The battery and the motor in an e-Bike result in a number of risks that do not exist in a conventional bicycle. In five chapters you can find information on the set of European rules and regulations that apply in all 27 member states regarding e-Bikes.
Companies active in producing, distributing and selling electric bicycles or components of electric bicycles need to be aware of these rules and regulations and should observe them.
The legal status of electric bicycles is slightly complicated. The word ‘electric bicycle’ covers two different concepts of vehicles with an auxiliary electric motor:
- cycles equipped with an auxiliary motor that cannot be exclusively propelled by that motor. Only when the cyclist pedals, does the motor assist. These vehicles are generally called ‘pedelecs’ and they are today the most popular in the EU;
- cycles equipped with an auxiliary electric motor that can be exclusively propelled by that motor. The cyclist is not necessarily required to pedal. These vehicles are generally called ‘E-bikes’.
Pedelecs with a maximum continuous rated power of 0.25 kW and assistance of the motor up to 25 km/h are classified as bicycles. They fall under the European standard EN 15194 and must comply with the Machinery and EMC Directive. Most EU member states allow for self-certification. This means that the manufacturer himself can ensure that the pedelec complies with EN 15194 and the Directives mentioned or he can ask a test lab of his choice to do the necessary tests.
EN 15194 only concerns the electric part of the vehicle, whereas for the bicycle part EN 14764 applies. As a result of these standards pedelecs have to be accompanied by a whole list of instructions for the user of the vehicle. This list is in the text of EN 15194. Furthermore, the pedelec has to be marked with a serial number, with the name of the manufacturer or his representative, with EN 14764 and with the words “EPAC according to EN 15194”.
Pedelecs with a maximum continuous rated power of more than 0.25 kW and/or assistance above 25 km/h and E-bikes that can be exclusively propelled by the motor are classified as mopeds. They fall under the European type-approval legislation for two- or three-wheel motor vehicles, governed by Directive 2002/24/EC. Compliance must be certified by an accredited test lab, but type-approval in 1 European member state is valid in all member states.
The difference between classification as bicycle or as moped is very important. Whereas bicycles can be ridden without any further obligations, there are many constraints to the use of a moped. There is mandatory wear of a helmet, insurance, a number plate, a driver’s license and an age limit. For a lot of people, these are too many obligations. This explains why pedelecs with a motor output of 0.25 kW and assistance up to 25 km/h are the most popular type in Europe.
Review type-approval legislation
The European Commission is currently reviewing the type-approval legislation in Directive 2002/24/EC. In close consultation with a large number of manufacturers, The European Two-Wheeler Retailers Association (ETRA) has developed a proposal for the European Commission, aimed at improving the rules for electric bicycles in this Directive. The proposal holds two important elements.
For pedelecs classified as bicycles, ETRA suggests to increase the motor output limit from 0.25 kW to 0.50 kW. The current limit of 0.25 kW proves to be insufficient for instance for pedelecs used in hilly areas, for obese people, for three-wheelers, cargo bikes, etc.
If people in these cases need a more powerful pedelec, it is today classified as a moped, so it has to be type-approved and the driver must wear a helmet, have an insurance, etc. If these pedelecs are classified as bicycles, people will be able to use the vehicle without all these obligations and that will open up the market.
Secondly, the type-approval procedure has originally been developed for traditional mopeds, long before pedelecs and E-bikes were on the market. As a result, the technical procedure is not well adapted to pedelecs and E-bikes. Therefore, ETRA proposes to the European Commission a type-approval procedure that is more suitable for electric bicycles. The European Commission is expected to present a proposal for the review in the second half of 2010.
Click here for more on:
- EU Regulations for e-Bikes (Part 1) Type-approval legislation and CEN standards
- EU Regulations for e-Bikes (Part 2) Machinery Directive
- EU Regulations for e-Bikes (Part 3) Electromagnetic Compatibility
- EU Regulations for e-Bikes (Part 4) Battery Transportation
- EU Regulations for e-Bikes (Part 5) Battery Directive
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