Author Archives: Harold Tor-Daenens

• Battery Regulation, EN 50604 and Response to ZIV-Position Take Centre Stage at LEVA-EU Info Meeting

  30/06/2025 17:13 Comments Off on Battery Regulation, EN 50604 and Response to ZIV-Position Take Centre Stage at LEVA-EU Info Meeting

  It was full house at LEVA-EU’s Info-Meeting at Eurobike held on Thursday 26 June. With a packed agenda on the EU’s Battery Regulation, EN 50504 and the German Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV)’s proposal on EPAC legislation, the LEVA-EU team provided valuable fact-based insights to members and participants.

  Getting ready for the Battery Regulation and EN 50604

  Since 18 February 2024, the EU’s Battery Regulation has been in force, applying to all batteries used in LEVs — including e-bikes, speed pedelecs, electric cargo bikes, and other electric micromobility vehicles. LEVA-EU Managing Director Annick Roetynck delivered a clear and concise overview of the regulation’s scope, obligations, and upcoming deadlines.

  She emphasised that the Battery Regulation is not merely another CE marking exercise. Rather, it represents a substantial overhaul of requirements in areas such as design, safety, performance testing, documentation, labelling, traceability, carbon footprint, and recyclability. Importantly, she warned of the risks associated with legal misinterpretation and misinformation, particularly given that several key technical guidelines from EU authorities are still pending clarification. LEVA-EU informs its members and consults with them on the Battery Regulation and battery standards in the Battery Working Group for members.

  In addition, participants were briefed on EN 50604-1+A1, the European battery safety standard for light electric vehicles. This standard has been introduced in both the revised EN 15194+A1 and in the 17860-5, the standard on electrical aspects for electric carrier cycles. While not a legal requirement under the Battery Regulation, EN 50604 is a European technical standard used for assessing battery safety and compliance. Annick Roetynck clarified that EN 50604 does not replace the legal obligations under the Battery Regulation. The standard holds specific technical requirements for light electric vehicles, including electric cycles, and thus complements the mechanical part of electric cycle standards such as EN 15194 and EN17860-5.

  Clarification on the Industry-Wide Implications of ZIV’s Position on EPACs

  The second half of the event focused on LEVA-EU’s analysis of and response to the German Bicycle Industry Association’s (ZIV) proposal on e-bike regulations, presented by Technical Director Bram Rotthier. ZIV is advocating for a narrower definition of Electrically Power Assisted Cycles (EPACs), through limiting peak power and maximum assistance ratio. Such a change would push other LEVs — particularly electric cargo cycles — into the more complex type-approval process. It may also significantly reduce accessibility to e-bikes for riders with limited muscular power and/or a handicap. This proposed shift risks severely impacting the market and hindering innovation.

  LEVA-EU calls to always keep the goal of technical legislation in mind: ‘guaranteeing that all vehicles on the road are technically safe’. The major parameters impacting vehicle safety are speed, gross weight and ‘controllability’. Introducing additional parameters should be based on a scientific foundation. LEVA-EU is concerned that a possible limitation of the peak power or the assistance factor is rather a safety risk than a safety measure.

  With a better understanding of the proposal’s potential damages to the LEV industry, there was support from a majority of participants for a strong united industry voice that protects innovation, diversity, and fair market access.

  For more information about LEVA-EU’s info-meeting, contact us at info@leva-eu.com.

  

  

  

  

• Shaping the Future of Light Electric Vehicles: Why Your Involvement in Standardisation Matters

  19/05/2025 12:18 Comments Off on Shaping the Future of Light Electric Vehicles: Why Your Involvement in Standardisation Matters

  The Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) industry has gained strong momentum in Europe. From e-bikes and cargo cycles to e-scooters and self-balancing transporters, new innovative solutions are emerging that can transform mobility and logistics sustainably—helping to tackle climate change.

  Yet, as the sector grows, so does the complexity of ensuring these vehicles meet legal safety, performance, and interoperability requirements. European and international standards play a central role, helping the industry translate regulatory requirements into concrete technical specifications and testing procedures.

  For LEV companies—whether startups, scale-ups, or established businesses—the stakes have never been higher. Standards define compliance, provide legal certainty, shape market access, and influence innovation. Yet, too few businesses recognize the critical role of standardisation in their success—or the risks of staying on the sidelines. Many lack a global overview of standardisation efforts and, more importantly, do not fully understand the relationship between legislation and standardisation.

  This is where LEVA-EU steps in. As the European trade association for the LEV sector, LEVA-EU represents companies in key standardisation committees, ensuring their voices are heard. But we cannot do it alone. The industry must engage proactively to ensure standards remain accurate, practical, forward-looking, and aligned with technological advancements. Here’s why your participation in standardisation matters—and how LEVA-EU is already driving change.

  
  

  Why Standardisation Matters for LEV Companies

  Standards are the backbone of the LEV industry. They ensure safety for users and for companies, market access, legal certainty, and fair competition. However, standard-setting without proper industry input can lead to consequences that impact companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in specific ways:

  • Barriers to market entry: Standards shaped by larger players without SME involvement may favour established technologies or impose costly compliance requirements, making it harder for smaller companies to compete.
  • Increased operational costs: SMEs often operate with limited resources, and sudden regulatory changes can require expensive adaptations, including new certifications, testing, or redesigns.
  • Delayed innovation: If standards fail to accommodate emerging technologies, SMEs may struggle to bring innovative solutions to market, losing valuable time and competitive advantage.
  • Legal and regulatory risks: Misaligned standards can result in SMEs unintentionally falling out of compliance, exposing them to fines or liability issues.

  For SMEs, proactive engagement in standardisation—for instance through LEVA-EU or direct involvement—can mitigate these risks and ensure that their interests are represented.

  By engaging in standardisation, companies gain early insights into standardisation trends, influence the direction of new requirements, and future-proof their products. LEVA-EU bridges the gap between businesses and policymakers in standardisation, amplifying our collective impact.

  
  

  LEVA-EU’s Key Standardisation Initiatives

  LEVA-EU actively participates in five critical Technical Committees (TCs) and their Working Groups (WGs). Here’s how we are involved in shaping standards today:

  CEN/TC 333 – Cycles

  • WG 5: Electric Power-Assisted Cycles (EPACs) – Overseeing EN 15194, the key standard for EPACs and the only LEV standard harmonized under the Machinery Directive. LEVA-EU advocates for a clear, technology-neutral standard that fosters innovation while preventing overregulation.
  • WG 9: Carrier Cycles – Developing safety and load-testing standards for cargo bikes, trailers, and passenger transport solutions.

  CEN/TC 354 – Ride-on, Motorized Vehicles

  • WG 4: Light Electric Vehicles & Self-Balancing Vehicles – Updating standards for e-scooters and self-balancing vehicles to counter fragmented national regulations.

  CLC/TC 21X – Secondary Cells and Batteries

  • Updating the EN 50604, the battery standard for LEVs and currently also developing performance and durability requirements aligned with the EU Battery Regulation.

  CEN/TC 125 – e-Transporters

  • Standardisation for electric transport devices (e.g., e-scooters, delivery robots) in public spaces. Bram Rotthier, LEVA-EU’s technical director is secretary to this TC.

  ISO/TC 149/SC1 – Cycles (International)

  • Aligning EU and international cycle standards to reduce trade barriers.

  
  

  How LEVA-EU Members Stay Ahead

  Membership in LEVA-EU isn’t just about representation—it’s about access and preparedness. LEVA-EU provides:

  • Regular updates on draft standards and committee discussions
  • Analysis of impacts on your product category
  • Opportunities to voice concerns through our technical experts
  • Collaboration with SBS, the voice of European SMEs in standardisation. As an SBS-expert, Eddie Eccleston works in TC333 to safeguard SME interests.

  
  

  Your Seat at the Table

  The LEV industry cannot afford to overlook standardisation. Standards will define tomorrow’s winners and losers. By joining LEVA-EU, you gain:

  • Influence over standards that affect your business
  • Early warnings about regulatory shifts
  • A network of peers navigating the same challenges

  Don’t let others decide your future. Join LEVA-EU today and ensure your innovations thrive in a regulated world. Together, we’ll build standards that work for our industry—not against it.

  LEVA-EU: Empowering Your Innovation Through Smarter Standards.

  Learn more about membership benefits at leva-eu.com.

• LEVA-EU in the European Commission’s Expert Group on Machinery

  15/04/2025 17:16 Comments Off on LEVA-EU in the European Commission’s Expert Group on Machinery

  On 11 April 2025, LEVA-EU took part in the meeting of the Expert Group on Machinery organised by the European Commission.

  Meeting twice a year, the group consists of representatives from EU Member States as well as trade organisations such as LEVA-EU. The work programme and functioning of the group is coordinated by DG GROW of the Commission.

  One of the most important dossiers currently treated by the Expert Group on Machinery pertain to the transition from Machinery Directive to Machinery Regulation. An editorial group has been set up to draft the Guide to on the application of the new Machinery Regulation together with Member State experts and market surveillance authorities.

  It is vital that LEVA-EU continues to represent its members’ interests at the Expert Group on Machinery, because all non-type-approved light electric vehicles fall under the remit of the Machinery Directive (and from 20 January 2027 onwards, the Machinery Regulation).

  It was in this group that LEVA-EU raised the attention of both the European Commission and the national authorities on the insufficient market surveillance at the Member State level to prevent the influx of illegal LEVs into the European Single Market that threaten the level playing field of compliant LEV companies.

  Members of LEVA-EU benefit from its direct feedback to policymakers and stakeholders. For more information about the ongoing EU advocacy efforts of LEVA-EU, visit our membership information page.

• LEVA-EU took part in event by Stan4Swap Project

  10/04/2025 09:39 Comments Off on LEVA-EU took part in event by Stan4Swap Project

  LEVA-EU took part in the debate “Swappable Batteries – a clean revolution for European Urban Mobility?” organised by the Stan4Swap project at the European Parliament on 9 April.

  Funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation, the project sets out to propose a standardisation roadmap in Europe for swappable battery systems for light electric vehicles.

  The project is coordinated by Piaggio, and the consortium includes CENELEC, HYBA, Swobbee, KTM, Fraunhofer, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and BMGI consulting.

  The event was opened by MEP Pierfrancesco Maran.

  On behalf of LEVA-EU, Harold Tor-Daenens made the following interventions about concept proposed by the project:

  1. The Stan4Swap project seems to be limited to L3e vehicles (electric motorcycles) while the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation calls for looking at all L-category vehicles. Any proposal of swappable battery standards will require further consultation with all other categories.
  2. The concept of swappable battery stations will require alignment with the new Battery Regulation. Some clauses within the regulation such as the future digital battery passport and the safety requirements against the removability of batteries by end-users would need to be addressed.
  3. For swappable battery stations to work, they need to be profitable. The concept needs to have a clear business case – firmly supported by regulation – which is outside the scope of the project.

  Echoing the input by other participants on how EU policymakers should embrace LEVs as an integral part of logistics and supply chain deliveries, Harold Tor-Daenens made the point that the European Commission should enlarge the definition of “corporate fleet” to include all LEVs. This will not only help the EU advance rapidly towards its climate goals and open up the economic possibilities for innovative ideas such as swappable battery stations for LEVs.

  This point was kindly taken note of by representatives of DG GROW and DG MOVE of the European Commission present.

• LEVA-EU joins other transport sectors in an open letter to the EU Member States: A competitive and resilient Europe requires a stronger EU transport budget

  03/04/2025 09:42 Comments Off on LEVA-EU joins other transport sectors in an open letter to the EU Member States: A competitive and resilient Europe requires a stronger EU transport budget

  47 European transport organisations, among which LEVA-EU, have joined forces and are collectively urging national governments and the European Commission to maintain and strengthen a robust dedicated European transport funding instrument under the future EU budget.

  With the upcoming discussions on the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF), the 47 transport organisations underline that the European coordination and implementation of infrastructure across Europe is more than ever crucial. It is the only guarantee for safeguarding the smooth functioning of the EU internal market and is instrumental to enhancing Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and military preparedness – the key EU priorities for the coming years. The Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta reports reaffirm this as a crucial policy priority, underscoring how a well-functioning European transport network is essential to drive economic growth, job creation and cohesion in Europe.

  Europe’s transport sector is therefore very concerned about the Commission’s plans to redirect a large part of the European transport funding towards National Single Plans. In an open letter, Europe’s transport sector is asking Member States to give a strong signal towards the Commission in favour of preserving a solid dedicated European transport funding instrument under the next MFF. Such an approach ensures that the European budget prioritises investments of high European added value and safeguards a much needed long-term strategic and stable investment planning.

  Annick Roetynck, Managing Director of the Light Electric Vehicles Association (LEVA-EU): “The LEV industry is joining the other European transport associations in sounding the alarm. Transport is the backbone of Europe’s internal market and plays a key role in supporting the livelihood and mobility needs of millions across the continent. In deliberations on the future EU budget, we are collectively asking the national governments and the European Commission to preserve and further strengthen the European transport budget to support the transport investments that are needed to keep Europe’s economy and society moving and to build the stronger, more resilient and competitive Europe we need. Every Member State will benefit from a stronger transport industry economically and socially.”

  The open letter to the EU Member States, with the full list of signatories, can be found here.

• LEVA-EU took part in 12th EGUM plenary

  28/03/2025 18:23 Comments Off on LEVA-EU took part in 12th EGUM plenary

  LEVA-EU’s Policy Director Harold Tor-Daenens took part in the 12th plenary session of the Expert Group on urban mobility (EGUM) on 25 March.

  Held in the European Commission, the EGUM is a platform for dialogue and co-creation of actions to implement the 2021 EU Urban Mobility Framework.

  As the official trade association representing the full Light Electric Vehicles industry, LEVA-EU takes part in EGUM as well as its sub-groups to engage with EU Member States, cities and regional officials and other stakeholders on all current issues of urban mobility and urban logistics.

  Chairing the meeting are officials from the Directorate-General of Transport (DG MOVE) of the European Commission.

  “It is vital that LEVA-EU engages actively in EGUM,” says Harold Tor-Daenens. “It is one of the important fora where we can put forward the perspectives of our member companies so that these are fed into future regulatory developments of the European Union.”

  Issues discussed in EGUM ranges from functional urban areas (FUA) to city access for businesses. With cities and regions taking part in these discussions, LEVA-EU provides the necessary industry insights with concrete case studies from our members.

  Last year, LEVA-EU’s active participation in EGUM led to a significant milestone with the official recognition of light electric mobility as a key component of sustainable urban mobility in the forum’s formal recommendations to the European Commission.

  Only members are able to provide feedback through LEVA-EU to EGUM. Companies that are interested in joining our industry voice at the EU level can visit this page to know more about our membership terms and conditions.