There are two issues here. Both only apply IF you want to qualify for a Compostela.
1. Anyone riding a bicycle into Santiago from a Camino route MUST cycle the FINAL 200 kilometers on that recognized route, into Santiago. For example, this generally means starting at Ponferrada on the
Camino Frances or Camino Invierno, or at Porto on the Camino Portuguese. Cycling from Sarria, Tui or Ferrol, would not be enough to qualify.
2. If anyone uses an electric assist bicycle for a Camino, it must be incapable of being ridden without pedaling. In other words, only Category I electric bikes - without throttles - qualify. The test is simple:
- If you MUST pedal for any electric assist to apply, and if you stop pedaling there is NO ELECTRIC ASSIST, this bicycle will qualify you for a Compostela, assuming you met the distance requirement.
- On the other hand, if the bicycle is capable of being ridden SOLELY ON ELECTRIC POWER, without pedaling at all, this bicycle does NOT QUALIFY you for a Compostela.
This said, the security guards are supposed to inform arriving bicycle pilgrims of this fact. However, I am unaware if the rule is being applied.
Hope this helps,
Tom