“pedalec” — likely meaning pedelec (short for pedal electric cycle).

A pedelec is a type of electric bicycle where the motor only provides assistance while you are pedaling. Once you stop pedaling, the motor cuts out. In most regions (EU, UK, etc.), pedelecs are limited to:

  • 250 watts continuous power

  • Assistance up to 25 km/h (15.5 mph)

  • No throttle (or throttle only up to walking speed)

Because of these limits, pedelecs are legally treated as bicycles, not motor vehicles — so no license, registration, or insurance is required in many places.

How it compares to a moped:

Feature Moped (traditional) Pedelec (e-bike)
Pedals Yes Yes
Motor Small combustion engine (or electric in some modern ones) Electric, pedal-assist only
Speed Often >25 km/h Assisted only up to 25 km/h
License Usually required No (in most places)
Throttle Often has throttle Typically no throttle

If you meant a different term like “speed pedelec” (S-pedelec), that’s a faster e-bike (assist up to 45 km/h) and is legally closer to a moped — requiring a license, helmet, and registration in many countries.