Author Archives: Ineke Meireleire

• Second Best Year Ever for New Speed Pedelecs in Belgium, Significant Decline in the Netherlands

  04/03/2024 11:58 Comments Off on Second Best Year Ever for New Speed Pedelecs in Belgium, Significant Decline in the Netherlands

  With 15,672 newly registered speed pedelecs in Belgium, 2023 is the second-best year ever, after the absolute record year 2022. In seven years, the market for new speed pedelecs has increased by +283%.

  There are several reasons for this growth: historically high traffic congestion combined with increasingly better bicycle infrastructure, technological advancement (greater range thanks to more powerful batteries, increased safety thanks to ABS, etc.), and a more widespread and increased cycling allowance. The latter has been raised to € 0.35 per km since 1 January 2024 of which a maximum of € 3,500 is free of tax and social security.

  

  Second-hand speed pedelecs achieved a record figure of 6,805 units for 2023. That is almost 20% more than in 2022 and whopping 125% more than in 2021. This success can be largely attributed to the increasing number of lease speed pedelecs that become available and are either bought secondhand or resold. Of course, there are also private buyers who are happy to trade in their speed pedelec for a more modern model.

  All in all, new speed and secondhand speed pedelecs reached a total of 22.477 registrations, only 16 vehicles less than in 2022.

  However, there is a significant shift in the market: the explosive growth of the leasing segment, whose market share rose to 49.9% in 2023, at the expense of registrations by both companies and individuals. Particularly, individually bought speed pedelecs dropped a lot (-33.3%), but speed pedelecs bought by companies also declined significantly (-11%).

  Bicycle leasing offers some obvious benefits for companies such as less administrative burden, no worries about maintenance, insurance, or residual value because everything is neatly arranged for them and for the employee.

  To conclude the chapter on leasing, one might wonder if bicycle leasing is following the trend of cars in Belgium. More than half of the fast bikes are leased, and the share of individually bought speed pedelecs is sharply declining. If this trend continues, it will have a significant impact on the organization of bicycle retailers.

  This shift to leasing also has an impact on provincial results because now the provinces with the most leasing companies are disproportionately performing well – especially Vlaams-Brabant and Limburg but also East Flanders. Antwerp, which has many private buyers and fewer leasing companies, has lost its longstanding leadership position for just over a year. Brussels remains unchanged, and in Wallonia, we only see declines. The speed pedelec is struggling to gain traction in the French-speaking part of the country, partly due to less developed bicycle infrastructure, lower traffic congestion, and – specifically for Brussels – competition with regular bicycles and e-scooters in the extended 30 km/h zones.

  The good news is also that from May 1, 2023, all employees in the private sector are entitled to a cycling allowance, which could give bicycle sales in general, as well as sales of speed pedelecs, an extra boost. This is already notable in the success of the new speed pedelecs that are registered through leasing.

  In the Netherlands we observe a different situation: the bicycle market shows a significant decline for 2023 with a total of 4,185 speed pedelecs sold. The speed pedelec market was not hit as hard as the regular bicycle and e-bike market, but many speed pedelec sellers and manufacturers also felt the impact. The level of speed pedelec sales remained below the level of 2021 for several months in 2023.

  Contrary to Belgium, the Netherlands offers few fiscally attractive options for speed pedelec riders. For self-employed individuals (ZZP-ers), there are the MIA (Environmental Investment Allowance) and VAMIL (Random Depreciation of Environmental Investments), but the general public cannot benefit from these, and this is reflected in the sales.

  

  The best performing brand in both countries is Stromer capturing a market share of 39% in Belgium and 53% in the Netherlands. Additionally, Klever, Gazelle and Giant enjoyed  growth in 2023.

  In Belgium, two Belgian brands are part of the top 10: Ellio and ASKA. With 378 and 198 speed pedelecs sold in Belgium respectively, these young Belgian companies are demonstrating remarkable performance alongside the established brands. A third brand, Spector, had their first sales in 2023 in Belgium.

  

  

  Source:

  1. https://www.traxio.be/artikels/speed-pedelecs-jaaranalyse-tweede-beste-jaar-ooit-voor-nieuwe-speed-peledecs-recordjaar-voor-tweedehands
  2. Het speed pedelec jaar 2023: de cijfers in België en Nederland – Speed Pedelec Review

• Ireland Allows Personal Powered Transporters (PPTs) & Updates E-Bike Classifications

  29/01/2024 16:15 Comments Off on Ireland Allows Personal Powered Transporters (PPTs) & Updates E-Bike Classifications

  The new Irish Road Traffic and Roads Act of 2023 was enacted on 23rd June 2023 and took effect from 31st July 2023. The act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to modernize and future-proof Ireland’s regulatory system to ensure that it can adapt to new technologies as they continue to emerge. A significant part of this legislation, Part 12, will change the definition of a Mechanically Propelled Vehicle (MPV) and will create a new category called a Powered Personal Transporter (PPT). It clarifies the legal status of e-bikes.

  1. Powered Personal Transporters (PPTs): A New Vehicle Class

  This new vehicle category will include e-scooters and future micro-mobility devices. PPTs do not require registration, motor tax, insurance or or a driving licence for use on Irish roads.

  The power, weight and design speed of PPTs are capped as follows:

  • Maximum continuous rated power output of up to 500 W
  • Maximum net weight of 25 kg (battery included)
  • Maximum design speed of up to 25 km/h

  While the Act sets these values for all PPTs, it grants the Minister the authority to adjust them in regulations tailored to specific PPT types. It’s important to note that the use of any PPT will only be legal once specific regulations are in place. The Department of Transport is actively working on regulations for e-scooters, but there are currently no plans to regulate other PPTs, such as self-balancing vehicles for instance, thus making them illegal for use on public roads.

  2. E-bikes: Classifications

  E-bikes will be split into two classifications.

  a. Pedal Assist E-bikes (Pedelecs):

  Power output: Up to or equal to 250W

  Motor cuts before reaching 25 km/h

  Pedelecs falling within these specifications will be classified similarly to regular pedal cycles. Users can continue to ride them on public roads and on cycle and bus lanes. Just like conventional bicycles, they are not allowed on footpaths or motorways. No registration, tax, insurance, or driver’s licence is required for these e-bikes.

  b. E-bikes with Higher Power Output (Speed Pedelecs):

  Power output exceeding 250W and/or motor not cutting out at 25 km/h

  E-bikes falling under this category will be classified as e-mopeds, treated as mechanically propelled vehicles (MPVs), similar to mopeds or motorcycles. Users will need to register, tax, and insure their e-mopeds, and an AM category driver’s licence is mandatory.

  By implementing the insurance exemption in its Road Traffic and Roads Act, Ireland applies the new European Directive 2021/2118 of 24 November 2021 amending Directive 2009/103/EC relating to insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles, and the enforcement of the obligation to insure against such liability.

  In this directive the insurance exemption applies to any motor vehicle propelled exclusively by mechanical power on land with:

  • A maximum design speed of less than 25 km/h; or
  • A maximum net weight of less than 25kg and a maximum design speed of less than 14 km/h

  The regulations for e-mopeds are anticipated to be effective in the first quarter of this year, once administrative arrangements for registration, driver testing, licensing, and taxation are in place.

  Photo by Joseph Kelly on Unsplash

• More Belgian employees choose to cycle to and from work

  15/01/2024 17:06 Comments Off on More Belgian employees choose to cycle to and from work

  On the 11^th of January 2024 HR services company Acerta published the results of their quarterly Mobility Barometer surveying the commuting habits of 330,000 employees in Belgium. This survey reveals a notable shift in the way of commuting:  the car is losing ground to bicycles. 35.8% of employees occasionally cycle to work. Interestingly, the average commuting distance in Belgium has risen by half a kilometer in just one year, now surpassing 20 kilometers.

  While 23% of Belgian white-collar workers still possess a company car, the car is no longer the sole means of transportation for employees. According to Acerta’s Mobility Barometer, reliance on cars for commuting has decreased from 78.4% in 2021 to 77.9% in 2022. The bicycle is gaining ground, reaching a 35.8% share, and public transportation is also making strides, now utilized by 8.3% of employees, compared to 7.8% in 2021.

  Charlotte Thijs, Acerta’s mobility expert, comments, “There has been a growing awareness regarding transportation choices. Factors such as increasing environmental consciousness, a diverse range of transport options, the boosted image of (electric) bicycles, and recent spikes in fuel prices are influencing employees not to automatically choose cars, indicating a potential decline in the decades-long dominance of automobiles.”

  The most popular combination is that of a car and bicycle, with 19% opting for this mode. Additionally, 15% exclusively choose bicycles. Public transportation users mostly don’t combine it with other modes (5.8%), or if they do, it’s with bicycles (1.2%).

  Charlotte Thijs adds, “The sustained popularity of bicycles in commuting doesn’t come as a surprise. We observe more employers offering bike leases, and there’s an increase in individuals receiving bicycle allowances. Public transportation seems to benefit from various trends, and with more flexible subscription systems catering to remote work, further gains are possible.”

  Source:The data collected are based on a sample of actual salary data from employees working for more than 40,000 employers in the private sector, including both SMEs and large enterprises. The data were collected through the ACERTA Mobility Barometer between 2021 and 2022, providing a representative depiction of the Belgian employee population in the private sector. ACERTA conducts measurements quarterly, and this marks the seventh edition of the study.

• Flanders introduces specific rider exam for Speed Pedelecs

  29/09/2023 18:02 Comments Off on Flanders introduces specific rider exam for Speed Pedelecs

  As of the 1^st of October 2023, candidates aiming to obtain a Category AM driver’s license will have the option to take the practical exam using a speed pedelec.

  For those interested in riding a speed pedelec, it is essential to hold either a Category AM or A driver’s license, unless they already possess a Category B license. Previously, the Category AM exam required candidates to use a conventional scooter for testing.

  One of the key highlights of this update is the introduction of examination maneuvers specifically designed for speed pedelecs. This adjustment in the driving exam procedure is of significant importance, considering the accident statistics related to speed pedelecs.

  More information can be found in the following brochure:

  64f18f00a0e595362e56d873_Doc 131-BAN_V.pdf (website-files.com)

  To our knowledge, Flanders is the very first to introduce a specific AM-exam for speed pedelecs. Do you know of any other countries or regions in the EU who already have such a specific exam for speed pedelecs? Do let us know by mail to ineke@leva-eu.com

• UK Government Extends CE Mark Recognition

  17:38 Comments Off on UK Government Extends CE Mark Recognition

  During the summer holidays, the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has announced an indefinite extension of the use of CE marking for businesses in the whole of the UK.

  CE marking, which signifies conformity with European technical legislation, will continue to be allowed alongside the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark. Originally the idea was to abolish CE marking and replace it completely with UKCA in Great-Britain. For Northern-Ireland, the plan was always to maintain CE marking only.

  The extension of the validity of the CE marking comes after extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, addressing their concerns and aligning with their growth objectives. By allowing businesses to continue using CE marking, the government allegedly aims to provide them with the clarity needed to focus on innovation and expansion, rather than navigating regulatory complexities. The extension should provide businesses with flexibility and choice to use either the UKCA or CE approach to sell products in Great Britain.

  However, it’s unclear what the effect will be once the legislation behind the respective marks will start to deviate from each other. The best example is the replacement of the Machinery Directive by the Machinery Regulation. As of end December 2026, in the EU the current Directive will be replaced by a Regulation with a number of new and amended requirements. The UK will not implement the new Machinery Regulation but will stay with the Machinery Directive. Consequently, the CE marking and the UKCA marking will stand for two different things. Since the UKCA marking will not cover the additional and amended requirements of the new Regulation, it may then be attractive to opt for the UKCA marking for the Brittish market. As times moves on, the CE and UKCA markings will only grow further apart.

  Another issue relates to the fact that the UK continues its participation in European standards. If standards get harmonized under the new Machinery Regulation, this harmonization will have no legal value in the UK, which will not implement that Regulation. All these are difficult questions which the current government has clearly decided to pass on to their successors.