Comment by hpaavola

The very same limitations mentioned in the directive are in effect also in Germany. Bicycles with assistive motors up to 0.25 (nominal) kW and max assistive speed of 25km/h are effectively bicycles from law point of view. If the motor has more power and/or the max assistive speed is >25<45km/h, it's speed pedelec, not an electric bicycle. If the motor works without the rider pedaling at all, then it's a moped. The only difference here is that electric bicycles are in Germany called pedelec when pretty much rest of the world calls them ebikes.