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.
Directive 2004/108/EC limits electromagnetic emissions of equipment in order to make sure that this equipment does not disturb other equipment such as radio, television, mobiles, washing machines, electrical power lines, ….
The Directive is also intended to ensure that the equipment itself is not disturbed by radio emissions of other equipment. Pedelecs with a maximum continous rated motor output of 0.25 kW and assistance up to 25 km/h must comply with Directive 2004/108/EC. For other pedelecs and E-bikes there are electromagnetic compatibility requirements in the type-approval procedure.
Most of the electromagnetic compatibility requirements are covered by EN 15194. However, CEN TC333 should also review EN 15194 to ensure that all obligations resulting from the Directive are covered by the standard. Upon this procedure, a reference to 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. Consequently, a pedelec that complies with EN 15194 will be presumed to comply with Directive 2004/108/EC.
In expectation of such a harmonised standard, the manufacturer has to apply his own methodology for the electromagnetic compatibility assessment. He has to have technical documentation available to prove compliance. He may involve a Notified Body for the conformity assessment procedure. These are organisations accredited by the EU to assess conformity with the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive.
A list of Notified Bodies is here:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/newapproach/nando/index.cfm?fuseaction=directive.notifiedbody&dir_id=129141&type_dir=NO%20CPD&pro_id=99999&prc_id=99999&ann_id=99999&prc_anx=99999.
The manufacturer is required to supply the pedelec with an EC Declaration of Conformity. Also, the pedelec must be identified by type, batch, serial number or any other information allowing for the identification. It should be possible to trace the actual manufacturer; therefore he or his representative needs to be identified by name and address. This information has to accompany the pedelec. Finally the CE marking has to be affixed as shown above, but as explained, this cannot be done unless the product also complies with the Machinery Directive.
Click here for more on: New EPAC Standard for Safe e-Bikes
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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