Which motorcycle you are allowed to ride with which driver’s license depends on the engine displacement and power. Since electric two-wheelers do not have an engine displacement, the nominal power is the primary factor here.
Driver's license class AM:
Up to 50 cm³ displacement or 4 kW rated power for electric vehicles. The minimum age for this license is 15 years.
Driver's license class A1:
Motorcycles (including those with sidecars) with an engine capacity of up to 125 cm3, an engine power of no more than 11 kW, and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg. The minimum age for this license is 16.
Driver's license class A2:
Motorcycles (including those with sidecars) with an engine power not exceeding 35 kW, where the power-to-weight ratio does not exceed 0.2 kW/kg. The minimum age for this license is 18 years.
Driver's license class A:
Motorcycles (including those with sidecars) with an engine capacity of more than 50 cm3 or a maximum design speed of more than 45 km/h. The minimum age for this license is 24. If you already hold a Class A2 license, the minimum age is 20.
Driver's license extension B196:
In addition, since the beginning of 2020, it has been possible to obtain a B196 driver’s license extension. This entitles the holder to drive motorcycles (including those with sidecars) with an engine capacity of up to 125 cm³. 3, with an engine power not exceeding 11 kW, where the power-to-weight ratio does not exceed 0.1 kW/kg. It therefore counts as an A1 driver’s license. All you need to do is be at least 25 years old, have held a Class B driver’s license for at least 5 years, and complete driver training at a driving school. Driver training for the B196 extension consists of at least four theoretical and five practical lessons, each lasting 90 minutes. However, you do not have to take a test. This makes it a real time saver compared to the other options.
The B196 extension is only valid in Germany and is not recognized in other countries.