German Minister Proposes 60 km/h Speed Limit for Mopeds, Citing East German Models

Regina Kraushaar, Saxony's Minister of Transport, is advocating for an increase in the speed limit for mopeds to 60 km/h, drawing inspiration from the capabilities of older East German "Simson" models. She argues that the current disparity in speed limits for technically similar vehicles is illogical and unfair.

"Anyone who rides a light motorcycle doesn't understand why the throttle on one vehicle is limited to 45 km/h and on another, identical model, 60 km/h is possible," Kraushaar stated. Her proposal, which she intends to advance through the state government to the Bundesrat (Federal Council), calls for a "same technology, same speed" principle. This would apply not only to vintage East German mopeds like the Schwalbe and S51, which are permitted to travel at 60 km/h due to a special provision in the German reunification treaty, but also to newer vehicles.

Currently, identical models re-imported into Germany face a 45 km/h speed limit under EU regulations, a discrepancy Kraushaar aims to rectify. The initiative echoes efforts in Thuringia, where the state government also plans to address the issue with the EU in Brussels. Simson mopeds remain a significant part of East German culture and youth identity, valued for their higher speed and durability. The push for a uniform speed limit highlights a desire to reconcile historical regulations with modern transport and EU law.

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Anyone who rides a light motorcycle doesn't understand why the throttle on one vehicle is limited to 45 km/h and on another, identical model, 60 km/h is possible.