BRUSSELS, Belgium - The dispute on future e-bike regulations in the European committee where e-bike standards are developed, the CEN/TC 333*, has entered the next level of argumentation. Until now, many questioned the German industry association ZIV over its standpoint. Yesterday, ZIV published a statement claiming that, "our member companies once again explicitly endorsed the proposed technical parameters, giving the association a clear mandate exceeding 80%."

BERLIN, Germany - E-bikes are the spearhead of electromobility in Europe. Over the past 10 years, e-bikes have fundamentally transformed the European mobility market. At the same time, stakeholders have become more diverse. The German research institute zNT assessed the discussion on the regulatory framework for e-bikes and concluded: if you want to change the regulations, you must not only provide technical arguments, but also prove that what has been achieved will not be jeopardised.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - In a last-minute amendment speed pedelecs are excluded from the imposition of new EU regulations aimed at making the automotive sector more sustainable. "This vote aligns with our position and marks a significant step toward a more coherent and efficient regulatory framework for the e-bike sector," writes industry confederation CONEBI in a first response.

ZEIST, the Netherlands - It's May as I write this blog, the time of year when cockchafers (May bugs) emerge from the ground en masse. This phenomenon is remarkable in itself, as the insect has been largely eradicated in most parts of the Netherlands due to pesticide use. Each time, it's a fascinating spectacle. After spending up to five years underground as larvae - being a persistent nuisance to my garden - they get to live above ground for just a few short weeks.

DELFT, the Netherlands - Cargo bikes and box bikes are now also getting their own European standard, following the example of similar standards set for bicycles, e-bikes and individual components. This should ensure, among other things, that cargo bikes' overall safety and quality are held to a high standard within Europe.

LONG BEACH, United States - Amid an increasingly volatile trade industry, independent testing and certification body ACT Lab has launched a global pricing initiative to support bicycle and e-mobility manufacturers in maintaining safe and compliant products. The "Tariff Reduction ACT" applies to mechanical and chemical testing services in bundled packages to help companies navigating the frequently shifting trade policies and disruptions in the supply chain.