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pedelec

pedelec

1 8.7
A bicycle with a small electric motor that helps you pedal
  • noun
  • /ˈpɛdəlɛk/
  • Specialized
: bicicleta eléctrica
  • He decided to commute to work on his new pedelec to save energy and avoid traffic.

Examples

  • The pedelec made cycling uphill much easier for the group.

  • Many tourists rent a pedelec to explore the city without getting too tired.

  • I bought a new pedelec last week.

  • Many pedelecs are designed for urban commuting.

  • He decided to commute to work on his new pedelec to save energy and avoid traffic.

  • Many tourists rent a pedelec to explore the city without getting too tired.

  • The pedelec made cycling uphill much easier for the group.

Synonyms

e-bike
vspedelec
  • Specialized
1 3.7

A bicycle with an electric motor that helps you pedal or moves without you pedalling

only supplies power that helps the rider's pedaling and not to drive alone
electronic bike
vspedelec
1 3.5

A bicycle with a small electric motor that helps the rider pedal and can move without pedaling

only supplies power that helps the rider's pedaling and not to drive alone
electronic bicycle
vspedelec
1 3.4

A bicycle with a small electric motor that helps you pedal or moves you without pedaling

only supplies power that helps the rider's pedaling and not to drive alone
motorbicycle
vspedelec
  • Archaic
4.1

A bicycle with a small engine to help pedaling

only supplies power that helps the rider's pedaling and not to drive alone

Surface Forms

pedelec singular
pedelecs plural

Morphology

pedelec = pedal + electric + cycle (transparent) = pedal + electric + cycle

The form is a clear blend of 'pedal' + 'electric' (+ 'cycle'), so the meaning 'pedal-assisted electric bicycle' is directly inferable from the components.

Etymology

Pedelec joins pedal ('to push with your feet') and electric ('powered by electricity'). So a pedelec is a bike where the electric motor helps you pedal.