For commutes over longer distances, speed pedelecs are a viable alternative to other modes of transport, but heavy regulations hold some brands back from developing these bikes. Here are some of the top choices on the market, as seen at Eurobike 2025.
If one category of e-bike is well-positioned to replace cars or motorbikes for daily commutes, it is speed pedelecs. With electric support that continues until 45 kph (or 28 mph), this type of e-bike can cover distances of 30km or more. But the success of this category has been stifled by overly strict regulations that almost treat it like motorbikes, coupled with a lack of safe infrastructure. Consequently, the market share of speed pedelecs has stayed well below the 1-percent mark of all e-bikes sold in most European countries, with Belgium and Switzerland as notable exceptions.
Apart from needing a license plate, insurance and a driving license and having to wear a helmet, there are even stricter legal requirements. Speed pedelecs need an audible warning signal such as a horn or bell, a rear-view mirror, an illuminated license plate holder, daytime running lights and braking lights. To further lessen their appeal, speed pedelecs cannot be ridden on bike paths in some European countries.
In Switzerland, the market share of speed pedelecs has traditionally hovered between 10 and 15 percent of all e-bike sales. Thus, most Swiss bicycle brands offer fast versions of their e-bikes, and some manufacturers are fully focusing on this segment.
One example is Opium. All of its models are built around a powerful hub motor in the rear wheel, a Pinion gearbox and a reinforced drive belt from Gates, resulting in a low-maintenance system. The oversized downtube of the aluminum frames fits seriously big batteries. As the brand’s current flagship, the S2 combines a 930W rear-hub motor with a 1600Wh-capacity battery.
According to Opium, this should result in a range of up to 230km, a whole lot more than most commuters need to ride in one day. One major update launching at Eurobike is an upgrade of the Pinion gearboxes to Smart Shift technology. This switch from mechanical to electronic shifting is happening with the S2, S-LR and L models and is expected to add a lot of convenience. The Smart Shift-equipped bikes also come with a new motor supplied by Aximo that offers more power and torque for an even more effortless ride. Other updates include suspension forks from DT Swiss and Supernova’s very bright M99 Pro headlight.
German premium brand Riese & Müller is offering a selection of its models as speed pedelecs as well. One popular choice for commuting is the Charger touring model, now in its fifth generation, which is launching here at Eurobike. It features a redesigned frame available in both diamond frame and mixté configurations that can fit mid-drive motors of both Bosch eBike Systems and Pinion. The capacity of the battery has increased to 800Wh, resulting in plenty of range for daily commutes. With four frame sizes from S to XL, the Charger 5 fits riders from 160cm to 210cm, which, according to Riese & Müller is one of the largest ranges for speed pedelecs on the market.
Riese & Müller also offers speed pedelec versions of its Load, Speedster and Transporter cargo bikes with Bosch eBike Systems’s Performance Line Speed motor and all the added accessories required by law. Most of these fast cargo bikes are being used by professionals who have use them to replace delivery vans to reduce their eco footprint, while still being able to offer their services across a sizable area.
At higher speeds, the main resistance cyclists are facing is the wind. The faster you go; the more important aerodynamics get. So why not opt for a speed pedelec that has been aero-optimized? Recumbent specialist HP Velotechnik has a matching model in its line-up with the Speedmachine S-Pedelec, fenders, a carrier that fits pannier bags and powerful lights included. It relies on the Z20 RS hub motor of Neodrives that cranks out up to 1,000 watts at a class-leading efficiency of 85 percent. Mounted below the main frame and the rider, the battery with a capacity of 651Wh further lowers the center of gravity and adds to the reassuring handling, as does suspension on both wheels. As an option, this speedy recumbent bike can also be ordered with a Pinion gearbox instead of the standard derailleur-based drivetrain.