Author Archives: Annick Roetynck

About Annick Roetynck

Annick is the Manager of LEVA-EU, with decades of experience in two-wheeled and light electric mobility.

• LEVA-EU and SBS Unveil LEV-Standardisation Briefing at Eurobike

  08/07/2024 15:51 Comments Off on LEVA-EU and SBS Unveil LEV-Standardisation Briefing at Eurobike

  At Eurobike, LEVA-EU and SBS joined forces to offer professional visitors comprehensive information on standards for electric (cargo) cycles, e-scooters, and self-balancing vehicles. The event’s highlight was a lunch meeting on Thursday, July 4th, where experts from LEVA-EU and SBS presented the latest developments in standardisation work and introduced an extensive briefing on LEV-standardisation.

  About LEVA-EU

  LEVA-EU is the European trade association dedicated to companies in the light electric vehicle (LEV) sector. Covering all LEVs both within and outside the scope of Regulation 168/2013, LEVA-EU is the only professional association in the EU exclusively focused on LEVs. These vehicles range from e-scooters and e(cargo)cycles to e-mopeds, e-motorcycles, and microcars. Currently, LEVA-EU represents around 70 companies active in all LEV segments, including component manufacturers and service suppliers.

  The trade organisation provides its members with critical information and guidance on LEV regulations and legislation. Additionally, LEVA-EU advocates for better legislation and regulations directly with European institutions.

  LEVA-EU’s Expert Involvement in Standards Development

  LEVA-EU has three experts actively participating in European and international technical committees (TC) on LEV standards:

  • Annick Roetynck, LEVA-EU Manager, focuses on CEN TC333 – cycles, actively participating in WG5-EPACs and WG9-(e) carrier cycles.
  • Bram Rotthier, LEVA-EU Technical Director, is heavily involved in IEC TC125, where he contributes to the development of standards for eTransporters. As the secretary of this TC, he plays a particularly prominent role.
  • Eddie Eccleston has been an SBS expert in CEN TC333 cycles for years, with a specific mandate from SBS to protect the interests of SMEs in the development of standards.

  LEVA-EU’s direct involvement in these committees ensures that the standards and regulations developed are practical and beneficial for the LEV sector.

  Strengthening SME Focus: LEVA-EU and Small Business Standards

  To bolster its support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), LEVA-EU joined Small Business Standards (SBS) last year. SBS is a European non-profit association co-financed by the European Union and EFTA Member States. Its mission is to represent and defend SMEs’ interests in the standardisation process at both European and international levels. SBS also aims to raise SME awareness about the benefits of standards and to encourage their participation in the standardisation process. The establishment of SBS aligns with the European Union’s goal to make the standardisation system inclusive, transparent, and accessible.

  Successful Standardisation Information Meeting at Eurobike

  At Eurobike, LEVA-EU and SBS organised a highly successful information meeting on standardisation, attracting over 100 registrations. The purpose of the meeting was to familiarise participants with various aspects of standardisation, including:

  

  • How standards are developed and approved
  • The relationship between standards and legislation
  • Ways in which companies can be involved in the standardisation process, directly or indirectly

  LEVA-EU and SBS provided an extensive overview of the current standards for e-scooters, self-balancing vehicles, EPACs, and e-cargocycles. Key points covered included:

  • The new EU Machinery Regulation and Battery Regulation issued last year
  • The relationship between these regulations and the relevant standards
  • The European Commission’s mandate to CENELEC to develop new standards for batteries used in light means of transport
  • The latest amendment to the EN15194 standard for EPACs, which includes new battery requirements

  Extensive Briefing on Standardisation

  With the support of SBS, LEVA-EU has published a detailed briefing on standardisation. This comprehensive resource is now available for free, accessible via the following link: https://vqr.vc/Ejy0eaDbu.

  By joining forces with SBS and organising such informative events, LEVA-EU continues to empower SMEs in the LEV sector, ensuring they are well-informed and actively engaged in the standardisation process.

  Upcoming Webinars on Standardisation

  The information meeting on standardisation will repeated in the autumn with three webinars. The dates for these webinars will be announced at the end of August.

  For more information, please contact: Annick Roetynck, LEVA-EU Manager, annick@leva-eu.com.

• EN 15194 harmonised again under Machinery Directive for Battery Requirements

  24/06/2024 17:09 Comments Off on EN 15194 harmonised again under Machinery Directive for Battery Requirements

  On 13 May, the European Commission has decided to harmonise the EPAC-standard, EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 under the Machinery Directive. This has major implications for the battery requirements in the standard.

  A few years ago, the Netherlands issued a formal objection against the battery requirements in the EN 15194:2017. Those requirements consisted of a note, rather than a formal requirement clause, and offered a choice between EN 62133 or EN 50604-1. In response to this objection, the Commission removed the harmonisation of the EN 15194:2017 under the Battery Directive for the battery requirements.

  In the meantime, CEN/TC333 has replaced the note with a full-fledged requirement. As a result, batteries shall comply with EN 50604-1:2016 and EN 50604-1:2016/A1:2021. For the application of the new requirement, a two-year transition period has been provided, which will end on 23 August 2025. From 24 August 2025, only EN 50604-1:2016 and EN 50604-1:2016/A1:2021 will be valid for EPACs to comply with the EN 15194.

  This change in EN 15194 regarding batteries raises many questions in the LEV sector. Companies are wondering whether they are legally obliged to apply the new battery requirement immediately. The question of what to do with batteries that still meet the “old” standard also comes up frequently.

  At Eurobike, LEVA-EU, in collaboration with SBS, is organising an information meeting on standardisation in the LEV sector. During this meeting, questions regarding the new battery requirements will be answered. Nevertheless, many other aspects of standardisation will also be discussed at the meeting:

  • What is a standard? What is a harmonised standard?
  • What is presumption of conformity?
  • Which Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) qualify for standardisation?
  • How is a standard made? Why and how to participate in standardisation?
  • What’s the relation between standards and legislation?
  • What is the status of harmonisation in the LEV-sector?
  • How to apply/use a standard?
  • What are the relevant published LEV standards?
  • Which standards relevant for LEVs are currently in the making?

  The meeting takes place on Thursday 3 July from 11.45 till 14.15 in in Meeting Room Symmetrie 2, Hall 8. The meeting is free of charge for all interested professional visitors, to whom a modest lunch will be offered. To ensure ample food and drinks, registration on the following website is required: https://www.eventbrite.be/e/leva-eu-info-meeting-at-eurobike-light-electric-vehicle-standardization-tickets-899832121097

• Join the EIT Mobility Talk on circular and safe Batteries for Light Electric Vehicles

  12:36 Comments Off on Join the EIT Mobility Talk on circular and safe Batteries for Light Electric Vehicles

  Founded in 2019 as an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) a body of the European Union, EIT Urban Mobility is committed to accelerating the transition to sustainable mobility.

  EIT Urban Mobility accelerates the sustainable transition by providing established businesses, startups, universities, research institutes and the public sector with access to markets, talent, funding and knowledge. They empower their partners to develop and deploy new solutions that address the mobility challenges European cities face. EIT Urban Mobility is co-funded by the European Union.

  EIT Urban Mobility organises, among other things the Mobility Talk series, which brings together public and private experts to discuss current mobility topics of interest.

  The next Mobility Talk is entitled “Circular and safe batteries for Light Electric Vehicles” and takes place on 26th June from 15:30 to 17:00. Participation is free of charge, registration for the online event is here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/fe9c2b8f-8c3f-4292-ba34-099313ae5467@311452cf-01ea-4053-907b-483e603c0687/registration

  Demand for Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) batteries has boomed in recent years, mostly as (shared) e-bikes and e-scooters have grown in popularity among consumers. For the European mobility and energy ecosystem, this raises critical questions that the public and private sectors need to tackle collaboratively: what are the conditions for a sustainable uptake of LEVs powered by resource-efficient batteries? What are current market needs? What are the available solutions?  

  In this Mobility Talks, experts, among whom LEVA-EU Manager Annick Roetynck will provide insights on the latest evolutions of the LEV market and their implications for the battery value chain, while reflecting on the circularity and safety aspects that are crucial to ensure a sustainable trajectory for LEV batteries. 

• International Energy Agency Workshop on Light Electric Vehicles

  10/06/2024 16:38 Comments Off on International Energy Agency Workshop on Light Electric Vehicles

  The IEA Task 50 cordially organises a workshop to exchange information and discuss the status of vehicle technologies and production concepts for Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) including opportunities and hurdles on:

  Wednesday, June 12th, 2024
  10:00 AM – 16:30 (CEST)
  Click HERE to join the workshop
  Access Code: 9pWpAs
  
  Or join in person:
  155 bis avenue Pierre Brossolette
  92120 Montrouge (near Paris)

  
  LEVs currently have a niche status on the vehicle market and so their potential for more sustainable mobility is not being exploited. In order to play a significant role in mobility and be competitive at the market, a number of factors need to be considered. New concepts, alternative ways of production and ways to guarantee sustainability criterias need to be addressed. An important aspect is also the price for LEVs, which could be reduced through cost-efficient vehicle concepts and innovative technologies. In addition, regulations should offer optimal framework conditions for the promotion of LEVs, while at the
  same time ensuring quality and safety standards. We would like to provide information and discuss questions such as:

  • Which current networks and initiatives for LEVs exist internationally?
  • How can LEVs be produced cost-efficiently bymutualization of parts and distributed factories?
  • What potential do new vehicle classes such asM0and intermediate vehicles provide?
  • What are region-specific challenges (Europe, Asia, …)and cooperation opportunities?
  • What are main benefits and which hurdles have to be overcome?

  One of the speakers is Annick Roetynck, LEVA-EU Manager, who will explain what regulatory changes are needed to unlock the potential of light electric vehicles.

  The full agenda is here: https://rb.gy/sd6y58

• LEVA-EU and SBS to Share Insights on Standardisation at Eurobike

  16:07 Comments Off on LEVA-EU and SBS to Share Insights on Standardisation at Eurobike

  At Eurobike, LEVA-EU and SBS are joining forces to provide professional visitors with extensive information about standards for electric (cargo) cycles, e-scooters and self-balancing vehicles. The highlight will be the lunch meeting on Thursday 4 July, during which LEVA-EU and SBS experts will explain the current standardisation work and the link with European legislation in detail.

  LEVA-EU is the European trade association for companies in the light electric vehicle (LEV) sector. LEVA-EU’s field of work includes all LEVs that are in the scope of Regulation 168/2013 as well as those that are excluded from the Regulation. This makes LEVA-EU the only professional association in the EU that exclusively concerns itself with LEVs, ranging from e-scooters and e(cargo)cycles to e-mopeds and e-motorcycles and microcars. LEVA-EU currently represents around 70 companies that are active in all these segments. Component manufacturers and service suppliers are also part of LEVA-EU’s membership.

  The professional organisation supports its members with information and guidance regarding LEV regulations and legislation. In addition, LEVA-EU works directly with the European institutions for better legislation and regulations for LEVs.

  In this context, 3 LEVA-EU experts work directly in European/international technical committees (TC) on standards for LEVs. LEVA-EU Manager Annick Roetynck focuses mainly on CEN TC333 – cycles, where she is active in WG5-EPACs and in WG9-(e) carrier cycles. Technical director Bram Rotthier is strongly focused on IEC TC125, where standards are written for eTransporters. As secretary of this TC, he plays a particularly prominent role. Finally, Eddie Eccleston has been active for years as a so-called SBS expert in CEN TC333 cycles. He has a mandate from SBS to work specifically for and safeguard the interests of SMEs in the development of standards.

  

  In order to strengthen this SME focus, LEVA-EU became a member of Small Business Standards last year. SBS is a European non-profit association, co-financed by the European Union and EFTA Member States. Its goal is to represent and defend small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) interests in the standardisation process at European and international levels. Moreover, it aims at raising the awareness of SMEs about the benefits of standards and at encouraging them to get involved in the standardisation process. SBS was established to meet the European Union’s aspiration to make the standardisation system as inclusive, transparent and open as possible.

  During Eurobike, LEVA-EU and SBS will organize an information meeting on standardization. This meeting will take place on Thursday 4 July from 11:45 to 14:15 in Meeting Room Symmetric, Hall 8. The meeting is free of charge for all interested professional visitors, to whom a modest lunch will be offered. To ensure ample food and drinks, registration on the following website is required: https://www.eventbrite.be/e/leva-eu-info-meeting-at-eurobike-light-electric-vehicle-standardization-tickets-899832121097

  With this meeting, LEVA-EU and SBS want to familiarize the participants with all aspects of standardization. They will learn how standards are developed and approved, how standards relate to legislation and how companies can be directly or indirectly involved in the standardization work. In addition, LEVA-EU and SBS will provide a comprehensive overview of the state of affairs regarding the standards for e-scooters and self-balancing vehicles, EPACs and e-cargocycles. Last year, the EU issued a new Machinery Regulation and a new Battery Regulation. The meeting will explain the relationship between the standards and the Machinery Regulation. In line with the new Battery Regulation, the European Commission has commissioned CENELEC to develop a whole series of new standards for batteries for light means of transport. Finally, an amendment has been added to the EN15194 for EPACs with new requirements regarding batteries. All these points will also be explained in detail. And of course, there will be ample time for questions. An SBS representative will be present at the meeting to answer any specific questions about SMEs in standardization.

  With the support of SBS, LEVA-EU is currently editing a very extensive briefing on standardization. This will be made available free of charge at the meeting via a QR code. Participants can use this briefing afterwards as a reference to find out more about standardization.

  LEVA-EU is currently active in the field of the new Machinery Regulation, the Battery Regulation, the Critical Raw Materials Act and the Right to Repair Directive. LEVA-EU is also permanently working for a specific European harmonized technical framework for LEVs to replace the current Machinery Directive/Regulation and Regulation 168/2013. That specific framework now finally seems to be gradually coming into view. On behalf of the European Commission, a study is currently underway into accurate technical rules for LEVs. The results of that study are expected in the autumn.

  Finally, LEVA-EU is currently also particularly active in the revision of dumping measures against electric bicycles and essential bicycle parts from China. In this context, LEVA-EU is collecting testimonies from European companies that are experiencing problems due to these measures. If you are in this position, we encourage you to report this to LEVA-EU during Eurobike.

  LEVA-EU and SBS look forward to welcoming you in Frankfurt between 3 and 5 July!

• Ireland legalizes e-scooters

  03/06/2024 15:07 Comments Off on Ireland legalizes e-scooters

  E-scooters can be legally used on Irish roads since 20 May 2024. The Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 created a new vehicle class called powered personal transporters.

  You do not need a licence to ride one and your e-scooter does not need to be registered, taxed or insured. You must be 16 or over to use an e-scooter. An e-scooter must have a CE mark and the retailer must give you a declaration of conformity when you buy it.

  Technical requirements

  In Ireland, e-scooters must:

  • Weigh a maximum of 25 kilograms (including batteries)
  • Travel at speeds of 20 km/h or less
  • Have an electric motor with a maximum power output of 400 watts or less
  • Have wheels of at least 200mm diameter
  • Have front and rear lights (switched on during lighting-up hours and darkness), reflectors, front and rear brakes, and a bell
  • Have a manufacturer’s plate showing the power output, weight, and design speed
  • Be in roadworthy condition

  Rules on using e-scooters

  Where you can use an e-scooter

  • E-scooters can be used on local, regional, and national roads. They cannot be used on motorways.
  • You can use cycle and bus lanes.
  • You must drive on the left.
  • You must not use an e-scooter on footpaths, pedestrianised areas or on motorways.
  • E-scooters are not allowed on State provided public transport, Luas, rail, or bus services (due to concerns with lithium batteries).

  Rules of the road

  • Follow the rules of the road, especially for traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and zebra crossings.
  • You must follow signals given by a Garda or school warden.
  • Gardaí can confiscate e-scooters ridden by people under 16.
  • Only one person can ride an e-scooter at a time.
  • E-scooters are not designed for carrying goods or passengers.
  • You must not park an e-scooter in no-parking zones like loading bays, accessible parking and charging bays.
  • You must not use your mobile phone while driving an e-scooter.

  You do not need:

  • A vehicle registration plate
  • Motor tax
  • A driving licence
  • Compulsory insurance

• TRA finds scrapping e-bike tariffs could save UK £51m per year

  24/05/2024 16:42 Comments Off on TRA finds scrapping e-bike tariffs could save UK £51m per year

  Source TRA – The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has published its initial findings recommending that anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures on electric bicycles (e-bikes) from China should be revoked. 

  Following the transition reviews of the measures, the TRA found that keeping them in place would not be in the economic interest of the UK. Revoking the measures could:

  • benefit the UK economy by an average of £51m per year;
  • save consumers an average of £260 per e-bike; and
  • result in an average of 31,000 more e-bikes being bought per year in the UK.

  Sales of e-bikes in the UK reached an estimated £325 million in 2023, compared with £96 million in 2018, and are expected to grow further in the coming years. Although it is likely that dumping and subsidisation of Chinese e-bikes would likely recur if the measures were no longer applied and that the UK production industry would suffer some injury, it was found that this injury did not outweigh the benefits to the UK economy or consumers if the measures were revoked.

  TRA Chief Executive Oliver Griffiths said: “We always assess the impact of a trade remedy measure on the UK economy. Our interim conclusion is that the benefits to UK bicycle producers from continuing the current measures on e-bikes would be significantly outweighed by harm to the rest of the economy. We project that removing the measures could save consumers around £260 per e-bike and could benefit the UK economy by around £51 million annually.“

  Alternative options

  Under the UK’s revised trade remedies regime, if the TRA finds that a measure is not in the economic interest of the UK, it offers the Secretary of State for Business and Trade alternative options to revoking the measures.

  These alternative options included only applying the measures to folding e-bikes as UK producers are more heavily concentrated in this market. A period of consultation is now open for on all of the options presented, after which the TRA will make its final recommendation to the Secretary of State.

  As part of these reviews, for the first time, the TRA conducted a consumer survey as part of its assessment of how measures on these imports would affect the overall UK economy. The survey targeted e-bike customers and helped the TRA assess consumer sensitivity to e-bike prices. 

  Businesses that may be affected by the reviews (such as importers or exporters of the products or UK producers of similar products) can now comment on the initial findings via the TRA’s online case platform. They can also stay up to date with developments in each case, which will be posted on the TRA’s public files.

  Following Article 21 of the Basic Regulation, the EU Commission also has a legal duty to determine whether it’s in the interest of the whole EU Community. “(…) whether the Community interest calls for intervention shall be based on an appreciation of all the various interests as a whole, including the interests of the domestic industry and users and consumers; (…) Measures, as determined on the basis of the dumping and the injury found, may not be applied where the authorities, on the basis of all the information submitted, can clearly conclude that it is not in the Community interest to apply such measures.“

  LEVA-EU has already raised the issue of Community interest with the Commission, given the enormous difficulties and damage caused by trade defense measures to EU companies and the wider implications for sustainable mobility and public health.

  If the Commission would be willing to test the Community interest in this year’s reviews, with the same thoroughness as TRA applied in the Economic Interest Test, there is a very good chance that the measures will also prove to cause much more damage to the EU than the benefits they bring to those few EU manufacturers who continue to defend the measures through thick and thin.

  TRA finds scrapping e-bike tariffs could save UK £51m per year

  . If the Commission would be willing to test the Community interest in this year’s reviews, with the same thoroughness as TRA applied in the Economic Interest Test, there is a very good chance that the measures will also prove to cause much more damage to the EU than the benefits they bring to those few EU manufacturers who continue to defend the measures through thick and thin.

  Photo by James Giddins on Unsplash

• China adopts mandatory national Battery Standard for E-Bikes

  18/05/2024 13:19 Comments Off on China adopts mandatory national Battery Standard for E-Bikes

  Source 强制性国标发布，涉及电动自行车用锂电池安全_河北省文物局 (hebei.gov.cn): On May 6, the “Safety Technical Specifications for Lithium-Ion Batteries for Electric Bicycles” (GB 43854-2024), a mandatory national standard drafted by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, has been approved by the State Administration for Market Regulation and will be officially implemented on November 1, 2024.

  The technical specifications stipulate the safety requirements and test methods for lithium batteries for electric bicycles, both at single cell and battery pack levels. For single cells, six safety requirements have been considered: overcharge, over-discharge, external short circuit, thermal abuse, puncture, and marking. As for battery packs, the requirements mainly pertain to electrical safety, mechanical safety, environmental safety and thermal diffusion. The requirements also deal with data collection and marking.

  The technical specifications only apply to lithium-ion batteries for electric bicycles with a maximum output voltage not exceeding 60V as stipulated in the “Electric Bicycle Safety Technical Specifications” (GB 17761). They do not apply to electric scooters, self-balancing vehicles, motorcycles, etc. Upon the implementation of the standard, all lithium-ion batteries for electric bicycles sold in China must meet these requirements.

  Currently, the number of electric bicycles in China has exceeded 350 million. In 2023, enterprises above a nationwide designated size will produce a total of 42.28 million electric bicycles. Among the new electric bicycle models released by major domestic electric bicycle brands, more than 20% are equipped with lithium-ion batteries.

  According to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, this mandatory national standard for the safety of lithium-ion batteries for electric bicycles and the technical specifications are of great significance to standardizing the design, production and sales of lithium-ion battery products for electric bicycles. They are aimed at improving product quality and safety levels and at promoting the development of the electric bicycle industry in a positive way.

  This new Chinese standard is not relevant for batteries imported from China to the EU. These batteries must comply with EU rules and regulations as for instance ensuing from the new Battery Regulation. Furthermore, the EN-standards for EPACs, e-mountain bikes and for e-cargocycles also have requirements pertaining to the batteries.

  Photo by Joshua Fernandez on Unsplash

• Come and meet LEVA-EU at Eurobike!

  12:17 Comments Off on Come and meet LEVA-EU at Eurobike!

  LEVA-EU looks forward to welcoming you during Eurobike. The European trade association for Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) offers a quiet meeting place with a 30 m² stand (No. 003) in Hall 8. We look forward to welcoming companies there who want to know more about LEVA-EU.

  Below you will find our current main agenda items, but we are happy to discuss any item related to LEVs with you.

  1) Anti-dumping + anti-subsidy duties on e-bikes & anti-dumping measures on bike parts from China

  Many European companies are experiencing particularly serious problems due to the extremely complex trade defence measures. LEVA-EU has started direct discussions about this with the European Commission. We can now submit your specific problem directly to the competent department of the Commission.

  In addition, the Commission has asked us to collect and report testimonies about the issues, with a view to a more fundamental assessment of the impact of the measures. Do you have problems with the import of electric bicycles from, for example, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, …? Or do you have problems with the import of parts from China? Come talk to us to find out what LEVA-EU can do for you. We can guarantee you complete confidentiality. Make an appointment with LEVA-EU Manager Annick Roetynck here,  https://calendly.com/annick_leva-eu/eurobike-meeting.

  2) New Machinery Regulation & Battery Regulation

  Last year, the EU issued a new Machinery Regulation and a new Battery Regulation. Would you like to better understand the impact of this new legislation on your company and your products? We can explain it to you carefully. Make an appointment with LEVA-EU Manager Annick Roetynck and/or Technical Director, Bram Rotthier, here https://calendly.com/annick_leva-eu/eurobike-meeting.

  3) Standards & Standardization

  There is a lot going on in the field of standardization for electric bicycles, electric cargo bikes, e-scooters, etc.

  LEVA-EU has several experts who work directly in European and international standardization. You can also come and talk to us about that. Or you can participate for free in the LEVA-EU and SBS information meeting about standardization that will take place on Thursday, July 4 between 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM. More information about and registration for this meeting can be found here, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/899832121097?aff=oddtdtcreator

  Or do you just want to take a breather with a cup of coffee? This is also possible at LEVA-EU, Stand No. 003 in Hall 8.

  We look forward to meeting you at Eurobike from 2 to 5 July.

  Annick Roetynck, LEVA-EU Manager
  Bram Rotthier, LEVA-EU Technical Director
  Eddie Eccleston, SBS Standardization Expert