How to choose an e-bike: motor, battery and the law
This guide explains what EU law counts as an e-bike and what is already a moped, how to read battery capacity and motor position, which type of bike to pick and what costs least in total today.
Published 8 October 2026 · updated 8 October 2026 · prices in the text are today's
What the law counts as an e-bike
EU Regulation No 168/2013 does not treat as a motor vehicle a pedal-assisted cycle whose motor has a maximum continuous rated power of 250 W, assists only while pedalling and cuts out progressively and finally by 25 km/h. Such an e-bike needs no type approval, registration or driving licence.
Bikes assisting faster or stronger (speed pedelecs up to 45 km/h) fall outside this exemption; they are category L vehicles with type approval and all the duties that brings.
What to look at
- Bike type: city and trekking for roads and firm paths, mountain (hardtail or full suspension) for off-road.
- Mid motor (at the pedals): a balanced bike and natural pedalling, better uphill. Hub motor: cheaper and simpler.
- Battery (Wh): capacity in watt-hours sets the range. Real range depends on assistance level, hills, rider weight and temperature; makers state a span.
- Removable battery: charge it at home when the bike lives in a cellar or on a balcony.
- Frame size: by height and inside leg, the maker has a chart; a wrong size is not fixed by a motor.
- Brakes: hydraulic disc brakes are standard on a heavier e-bike.
- Service: availability of service for that motor and battery; a spare battery is among the dearest parts.
Price bands today
The lowest band holds city e-bikes with a hub motor and a smaller battery. The middle band holds trekking and city bikes with a mid motor. At the top are full-suspension e-MTBs with a large battery and quality components.
Recommended models
Bracketed prices are today's totals including shipping; e-bikes often ship as bulky goods.
| Model | Type | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| Hecht Runnis (price being collected) | City e-bike | The cheapest entry, short trips in town |
| Hecht Compos XL (price being collected) | E-bike | A comparison with brand bikes |
| Trek FX+ 2 (price being collected) | City and fitness e-bike | Commuting, a light bike |
| Trek Fuel EXe 5 (price being collected) | Full-suspension e-MTB | Off-road with a natural ride feel |
| Trek Rail+ 8 Gen 5 (price being collected) | Full-suspension e-MTB | Demanding terrain, long rides |
Price history
Older model years (bikes carry the year in the name) are often cheaper in autumn and winter; check it is a new bike, not an ex-demo.
Common mistakes
- Buying by motor power; above 250 W or with assistance beyond 25 km/h it is no longer an ordinary e-bike under EU law.
- Comparing bikes of different frame sizes; the size is often right in the offer title (S, L, XL).
- Trusting the maximum range; expect less, especially in winter and hills.
- Not counting bulky shipping and the first service.
- Leaving the battery out in the frost and charging it cold.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence or a number plate for an e-bike?
No, if it is a pedal-assisted bike up to 250 W whose assistance cuts out by 25 km/h. Faster bikes are category L vehicles with other rules.
How far will I get?
It depends on battery capacity (Wh), assistance level, hills, weight and temperature. Makers state a span; expect less in winter.
Mid motor or hub motor?
A mid motor is better uphill and off-road and rides more naturally. A hub motor is cheaper and enough for a flat town.
Must I wear a helmet?
Cyclists under 18, yes. The law does not require one for adults, but at e-bike speeds it pays.
Sources
- Nařízení (EU) č. 168/2013, čl. 2 odst. 2 písm. h), EUR-Lex · checked 08/10/2026
- Zákon č. 361/2000 Sb., o provozu na pozemních komunikacích (e-Sbírka) · checked 08/10/2026
- Trek: elektrokola (výrobce) · checked 08/10/2026
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