Regulation related to e-bikes

 

 

As e-bikes increase in popularity around the world, it is pertinent for all European enthusiasts to know about e-bike laws in Europe!

Electric bikes provide the solution to two major problems facing humanity today: rapid urbanization and climate change. Not only do e-bikes help manage traffic congestion, they are also extremely environmentally friendly.

Different countries have different laws regarding the use of e-bikes. While some places are very lenient and welcoming, others have strict requirements.

General directions

Electric bikes, also called e-bikes or pedelecs (Pedal Electric Assisted Cycles), are bicycles equipped with an electric motor and a battery and other accessories. They are diveded into two categories: electric pedal-assist bicycles and electric mopeds.

Electric Pedal-assist Bicycles:

Electric pedal-assist bicycles are bikes with pedal assistance. They are equipped with a motor that starts working only when the pedals are activated, as the name implies, the motor ONLY works to "assist" the cyclist, that’s why they are classified as cycles. Those e-bikes do not require any approval of authority or the payment of road tax and insurance.

Electric Mopeds:

Electric mopeds are self-operated bikes. They are equipped with a motor that operates when the pedals of the bicycle are not moving. The bikes in this category must also have a license plate and are subject to the payment of the road tax and insurance.

An electric bike with pure electric mode and pedal-assist mode will be treated as pedelecs if you only use pedal-assist mode on public roads. When it comes to city cruising, the pure electric mode needs special approvals from authority to circulate or to move outside the public roads and in special territories.

To meet this requirement, some ebike riders prefer to disable the pure electric mode when riding in the city. Another solution is getting an electric bike without a throttle

Pedelec

Apart from the above there are are further casifications to be considered:

  • The engine at rotation speed must not exceed 0.25kW(250W);
  • The assistance of the electric motor must be functional only until reaching 25 km/h;
  • When the cyclist stops pedaling the engine must stop.

This means that the engine is activated only if the cyclist pedals and it has to stop when the speed exceeds 25km/h or ride the bike without the engine on.

S-Pedelec

They are the electric bikes which have the characteristcs described above BUT can reach higher speed up to 45kph. Those are considered as electric mopeds (descrived above)

 

Eu regulation on electric bikes

Electric Bike Certifications

To ensure safety and protect the rights and interests of consumers, ebikes need to pass some certifications including UN38.3, UL, FCC, ROHS, CE, etc. Among them, CE certification is a mandatory standard for products sold in the European market. The CE certification means the products have been assessed to meet high safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. When ebikes are transported to the EU, the customs will check the CE certification along with the products for customs clearance. 

 

Worldwide regulations

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle_laws

 

IMPORTANT NOTE

This an outline information to make you aware of the limitations of using an e-bike. You should check the regulation of your country before purchasing an e-bike. It is always useful to ask for the necessary cerificates if indented to use the bike in public roads and bicycle lanes.

The buyer assumes all liabilities and risks associated with the use of any electric bicycles ordered through this website.