the power exceeds the limits, the bike is no longer a bicycle. It is then classified as, for example, a moped, and using it on a cycle path or without registration, insurance or a right to drive is not allowed. The manufacturer's warranty and your insurance cover may also be at risk.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a driving licence for an e-bike?
No, if it is an ordinary pedal-assist e-bike: power at most 250 W and assistance that cuts out at 25 km/h. A faster or more powerful bike falls into the moped class, and then a right to drive is required.
Does an e-bike have to be registered?
An ordinary pedal-assist e-bike is not registered. Registration applies to e-bikes in the moped class.
Does an e-bike need traffic insurance?
An ordinary pedal-assist e-bike does not. Other e-bikes need it if the weight exceeds 25 kg or the design speed exceeds 25 km/h. The exact situation depends on the class of the bike.
Is an e-bike covered by home insurance?
Usually yes, but the terms and compensation limits vary between insurers. Check the theft cover and battery compensation in your own policy. Read more in our article on bicycle theft, insurance and locks.
Can you ride an e-bike on a cycle path?
An ordinary pedal-assist e-bike is a bicycle, so you can ride it on cycle paths and in cycle lanes. Different rules apply to a moped-class bike.
Summary
If an e-bike's power is at most 250 W and its assistance cuts out at 25 km/h, it is a bicycle. No registration, driving licence or traffic insurance is needed. Only more powerful and faster models fall into the moped class.
Read more about choosing an e-bike: E-bike motors compared and What does an e-bike cost per year? Ask for advice in our shop in Tampere or at huolto@emiliasport.fi / 040 048 4311.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Check the current rules with Traficom or your insurer.
Written by the experts at Emilia Sport
Emilia Sport is a bike shop in Tampere. We are happy to advise by phone too: huolto@emiliasport.fi / 040 048 4311.
