60 km/h for everyone: Thuringia fights for Simson freedom

Schwalbe, Star, or S51 – anyone who grew up in East Germany is familiar with the sound of the two-stroke engine. For many, the Simson is more than just a moped; it's the sound of youth, a mobile symbol of freedom, and, thanks to the Unification Treaty, a legal speed advantage. While other mopeds raise the white flag at 45 km/h, the Simson can keep roaring at 60.

The only catch: This privilege only applies to motorcycles that were once registered in the GDR or reunified Germany until 1992. For all motorcycles after that date and reimports—i.e., mopeds that were sold to Hungary or Bulgaria at the time and are now being brought back—the speedometer needle must remain at 45. The difference can be identified by the license plate number. The Thuringian state government considers this absurd, and is now demanding a speed limit of 60 km/h for all Suhl-based mopeds on German roads.

Reimports must slow down – even

The topic was discussed with surprising emotion in the Erfurt state parliament. State Premier Mario Voigt (CDU) said: "Simson is Thuringia, Simson is freedom on two wheels, Simson is a way of life." His argument: More legal Simsons mean less of a black market, more choice, and lower prices.

The numbers back this up: Almost six million mopeds rolled off the production line in Suhl until production finally came to an end in 2002. Many of them are still chugging through foreign markets. There they are now bought up and brought back to Thuringia. Transport Minister Steffen Schütz (BSW) says: "We are committed to ensuring that all mopeds built in Suhl can be driven at 60 km/h."

AfD wants to use the brand for itself

The AfD initially attempted to claim the issue for itself. Parliamentary group leader Björn Höcke organized Simson tours and spoke in the state parliament about identity and protest. However, their proposal to officially classify the brand as a cultural asset failed to gain a majority. However, the proposal by the coalition of CDU , SPD, and BSW was successful: Under the slogan "Welcome Home," reimports should be allowed more easily in the future—and thus also receive the 60 km/h bonus.

Amidst all the legal regulations, a great deal of nostalgia shone through during the state parliament debate. Members of parliament recounted their first rides and long tours on rattling Simsons. CDU member Niklas Waßmann called it "the sound of youth." The Left Party spoke of an "icon from Thuringia." Others looked ahead: Roberto Kobelt (BSW) suggested opening the cult mopeds to electric motors – an idea that might raise eyebrows among purists, but could have a future. Things took a more serious turn when SPD member Moritz Kalthoff recalled that the Jewish owners of the Simson factory were expropriated by the Nazis in the 1930s. This, too, is part of the story behind the cult.

Whether the federal government will allow a speed limit of 60 km/h for re-imports remains to be seen. One thing is certain, however: Hardly any other moped manages to combine nostalgia, politics, history, and questions about the future so elegantly under one helmet. The Simson is more than just a means of transportation—it's a piece of East Germany on two wheels. And it keeps on roaring.