Many users want to boost the performance of their e-bike without necessarily being aware of the consequences of this type of modification.
Any operation intended to increase the power of an electric bicycle is legally illegal.
The idea may indeed seem attractive and affordable, but it results in premature deterioration of your bicycle as well as a greatly increased risk of accidents and falls. We have therefore written this article to warn consumers about this practice.
1. Legal aspects
It is impossible to detect whether an e-bike has been derestricted without testing it. However, in the event of an accident causing personal and/or property damage, the bicycle will be handed over to an expert who will uncover the fraud.
If legal proceedings are initiated following this accident, derestricting the e-bike could work against you. Furthermore, if you have taken out insurance for your e-bike, it becomes void as soon as it has been derestricted.
2. Premature wear
Electric-assist bicycles are classified as bicycles as long as they meet the following technical criteria:
- The motor stops providing assistance once the speed exceeds 25 km/h
- The motor’s power must be less than 250 watts
As with combustion-engine vehicles, it is possible to increase these limits on an e-bike by modifying the motor settings or obtaining a derestriction kit. But be careful, because this practice is illegal and exposes the user to legal risks!
Derestricting an e-bike effectively transforms it into an unapproved moped and therefore entails legal penalties, which we will outline later.
But the main problem with this practice is that it endangers the user. Indeed, the bicycle’s safety components (brakes, suspension, etc.) are not designed to withstand greater demands and will therefore be ineffective.
It is essential to adapt the bicycle’s equipment to its speed. The faster the bicycle travels, the more it must be reinforced at strategic points (wheels, fork, brakes, chain). If this is not the case, you risk falling and damaging your bicycle.
3. Beware when reselling!
If you are the buyer, be aware that it is possible to find out whether the bicycle you are interested in has been derestricted. Simply have it inspected by an authorized store. It will cost you a few dozen euros, but it will help you avoid unpleasant surprises…
For sellers, be aware that derestriction is recorded on the bicycle’s motherboard. The retailer/store has access to the bicycle’s complete history (speed, battery cycles, temperature, etc.). The Bosch system, for example, allows this type of inspection.
4. Warranty cancellation
Obviously, any derestricted vehicle is no longer covered by warranty. Derestriction is a modification prohibited by the manufacturer, and therefore results in the warranty being voided by the manufacturer and retailer.
In the event of motor failure, battery overheating, or breakage of a component on your bicycle, you will be responsible for all repair costs. As a reminder, derestriction primarily damages the motor and battery, which are the two most expensive components of an e-bike.
5. Penalties and risks
For a user:
Failure to comply with the regulations established for e-bikes entails the following penalties:
- A €750 fine for failing to declare a derestricted e-bike (derestriction transforms the e-bike into an unapproved motor vehicle, which must then be declared to the Ministry of the Interior in order to be registered and insured).
- A €7,500 fine for failing to register the vehicle
- A €1,500 fine for failing to provide proof of insurance
For a retailer:
Selling or renting an unapproved moped entails:
- Six months’ imprisonment and a €7,500 fine for non-professionals
- Two years’ imprisonment and a €30,000 fine for professionals
You are now informed and aware of the dangers of derestriction, which exposes you to severe penalties. Regulations limit pedal assistance to 25 km/h.
If you want to move up to a higher category, speed bikes are available, and they can travel at up to 45 km/h. They are permitted, but fall under moped regulations and therefore come with all the associated obligations: registration, helmet, gloves, insurance, compliance with the highway code, and so on.
If you buy a used bicycle, have it inspected by an authorized store for peace of mind. Furthermore, it is completely illegal for a retailer to sell you a derestricted e-bike. This practice exposes the retailer to serious legal proceedings.
