Future of EPAC regulation: RLVD warns against impractical power limitation
Stay Ahead of Regulations – Free Compliance Checkup from LEVA-EU at Eurobike
Visit us at the LEVA-EU booth at Eurobike – we look forward to connecting with you!
Is Your Company Ready for the Battery Regulation & EN 50604? Join LEVA-EU’s Info-Meeting at Eurobike Before It’s Too Late!
LEVA-EU Statement on ZIV Position on E-bikes
EPPO’s Recent Actions: A Wake-Up Call for the Industry Why Joining LEVA-EU is Essential for the Future of the E-Bike Industry
AVELI joins LEVA-EU’s demand: The European plan for the future of the automotive industry underestimates the contribution of LEVs
LEVA-EU Open Letter to European Commissioners Wopke Hoekstra and Jessika Roswall on the Automotive Industrial Action Plan: Europe must embrace the LEV industry to reach its climate and competitiveness goals
Meet LEVA-EU at Taipei Cycle: A Key Opportunity for the Light Electric Vehicle Sector
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.-
Future of EPAC regulation: RLVD warns against impractical power limitation
Comments Off on Future of EPAC regulation: RLVD warns against impractical power limitationThe German Bicycle Logistics Association (RLVD) sees the current position of the Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV) on limiting the peak power of pedelecs as a threat to road safety. Cargo bikes and bicycle logistics are an essential component of the transport transition and contribute to calming traffic and making it more compatible with urban areas.
Two central statements of the RLVD
1. Top performance ensures practical suitability – not danger, but control:
In commercial use—e.g., when accelerating loaded cargo bikes on inclines, making deliveries in hilly Stuttgart, or using ramps in underground parking garages—high motor power for short periods is essential. Otherwise, the bike becomes too slow in flowing traffic and difficult to control. A rigid upper limit on peak power, as proposed by the ZIV, would thus jeopardize the suitability of established cargo bike systems for everyday use.
2. Safety is created through comprehensible, technical standards – not through abstract mudflat limits:
Cargo bikes are electrically assisted up to a maximum speed of 25 km/h. Traffic calming through low speeds is proven to be the best way to increase road safety. Cargo bikes achieve this by replacing vans and cars.
Under the guise of a safety debate, the ZIV’s position proposes, among other things, a limit on peak electrical power to 750 W. The RLVD, however, warns against such a regulation: Instead of unclear power limits, what is needed is the consistent application of the European EN 17860 series of standards. This already distinguishes between light and heavy cargo bikes and contains clearly measurable safety-relevant requirements – such as permissible total weights for each bike type, structural mechanical tests, and defined braking decelerations.
Electric cycles are clearly regulated in EU Regulation 168/2013. The RLVD considers this definition to be reasonable and sees no need for changes at the national level. The safety of modern cargo bikes is ensured by technical standards – not by abstract performance limits. Limiting the peak power of heavy commercial cargo bikes offers no safety benefit. On the contrary: It would artificially restrict their usability, especially when starting off under load. This would hinder the urgently needed transition from large, emission-intensive motor vehicles to lightweight, electrically assisted cargo bikes – and thus do more harm than good to road safety.
LEVA-EU: ZIV’s Proposal Is Unfounded and Discriminatory
LEVA-EU has issued its own detailed rebuttal to ZIV’s proposal, which seeks to split EPACs into restrictive legal subcategories based on arbitrary criteria like peak power, assistance factor, and vehicle weight.
“The ZIV proposal would severely hinder innovation and discriminate against essential users—such as logistics operators, elderly and disabled riders—while offering no actual safety benefit,” – LEVA-EU Statement, 30 May 2025.
LEVA-EU denounces the proposal as a protectionist move by traditional bike manufacturers seeking to shield their market share at the expense of more powerful or inclusive electric vehicle types.
📢 Join the LEVA-EU Info-Meeting at Eurobike – Debate the Future of Light Electric Vehicle Regulations
This critical topic will be a central item at the LEVA-EU Info-Meeting at Eurobike, where LEVA-EU will present its formal response to the ZIV proposal and discuss the broader implications for the EPAC and LEV industries.
🗓 Date: Thursday 26 June 2025
📍 Location: Meeting Room Symmetrie 2, Hall 8.1.
🕓 Time: 12:00 – 14:00Please Register here: https://tinyurl.com/pxbt737d
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Stay Ahead of Regulations – Free Compliance Checkup from LEVA-EU at Eurobike
Comments Off on Stay Ahead of Regulations – Free Compliance Checkup from LEVA-EU at EurobikeCompanies are welcome to book a 15-minute slot with LEVA-EU at Eurobike for a free regulatory check-up.
To help companies understand if their LEV is fully compliant with EU law, LEVA-EU experts will give a rapid check on:- Whether your product meets the correct regulatory classification
- The difference between regulations and standards (and how confusion can cost you)
- Battery Regulation requirements: reparability, recyclability, and more
- How to avoid unnecessary testing that adds cost without benefit
When?
- Wednesday, 25 June: 09:00–11:00 & 15:00–17:00
- Thursday, 26 June: 09:00–11:00 & 15:00–17:00
- Friday, 27 June: 09:00–11:00
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Visit us at the LEVA-EU booth at Eurobike – we look forward to connecting with you!
Comments Off on Visit us at the LEVA-EU booth at Eurobike – we look forward to connecting with you!LEVA-EU will be present at Eurobike 2025 from June 25 to 27, 2025. Our booth is located in Hall 8.0, Booth N02.
Drop by for a chat if you wish to know more about our EU advocacy activities and how we support our member companies and their interests in regulations and standardisation!
You can book a 30-minutes slot with us here : calendly.com/annick_leva-eu/meet-leva-eu-at-eurobike-clone
Our team will be on-site to answer your questions and offer expert guidance:
- Annick Roetynck – Managing Director
- Bram Rotthier – Technical Director
- Harold Tor-Daenens – Policy Director
- Eddie Eccleston – SBS Expert, involved in standardisation for EPACs and e-cargocycles
Looking forward to meeting you in Frankfurt!
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Is Your Company Ready for the Battery Regulation & EN 50604? Join LEVA-EU’s Info-Meeting at Eurobike Before It’s Too Late!
Comments Off on Is Your Company Ready for the Battery Regulation & EN 50604? Join LEVA-EU’s Info-Meeting at Eurobike Before It’s Too Late!
📅 Thursday 26 June 2025 | 📍Eurobike, Frankfurt
Time is running out
Since 18 February 2024, the new EU Battery Regulation applies to all batteries in Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs)—from e-bikes and electric cargo bikes to speed pedelecs and beyond. And there’s more, on 23 August, the updated EN 15194 standard will take full effect, bringing stricter new battery safety requirements based on EN 50604.
Are you 100% sure your products comply?
If the answer is anything but a confident yes, your company could be skating on very thin ice.
Register here, https://tinyurl.com/pxbt737d, for the LEVA-EU Info-Meeting.
Why You Should Be Worried
Failing to meet these new rules could lead to :
⚠️ Unsellable inventory
⚠️ Market bans or fines
⚠️ Supply chain disruption
⚠️ Loss of market access in the EUToo many companies—big and small—are underestimating these changes. This is not just another CE mark—it’s a major overhaul involving design, testing, documentation, labelling, traceability, and sustainability. And EN 50604’s battery safety testing is anything but straightforward.
Register here, https://tinyurl.com/pxbt737d, for the LEVA-EU Info-Meeting.
What You’ll Learn at the LEVA-EU Info-Meeting
Part 1: The Battery Regulation & EN 50604
- Clear explanation of your legal and technical obligations
- Practical guidance on how to comply and prepare
- Insights into timelines, obligations for manufacturers, importers, assemblers
- Avoiding the traps of poor legal interpretation or misinformation
Part 2: Industry-Wide Implications of ZIV’s Lobbying Efforts
LEVA-EU will share important updates on proposals from the German Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV), which is pushing to narrow the definition of Electrically Power Assisted Cycles (EPACs). This change could force innovative LEVs—such as electric cargo bikes and vehicles adapted for people with disabilities—into the more complex type-approval process. Such a shift risks limiting market access and slowing innovation. This part of the Info-Meeting highlights why a strong, united industry voice is essential to protect fair and inclusive rules.
This is about more than compliance—this is about survival.
LEVA-EU will present a clear and urgent call for unity among LEV stakeholders to protect innovation, diversity, and fair market access.Register here, https://tinyurl.com/pxbt737d, for the LEVA-EU Info-Meeting.
Don’t Risk Your Future
If you design, build, import, or sell LEVs in the EU, this Info-Meeting is essential. Regulatory ignorance is no defence, and waiting too long could be fatal for your business.
📅 Join us on 26 June at Eurobike
✅ Gain critical insights
✅ Get ahead of compliance issues
✅ Stay informed in a fast-changing regulatory landscapeSeats are limited—act now.
Register here, https://tinyurl.com/pxbt737d, for the LEVA-EU Info-Meeting
LEVA-EU: The only European trade association 100% dedicated to Light Electric Vehicles.
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LEVA-EU Statement on ZIV Position on E-bikes
Comments Off on LEVA-EU Statement on ZIV Position on E-bikesOn behalf of its members active in the e-bike sector and across the broader European Light Electric Vehicles (LEV) industry, LEVA-EU expresses its strong opposition to the position put forward by the German Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV) on 7 April 2025, titled “E-bikes – Active Mobility as Success Factor.”
ZIV’s proposal is based on the incorrect assumption that EPACs (Electrically Power Assisted Cycles) owe their market success to an alleged legal equivalence with bicycles. On this flawed basis, ZIV seeks to impose additional technical restrictions on EPACs, including limits on motor power, assistance ratios, and vehicle weight. Specifically, ZIV proposes to divide EPACs into two categories governed by separate legal frameworks:
EPACs that would remain excluded from L-category type approval under Regulation 168/2013, provided they meet all of the following criteria:
– Assistance limited to 25 km/h
– Maximum continuous rated power < 250W
– Peak power < 750W
– Assistance factor < 4
– Weight < 250 kg for single-track carrier cycles
– Weight < 300 kg for multi-track carrier cycles
All other EPACs exceeding any of the above thresholds would become subject to the L-category vehicle type approval under Regulation 168/2013. This includes:
Electrically assisted (mountain) cycles with assistance factor > 4 and/or peak power > 750W
Electrically assisted carrier cycles exceeding 250 kg (single-track) or 300 kg (multi-track)
LEVA-EU strongly opposes this proposal, as it would create a deeply unfair regulatory divide. EPACs that remain excluded from type approval would continue to enjoy a favourable legal and technical status under the Machinery Directive. In contrast, EPACs falling outside ZIV’s narrow definition would be forced into the L-category type-approval system, which is overly complex, prohibitively expensive, and technically unsuitable for these vehicles. This would effectively eliminate their development and market viability.ZIV claims that the legal status of EPACs is under threat and must be safeguarded through stricter definitions. This claim is entirely unfounded. The current legal framework—based on Article 2.2(h) of Regulation 168/2013 and the Machinery Directive—has provided a clear, stable, and effective basis for the development and market placement of EPACs.
Harmonised European standards such as EN 15194, EN 17404, and EN 17860 ensure technical compliance and safety. There is no indication from the European Commission that this framework is inadequate or that EPACs are at risk of reclassification. The assertion of legal uncertainty is therefore misleading and does not justify the proposed restrictions.It is also important to consider the underlying motivations behind ZIV’s proposal. ZIV represents major manufacturers of traditional bicycles and pedelecs, many of whom rely on specific drivetrain technologies that dominate the current 25 km/h – 250W market. The proposal appears designed to protect these incumbents by preserving the legal status of their products while restricting the growth of more powerful or innovative LEVs. This approach risks stifling competition, innovation, and the development of new vehicle types that serve broader mobility needs, including logistics, accessibility, and sport.
LEVA-EU firmly states that EPACs are Light Electric Vehicles, not bicycles, as defined by the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Bicycles are vehicles with at least two wheels, propelled solely by muscular energy, typically via pedals or hand-cranks. EPACs, by contrast, are electrically assisted and fall outside this definition. Their development and legal status should not be dictated by the bicycle industry.
Technical legislation such as Regulation 168/2013 and the Machinery Directive is intended to ensure that vehicles placed on the market are technically safe. These frameworks are not meant to prescribe vehicle characteristics, regulate user effort, or define mobility behaviour. The suggestion that EPACs risk being classified as motor vehicles unless assistance ratios and weight limits are imposed is legally baseless.
The ZIV proposal would:
– Severely hinder the development of EPACs for logistics, accessibility, and sport
– Discriminate against elderly, disabled, and physically weaker users
– Undermine the EU’s climate and mobility goals by reducing modal shift potential and innovation
– Misrepresent the purpose of technical legislation, which is not to define active mobility or enforce physical effort
The real legislative priority should be the creation of a dedicated LEV regulatory framework, developed in close consultation with the LEV industry. Such a framework should ensure fair, inclusive, and technically justified rules for all types of Light Electric Vehicles. In its current form, the ZIV position promotes a narrow industrial agenda that conflicts with broader EU goals for competitiveness, sustainability, and inclusive mobility.LEVA-EU has produced a detailed fact-checking paper on ZIV’s position, available for download here.
The LEVA-EU position paper on a dedicated LEV regulatory framework is here.Please contact LEVA-EU Managing Director, Annick Roetynck, annick@leva-eu.com, or Policy Director, Harold Tor-Daenens, harold@leva-eu.com.
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EPPO’s Recent Actions: A Wake-Up Call for the Industry Why Joining LEVA-EU is Essential for the Future of the E-Bike Industry
Comments Off on EPPO’s Recent Actions: A Wake-Up Call for the Industry Why Joining LEVA-EU is Essential for the Future of the E-Bike IndustryThe European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has recently conducted searches across multiple countries, signalling a new wave of scrutiny in the e-bike sector. Troublingly, the investigation has even been given a codename, “Pedelecs“, and is framed in media reports as a “European-wide fraud investigation.” While LEVA-EU firmly supports compliance with the law, even when legislation lacks clarity or suitability for the sector, the reality is that businesses are often left navigating regulations that provide no legal certainty.
The Devastating Impact of Legal UncertaintyToo often, e-bike companies targeted by EPPO and customs authorities are thrust into years-long legal battles that cripple their operations. The absence of clear guidelines means that businesses live under constant threat—unable to expand, subject to unbearable pressure, and facing immense psychological strain. Despite LEVA-EU’s repeated calls to address this issue, the political and media landscape often fails to delve into the complexities, opting instead for oversimplified narratives that misrepresent the industry.
How Can Businesses Safeguard Themselves?
One of the most frequent questions posed to LEVA-EU is how companies can legally import Chinese components into the EU and assemble e-bikes without facing regulatory attacks. Unfortunately, the only surefire way to avoid risk is to refrain from importing Chinese parts altogether—an unrealistic solution given the lack of availability of these components outside China. While some entrepreneurs cite adherence to the 60/40 rule and reliance on specific exemptions, these measures do not provide any protection from legal attacks related to the measures against e-bikes from China. Customs authorities often act based on the General Rule of Interpretation 2A, leaving manufacturers without a clear definition of when parts officially constitute a complete e-bike.
The Path Forward: LEVA-EU’s Call for Regulatory Change
A key step toward resolving this issue is eliminating anti-dumping duties on essential bicycle components. With the European Commission currently reviewing duties on conventional bicycles from China, LEVA-EU has urged them to seize this opportunity to end restrictions that hinder e-bike growth by discontinuing the duties on components. LEVA-EU has no position on the duties on conventional bicycles from China, given they fall outside the association’s scope.
Join LEVA-EU: Strengthening the Industry Together
LEVA-EU is dedicated to challenging these legal inconsistencies and ensuring a thriving e-bike industry in Europe. The EU’s Declaration on Cycling promises to support high-quality jobs and world-class industry development, yet current trade measures stand in direct opposition to this vision.
Companies seeking guidance on e-bike assembly regulations or looking to support LEVA-EU’s lobbying efforts to halt unjustified attacks on the sector and to foster the e-bike industry in the EU are encouraged to reach out to us. Together, we can build a more secure and prosperous future for the e-bike industry in Europe.
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AVELI joins LEVA-EU’s demand: The European plan for the future of the automotive industry underestimates the contribution of LEVs
Comments Off on AVELI joins LEVA-EU’s demand: The European plan for the future of the automotive industry underestimates the contribution of LEVsFor several months now, the French Association des Acteurs des Véhicules Légers Intermédiaire (AVELI) has been collaborating with the professional association LEVA-EU, which advocates for the interests of the light (electric) vehicle ecosystem before the European authorities.
Even though the scope of our two associations is not completely the same, we find ourselves in complete agreement on the analysis of the obstacles and barriers that current regulations pose to the development of the light electric vehicle market, on the one hand, and the solutions that we believe are appropriate, on the other.
In this context, AVELI has published here their French translation of LEVA’s open letter addressed to European Commissioners Wopke Hoekstra and Jessika Roswall on the Action Plan for the Future of the Automotive Sector.
A big thank you to AVELI and we’re looking forward to continuing our cooperation for a bright future for LEVs.
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LEVA-EU Open Letter to European Commissioners Wopke Hoekstra and Jessika Roswall on the Automotive Industrial Action Plan: Europe must embrace the LEV industry to reach its climate and competitiveness goals
Comments Off on LEVA-EU Open Letter to European Commissioners Wopke Hoekstra and Jessika Roswall on the Automotive Industrial Action Plan: Europe must embrace the LEV industry to reach its climate and competitiveness goalsDear Commissioners,
On behalf of Europe’s Light Electric Vehicles (LEV) industry, LEVA-EU expresses its gratitude for the opportunity to take part in the dialogue on the Automotive Industrial Action Plan.
Upon the release of the Plan on 5 March, LEVA-EU expresses its disappointment at the lack of vision on what Europe can achieve in zero-emission mobility innovations and the low level of commitment to our set climate goals, despite the fruitful discussions that had taken place.Concretely, LEVA-EU would like to state its position on the Plan in the following points:
- Establish a Dedicated LEV Regulation
As stated in our position paper, LEVA-EU urges the European Commission to urgently follow up on the Expert Group on Urban Mobility (EGUM) recommendations adopted by the Commission to develop a dedicated technical LEV Regulation and set up a Commission LEV Expert Group.
Currently, LEVs are constrained by regulatory frameworks designed for conventional mopeds and motorcycles, namely Regulation (EU) 168/2013 and for machines, through the Machinery Regulation. This misalignment hinders market growth, stifles innovation, and prevents certain vital LEV solutions, such certain types of electric (carrier) cycles and seated e-scooters from entering the market, while obstructing other solutions such as speed pedelecs and micro-cars from full market potential. A dedicated LEV regulation would remove these barriers and ensure that related legislation, such as the Battery Regulation, the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), and the CO₂ Emission Performance Regulation, is optimally aligned with LEVs. - Revise the Zero- and Low-Emission Vehicle (ZLEV) Credit System to Include LEVs
It is socially irresponsible to exclude LEVs from the ZLEV credit system under Regulation (EU) 2019/631 while continuing to incentivize the transition to electric M-category vehicles. This exclusion paradoxically encourages citizens to purchase heavy electric SUVs instead of adopting lightweight, sustainable LEVs. We call on the European Commission to revise this credit system to reflect the full range of zero-emission mobility options. - Strengthen Support for LEVs in Urban Mobility and Logistics
The Commission’s aim to boost demand for European-made zero-emission vehicles should not dismantle progress made on Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMP). Urban mobility must serve citizens and businesses by keeping cars, trucks, and coaches out of cities, actively promoting LEVs and public transport instead. Incentive schemes aimed at increasing car demand must not undermine efforts to reduce congestion.
We strongly urge the European Commission to integrate LEVs into its strategy to decarbonize corporate fleets. E-cargo bikes, for instance, are already integral to transport and logistics supply chains and should receive further support. LEVs must also be included in the incentive mechanism for zero- and low-emission vehicles (ZLEV) and in both the Plan’s proposed Member States’ incentive schemes for consumers and the social leasing scheme. This inclusion will allow the LEV sector to demonstrate how it’s an integral part of the solution toward Europe’s green and competitiveness ambitions. - Remove Trade Barriers Hindering the LEV Industry
The European Commission must address trade barriers obstructing LEV market growth, particularly anti-dumping duties on bicycle components from China. These duties, in place since 1993 and extended to components in 1997, impose excessive administrative burdens and hinder EU industry growth. Given the ongoing shortage of essential bicycle components within the EU, these duties must be abolished immediately to foster a competitive LEV industry in Europe. - Strengthen Our Manufacturing Supply Chain
LEVA-EU supports the Commission’s goal of reducing foreign dependencies. However, policymakers must not inadvertently harm the industry by restricting access to vital materials and components currently unavailable in Europe in sufficient supply and/or at competitive prices. With several of our members innovating in battery and other technologies, we urge the Commission to collaborate with industry leaders to secure essential supply chains. - Maintain Strict Emission Targets for the Automotive Sector
The proposed amendment of CO₂ standards for cars and vans over 2025-2027 sends the wrong signal that previous inaction by part of the automotive industry is acceptable. This move undermines other industries’ efforts to comply with regulations and weakens the impact of future climate deadlines. The EU must maintain strict emission reduction targets to support the transition toward sustainable mobility.
Conclusion
The Automotive Industrial Action Plan, as published, falls short of its potential to unlock European industrial competitiveness and meet climate targets for transport. LEVA-EU firmly believes that implementing the six measures outlined above will enable the LEV sector to thrive while advancing the EU’s environmental and economic objectives.
Europe cannot afford to remain trapped in outdated transport paradigms. The EU must embrace LEVs as an integral part of its mobility future. We stand ready to engage further with you on how our industry can help achieve these goals, as outlined in our position paper.
Yours sincerely,
Annick Roetynck
Managing Director, LEVA-EU - Establish a Dedicated LEV Regulation
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Meet LEVA-EU at Taipei Cycle: A Key Opportunity for the Light Electric Vehicle Sector
Comments Off on Meet LEVA-EU at Taipei Cycle: A Key Opportunity for the Light Electric Vehicle SectorLEVA-EU is excited to announce that our Managing Director, Annick Roetynck, has been invited by TAITRA to attend the Taipei Cycle Show, one of the world’s leading events for the bicycle and light electric vehicle (LEV) industry. She will be present from Wednesday 26 till Friday 28 March.
Taipei Cycle is a premier platform for industry professionals, manufacturers, innovators, and policymakers shaping the future of cycling and electric mobility. As regulatory frameworks, market trends, and technological advancements continue to evolve, this event is a key moment for networking, collaboration, and gaining insights into the global LEV market.
What LEVA-EU Will Be Doing at Taipei Cycle
As the only trade association in Europe fully dedicated to the light electric vehicle sector, LEVA-EU plays a crucial role in advocating for fair regulations, supporting businesses, and fostering innovation. During Taipei Cycle, Annick Roetynck will:
- Engage with industry leaders to discuss market challenges, opportunities, and future trends.
- Meet with manufacturers and suppliers to explore developments in e-bikes, e-cargo bikes, speed pedelecs, and other LEVs.
- Advocate for fair and supportive policies that facilitate market growth and remove regulatory barriers.
- Connect with companies looking to expand in Europe, offering insights into legislation, market entry strategies, and business development.
Let’s Meet in Taipei!
Are you attending Taipei Cycle and looking to discuss LEV market developments, regulatory challenges, or potential collaborations? This is the perfect opportunity to connect with Annick Roetynck and explore how LEVA-EU can support your business.
📅 Dates Present: Wednesday 26 till Friday 28 March
📍 Location: Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, TaiwanIf you would like to schedule a meeting, please reach out via email to LEVA-EU Managing Director: annick@leva-eu.com
We look forward to seeing you in Taipei!