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.
Early 2010, the European Commission has officially confirmed that pedelecs with a maximum continuous rated power of 0.25 kW and assistance up to 25 km/h must comply with Directive 2006/42/EC on Machinery. This Directive contains a list of essential health and safety requirements for the design and construction of machinery, including pedelecs. Manufacturers may only sell pedelecs in the EU if they comply with these requirements.
Most of the requirements are covered by EN 15194. However, CEN TC333 needs to review EN 15194 to ensure that all obligations imposed by the Directive are covered by the standard. Upon this procedure, a reference to the EN 15194 will be published in the Official Journal of the EU. This will turn EN 15194 into a harmonised standard under the Machinery Directive. As a result, a pedelec that complies with EN 15194 will be presumed to comply with Directive 2006/42/EC.
The Machinery Directive holds a few additional administrative obligations for manufacturers. They have to have a complete technical file on the product available and they have to supply the pedelec with an EC Declaration of Conformity. The vehicle must have a CE conformity marking that consists of the initials ‘CE’ as shown below.
The CE marking shall be fixed next to the name of the manufacturer or his representative. However, this marking can only be affixed if the pedelec also conforms to Directive 2004/108/EC relating to electromagnetic compatibility.
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
Stay on top of the news. 