The roadworthy bicycle according to StVZO

A roadworthy bicycle is a prerequisite for legally and safely moving in traffic in Germany. Colloquially, people say "roadworthy," but legally this means that a bicycle is road-legal according to the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). Only if all the required components are present and functional may a bicycle be used in public spaces – whether it’s a city bike, trekking bike, or e-bike.

When is a bicycle considered roadworthy?

According to the StVZO, a roadworthy, i.e., road-legal bicycle must have certain technical features. These include two independent brakes that work reliably, as well as a loud bell. Also required is a complete lighting system: a white headlight at the front, a red taillight with an integrated reflector at the rear. These components ensure that other road users can perceive the bicycle in time.

Additionally, passive safety elements are mandatory. These include yellow reflectors on the pedals (effective forward and backward) as well as either spoke reflectors or continuous reflective strips on the tire sidewalls. Only the combination of active lighting and passive visibility makes a bicycle legally roadworthy.

Battery light or dynamo – what is allowed?

Modern bicycle lighting with battery or accumulator has been explicitly allowed since 2013. The prerequisite is StVZO approval with a K-test mark. Important for road safety: In darkness, twilight, or poor