Talk in Taipei on EPAC Norm as E-Bikes Go Mainstream

BRUSSELS, Belgium - There’s a growing belief in both the US and Europe the electric bike will become a mainstream product in 2009. 2008's faltering economic outlook and sky-high fuel prices provided a boost for the segment because of increased consumer awareness and interest.

The LEV (light electric vehicles), including electric bicycles, will also be one of the focal points at Taipei Cycle 2009.

With the interest and sales of e-Bikes growing there’s also more and more interest for the legal aspects surrounding this new bike category and all that goes with it like electronics and batteries.

Because of that worldwide the e-Bike industry is looking forward to the introduction of the new EN 15194 standard for ‘Electronically Power Assisted Cycles’ (EPAC). This will take place on April 30 of this year.

Here is the complete EPAC implementation time table.

• January 14th, 2009 was the date when the definitive text for EN 15194 was sent to all European National Standards Bodies and was accepted by them. 
• Sixth month after the acceptance of the definitive text all European National Standards Bodies will have implemented the standard as national standard and any previous national standards shall be withdrawn before this date. This date is July 31st 2009.  
• The date of announcement of the standard is April 30th, 2009. The standard will be announced by the European National Standards Bodies and the text of the complete EN 15194 standard for ‘Electronically Power Assisted Cycles’ (EPAC) will be available at the National Standards Bodies in the various European countries.

The implementation of the CE standard varies by country. In some European countries the CE standard is compulsory by law, while in other countries it is just a part of the European product safety ruling.
 
At Taipei Cycle an E-Bike Forum will be held in Conference Room 402 at the TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall 4F on March 18, the show's second day. At all days of the Taipei Cycle show, the ExtraEnergy Test track will be open for test rides on electric bikes and scooters of various manufacturers. Just like last year, the test course will include a spectacular 100m long incline to feel the real benefit of an electric bike.

EnergyBus and BATSO will both be presented at a joint booth with ITRI. Interested industry representatives can make appointments here for private meetings on both items.

A 2-hour information session on each, EnergyBus and BATSO, are planned for March 19, 2009.