The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) has given the Speedmachine S-Pedelec from HP Velotechnik was the first recumbent bike to be granted European type approval. The fast e-bike with pedal assistance of up to 45 km/h has been classified as a light motor vehicle with the type number e1*168/2013*00335*00. HP Velotechnik explains, thanks to the approval, the streamlined speedster can now be sold directly in all EU countries and Switzerland. "Until now, we have had our S-Pedelecs individually approved by the TÜV. Instead of this cumbersome procedure, we now issue the EU certificate of conformity ourselves." With this CoC paper (Certificate of Conformity), the buyer now only has to take out moped insurance and fit the licence plate.

For HP Velotechnik this is very welcome news in its anniversary year - the speciality bike manufacturer will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023. However, Pulvermüller also used the letter from Berlin to express his incomprehension about the road traffic regulations. "The innovative S-Pedelecs are really being slowed down in Germany." This is all the more annoying as the fast bike class is the ideal alternative to the car both as a commuter vehicle and for longer journeys in rural areas. "While the regulations are being relaxed in other EU countries, Germany is not giving this climate-friendly technology a chance for a wider breakthrough." For example, these bikes must be ridden on the main road outside built-up areas, even if there is a cycle path next to it. The reason: "The StVO only recognises a general ban on cycle paths for S-pedelecs." What may still be understandable on narrow and poorly constructed urban cycle paths in individual cases, no longer makes sense next to a four-lane race track for cars or on wide cycle highways.

The new speed machine S-Pedelec up to 45 km/h from HP Velotechnik.

"Other countries in the EU are much further ahead," says Pulvermüller. Austria has recently opened up overland connections in a targeted manner. "In Belgium, sales of S-pedelecs went through the roof after approval". And in Switzerland, where there have long been no restrictions on this fast bike class, they have accounted for well over ten per cent of the entire pedelec market for years. With a view to the federal government, Pulvermüller added: "It would be nice if the idea of freedom in the mobility sector was not only applied to car traffic, but also opened up avenues for bicycles. After all, almost all experts cite the bicycle as one of the key elements for a turnaround in transport in order to massively reduce CO2 emissions."

The fastest bike from HP VELOTECHNIK, the Speedmachine, already has speed in its name. Now the recumbent manufacturer has gone one better: Thanks to European type approval by the KBA in January 2023, the classic low recumbent is now also available with an electric drive that provides pedal assistance up to 45 km/h. This makes the Speedmachine S-Pedelec a wind-smooth alternative for anyone looking for a bike to quickly cover a long journey to work, for example, or for relaxed and speedy travelling in rural areas. The equipment will not only have recumbent fans clicking their tongues. The proven and virtually silent Z20 RS hub motor from NEODRIVES is at work in the rear wheel. The battery comes from the V8 series from BMZ and has an energy capacity of 651 watt hours. Added safety for the pilot: Thanks to the low centre of gravity with the battery mounted under the seat, the vehicle remains easy to handle even at high speeds. Even with a full load of up to four panniers, the bike will still keep its course safely. The Speedmachine is always built by HP VELOTECHNIK as an S-pedelec with full suspension. Head of Development Daniel Pulvermüller explains: "When you can reach such high speeds so easily, a vehicle has to lie securely on the road. This is ensured by the Concept 5 headset suspension fork at the front , while the rear suspension works with No-Squat technology. This effectively prevents deflection caused by drive forces." Either the DNM DV-22 steel suspension or the Monarch RL oil-air suspension element from ROCKSHOX is used. The elegant speedster also comes with hydraulic disc brakes, powerful lighting from BUSCH & MÜLLER(IQ-XE, 150 lux), a large rear-view mirror and a pannier rack for two bags as standard.

The recumbent bike turns theory into propulsion

One of the biggest advantages of recumbents over conventional upright bikes is their outstanding aerodynamics. The simple formula is familiar from sports cars: the lower, the faster. From a physical point of view, the aim is to offer little resistance to the air. To achieve this, the surface area must be as small and the shape as streamlined and elongated as possible. With recumbents, there is a second aspect to speed: the different height of the bottom bracket and seat position. The designers' trick: a seat that is significantly lower than the bottom bracket ensures particularly effective power utilisation. A raised bottom bracket is, so to speak, the cradle pedal for recumbent cyclists. With the seat as an abutment, the rider builds up tension in the entire upper body and can then convert this full-body strength into pedalling power. On the Speedmachine , the bottom bracket is at a height of 69 to 72 cm. The second figure indicates the height when the boom is extended for very tall riders. The seat height of the Speedmachine varies between 48 and 51 cm. The particularly sporty BodyLink bucket seat is slightly lower. The more airy and, in the case of the ErgoMesh Premium , also highly customisable ErgoMesh mesh seats have a height of 51 cm. With aerodynamics in mind, the developers at HP VELOTECHNIK carefully selected the aerobar for the Speedmachine S-Pedelec from the three types of handlebars developed by the recumbent bike manufacturer. It combines several aspects: A body position that offers as little wind resistance as possible; sufficient reach to steer safely even at high speeds; and finally, the non-slip design allows a comfortable arm position, which is particularly appropriate for longer distances.

The theory is reflected in the measured values: in internal tests with the Speedmachine S-Pedelec, the acceleration record from 0 to 45 km/h has so far been 8.29 seconds. The data was recorded using a calibrated measuring device. An exciting detail in passing: the tester even managed to accelerate from 0 to 20 km/h in 2.46 seconds; at the start, he still had one foot on the ground, just like an everyday cyclist. At the same time as building the fast single-track vehicle, HP VELOTECHNIK had been pushing ahead with another development: The Hessian company is now a motor vehicle manufacturer registered with the Federal Motor Transport Authority. The advantage of this is that the bikes no longer have to undergo the individual approval and authorisation procedure at the TÜV, but can now leave the factory in series production with a vehicle identification number (VIN) and an EU certificate of conformity. The Speedmachine S-Pedelec is a class L1e-B moped and the type approval required for this is valid for the EU and Switzerland. The Z20 RS rear hub motor from NEODRIVES is used in the S-Pedelec models from HP VELOTECHNIK. It develops a peak output of 1000 watts with an efficiency of 85 per cent. Thanks to the smart programming, the assistance starts without jerking and is also gently reduced when the maximum permitted speed is reached. The result is a riding and pedalling experience similar to that of a non-motorised bike. Another advantage of this motor design is its ability to recuperate energy at the touch of a button. When travelling downhill, the system recovers charging voltage - and at the same time this deceleration by the motor protects the brake pads. The colour display is mounted in the centre of the handlebars directly in the rider's field of vision. It has a touchscreen for switching through the menus. Much more practical for operation while riding: the remote control with five push buttons on the left side of the handlebar. The Speedmachine S-Pedelec is available from specialist dealers at a price starting at 8,690 euros. In addition to the standard powder coating in silver grey or carmine red, special colours such as rapeseed yellow (pictured) and numerous other special requests are also available.

Photos: Frame number 1001 - The first Speedmachine S-Pedelec from HP VELOTECHNIK with an EU vehicle identification number. ( HP VELOTECHNIK)