Riding an S-Pedelec on the sidewalk: traffic offence with serious consequences
With the growing use of high-speed electric bicycles in German cities – especially S-Pedelecs that can reach up to 45 km/h – new problems have emerged related to the misuse of infrastructure.
One of the most common and dangerous mistakes is riding these vehicles on sidewalks that are reserved for pedestrians.
This behaviour is considered a serious violation of traffic law and exposes the rider to fines, points in Flensburg, and in some cases even a temporary driving ban.
What is an S-Pedelec?
An S-Pedelec is an electric bicycle that provides pedal assist up to 45 km/h.
Under German law, it is treated not as a bicycle, but as a small moped (Kleinkraftrad).
It requires:
a small insurance number plate (Versicherungskennzeichen)
a protective helmet
a driving licence of class AM or higher
mandatory liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung)
Is it allowed on the sidewalk?
Absolutely not.
According to § 2 (1) StVO (German Road Traffic Regulations), the sidewalk is reserved exclusively for pedestrians. Riding vehicles there is generally prohibited, with only a few exceptions:
Children’s bicycles for children under 10 years of age
Conventional bicycles in certain special, signposted situations
Pushchairs and wheelchairs
An S-Pedelec does not fall under these exceptions.
Its proper place is on the road, or on designated cycle paths that are explicitly open to faster vehicles.
What are the legal consequences?
| Type of offence | Fine | Points (Flensburg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riding an S-Pedelec on the sidewalk | 55 € | 1 point | no accident |
| With obstruction or endangerment of pedestrians | 80 – 100 € | 1 point | possible partial driving ban |
| Causing an accident or injury | up to 150 € | 2 points | + possible criminal prosecution |
| Riding without licence or insurance | up to 500 € | 2 points | treated as a criminal offence (Straftat) |
Example from real life
In 2023, in the city of Düsseldorf, a rider on an S-Pedelec who was travelling on the sidewalk caused an elderly woman walking her dog to fall. She suffered a broken hand. The rider had to:
pay a traffic fine,
face a personal injury compensation claim of more than 2,500 €, and
accept a two-month suspension of his driving licence.
Tips for using an S-Pedelec legally
Always stay on the road, not on the sidewalk and not on standard bike lanes intended for slower bicycles.
Make sure you have valid insurance and an appropriate driving licence.
Wear a certified helmet – even if not mandatory in every detail, it is crucial for your safety.
Respect the speed limit, especially in residential areas.
Do not carry additional passengers – this is prohibited by law for S-Pedelecs.
Conclusion
Riding an S-Pedelec on the sidewalk is not a minor mistake, but a clear breach of traffic law that directly affects the safety of pedestrians.
In German cities, where sidewalks are given special priority as safe spaces for pedestrians, respecting this separation means respecting both the law and the people who rely on it.
The editorial team strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors or uncertainties cannot be completely ruled out. The information in this article should therefore be regarded as initial guidance only. For binding and up-to-date advice, always contact the competent authorities or a qualified legal expert.
