LEVA-EU: Driving the Future of Light Electric Mobility in Europe
Taipei Cycle 2026: Innovation, Startups, and New Opportunities for the Cycling Industry
LEVA-EU Welcomes Laurent Guérisse as Membership Account and Growth Manager
The Commission’s “Not So Small Cars Initiative”
Serious Concerns Over ZIV Proposals Threatening Europe’s E-Cargo Cycle Sector
LEVA-EU Calls for Clear and Consistent Inclusion of Light Electric Vehicles in EU Urban Mobility Data Legislation
LEVA-EU Submits Open Letter to ZIV, CONEBI and EU Commission
Open Letter Sent to ZIV: 196 Signatures From 22 Countries
LEVA-EU Statement on the Future of Eurobike
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: Driving the Future of Light Electric Mobility in Europe
Comments Off on LEVA-EU: Driving the Future of Light Electric Mobility in EuropeOver the past year—and indeed over many years—LEVA-EU and its members have worked together to fundamentally strengthen the position of light electric vehicles (LEVs) in Europe. Through focused advocacy, deep technical expertise, and sustained engagement with EU institutions and standardisation bodies, LEVA-EU has ensured that the voice of the LEV industry is heard where it matters most.
As the only European association fully dedicated to light electric vehicles in all their diversity, LEVA-EU plays a critical role in protecting the sector’s interests, shaping regulatory frameworks, and creating the conditions for innovation and fair competition. Our achievements to date, and our ambitious plans for the years ahead, demonstrate both the impact of our work and the value of being part of a strong, united industry platform.
Our Strategic Priorities for 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, LEVA-EU is further strengthening its capacity to support members and defend the future of the LEV sector.
From 1 January 2026, we will welcome two new colleagues, Laurent Guérisse and Luca Destro, who will focus specifically on member recruitment and enhanced membership services. This expansion marks the next step in the continued growth of the LEVA-EU team, allowing us to deliver even more targeted support while intensifying our advocacy at both EU and national level.
A central priority for 2026 will be the firm opposition to regulatory initiatives that threaten the viability of light electric vehicles. Proposals such as peak power limits, restrictive support ratios, or arbitrary methods for measuring maximum continuous rated power risk stifling innovation, distorting markets, and undermining the competitiveness of European LEV manufacturers—particularly in segments such as electric cargo cycles and advanced electric bicycles. LEVA-EU will continue to challenge these approaches with clear technical arguments and evidence-based policy input.
In parallel, we are advocating for the inclusion of L5, L6 and L7 light electric vehicles in policy measures currently aimed exclusively at electric cars. These vehicles are a vital part of the sustainable mobility ecosystem and must be recognised as such in incentive schemes and deployment strategies.
LEVA-EU will also maintain pressure on the European Commission to move towards a dedicated LEV Regulation—one that reflects the technical realities and market diversity of the sector—and to establish a dedicated consultation platform for LEV stakeholders. This is essential to ensure that future legislation is developed with, rather than about, the industry.
Additional priorities for 2026 include:
- Further development of our internal Battery Working Group to support members on battery safety, compliance, and waste management.
- Continued opposition to anti-dumping duties on components imported from China for the assembly of electric bicycles in Europe.
- Ongoing monitoring and advocacy to keep EU and national policies aligned with the interests of the LEV sector.
- Comprehensive legislative intelligence and hands-on guidance for our 65+ members to ensure regulatory compliance across Europe.
Delivering Tangible Results for the LEV Industry
LEVA-EU’s credibility is built on results. In recent years, our work has delivered concrete outcomes that benefit the entire sector.
Embedding Light Electric Mobility in EU Urban Policy
Within the European Commission’s Expert Group on Urban Mobility, LEVA-EU successfully secured the formal recognition of “light electric mobility” alongside walking and cycling in the Group’s Recommendations for Urban Mobility Policy. Crucially, these recommendations now explicitly call on the European Commission for harmonised technical legislation and dedicated standards for LEVs, developed in close consultation with the sector itself.
Progress Towards a Dedicated LEV Regulatory Framework
LEVA-EU has consistently pushed back against inappropriate legislative frameworks, working to exclude light electric vehicles from both the Machinery Directive/Regulation and Regulation (EU) 168/2013. At the same time, we continue to press the Commission to propose a dedicated LEV Regulation tailored to the specific characteristics of these vehicles.
Shaping Standards That Reflect Market Reality
Our association has played a decisive role in standardisation:
- Contributing extensively to the EN 17860 standards for electric cargo cycles and trailers, now fully published.
- Ensuring that Series Hybrid (SH) systems are properly addressed through close collaboration with members.
- Actively participating in the systematic review of EN 15194 for EPACs, with continued advocacy for the inclusion of SH systems.
- Representing LEV interests within CENELEC TC21X and successfully advocating within IEC TC125 for the creation of a joint Working Group.
- Supporting the international revision of EN 50604-1+A1 to better align battery safety requirements with LEV applications.
- Participating in CEN TC354-WG4 for the review of EN 17826.
Building Awareness and Capacity on Standardisation
Through close cooperation with Small Business Standards (SBS), LEVA-EU continuously informs members—particularly SMEs—about standardisation developments and their implications. Our regularly updated Briefing on Standardisation for Light Electric Vehicles has become a key reference point for the industry.
Influencing Battery and Waste Legislation
LEVA-EU is actively involved in the European Commission’s Waste Expert Group, contributing directly to the Implementing Acts under the new Battery Regulation. To translate these complex requirements into practical guidance, we have also established a dedicated internal working group focused on battery compliance and EN 50604-related challenges.
Defending Fair Trade Conditions
LEVA-EU has been at the forefront of engagement in EU anti-dumping and anti-circumvention cases affecting bicycle components from China and therefore also assembly of electric cycles in the EU. We have supported companies unfairly targeted by measures that fail to reflect the realities of the LEV supply chain, clearly communicating to EU institutions the structural lack of alternative component sourcing and the impracticality of certain origin and assembly requirements. Our ongoing advocacy seeks trade defence measures that protect European industry without causing unjustified disruption to the market.
Standing Firm Against Restrictive National Frameworks
At national level, LEVA-EU has actively opposed initiatives such as the proposed Dutch LEV framework, continuing to petition for its withdrawal due to its disproportionate and damaging impact on the sector.
Why Membership Matters
LEVA-EU’s work is made possible by its members. By joining and supporting the association, companies ensure that the LEV industry speaks with one strong, informed, and credible voice in Brussels and beyond. Membership means direct access to regulatory intelligence, technical expertise, and representation at the highest policy and standardisation levels—resources that no individual company could realistically replicate alone.
As the LEV sector continues to grow in strategic importance for Europe’s mobility transition, the need for effective, professional representation has never been greater. LEVA-EU stands ready to meet that challenge—together with its members.
Join us in shaping the future of light electric mobility in Europe.
For more details on LEVA-EU membership, contact Laurent Guérisse, laurent@leva-eu.com, or if your company is in Italy, contact Luca Destra, luca@leva-eu.com.
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Taipei Cycle 2026: Innovation, Startups, and New Opportunities for the Cycling Industry
Comments Off on Taipei Cycle 2026: Innovation, Startups, and New Opportunities for the Cycling IndustryThe 2026 Taipei Cycle Show will take place from 25 to 28 March 2026 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. As one of the world’s leading cycling industry events, Taipei Cycle continues to evolve, placing a strong focus on innovation, technology, and cross-industry collaboration.
Introducing the “Motion Vision” Startup and Innovation Zone
For the 2026 edition, the organiser TAITRA has introduced a brand-new Motion Vision Startup and Innovation Zone. This dedicated area is designed to highlight how core bicycle technologies can be applied across multiple domains, including sports, health, mobility, and technology.
The initiative aims to:
- Showcase cutting-edge, cross-domain innovations
- Create direct connections between startups, established industry players, and potential investors
- Strengthen international collaboration within and beyond the cycling sector
Motion Vision 2026: Startup Call
Under the banner “Motion Vision 2026 – Race the Future”, TAITRA is launching a cross-industry startup program that brings together cycling, sports, health, and technology. Selected startups will have the opportunity to pitch and showcase their solutions directly at Taipei Cycle.
Event schedule for participating cycling startups
- Pitch & Showcase at Taipei Cycle
- 25–28 March 2026
Benefits for Selected Startups
Teams selected for the Motion Vision program will receive a range of exclusive benefits, including:
- A complimentary booth in the Innovation Zone
- Free participation in Pitch & Vision Salon activities
- Global visibility, with access to international matchmaking opportunities involving industry leaders and investors
Further details, including the official Motion Vision event page and the application/registration link, are available directly from TAITRA.
For practical exhibition support and registration assistance, interested companies may also contact the Taiwan Trade Center in Rotterdam: https://rotterdam.taiwantrade.com/contactUs
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LEVA-EU Welcomes Laurent Guérisse as Membership Account and Growth Manager
Comments Off on LEVA-EU Welcomes Laurent Guérisse as Membership Account and Growth ManagerLEVA-EU is very pleased to welcome Laurent Guérisse to the team as Membership Account and Growth Manager. In this role, Laurent will work closely with LEVA-EU members, support new companies joining the association, and help grow a strong and active light electric mobility community across Europe.
Laurent has over 20 years of experience in business development, partnerships, and market growth, mainly in the technology and sustainable mobility sectors. He has spent much of his career helping companies expand into new markets, build practical partnerships, and turn innovative ideas into real-world solutions.
At the core of Laurent’s work is a simple strength: connecting people and organisations. He has extensive experience in building B2B networks, managing international relationships, and supporting companies as they grow their presence in Europe. His approach combines clear strategic thinking with a hands-on attitude, focused on practical outcomes for businesses.
Laurent is deeply interested in eco-innovation, clean transport, and new technologies, which makes his role at LEVA-EU a natural fit. He is motivated by the opportunity to support members directly—helping them navigate the European market, strengthen their networks, and make the most of their involvement in the association.
He is looking forward to working with the LEV-community to create tangible value for members and to contribute to shaping the future of light electric mobility in Europe.
Laurent is bilingual, French-Dutch, fluent in English and Spanish and has notions of Chinese.
You can contact him at laurent@leva-eu.com.
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The Commission’s “Not So Small Cars Initiative”
Comments Off on The Commission’s “Not So Small Cars Initiative”Last week, the European Commission presented its so-called Automotive Package, which it claims is designed to support the automotive sector in its transition to clean mobility. According to the Commission, the package establishes an ambitious yet pragmatic policy framework to ensure climate neutrality by 2050 and to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy, while at the same time offering manufacturers greater flexibility. It is also presented as a response to long-standing calls from EU industry to simplify regulatory requirements.
The Commission further argues that the package preserves a strong market signal in favour of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), while granting manufacturers additional leeway in meeting CO₂ reduction targets. It is explicitly framed as supporting vehicles and batteries manufactured within the European Union. In this context, the proposed corporate vehicles initiative is intended to accelerate the uptake of zero- and low-emission vehicles in company fleets.
One specific element of the package is the introduction, prior to 2035, of so-called “super-credits” for small, affordable electric cars produced in the European Union. These super-credits are meant to incentivise manufacturers to place a larger number of smaller electric car models on the market.
What the Commission has not communicated in its otherwise optimistic presentation of the Automotive Package is that, in its attempt to shore up the traditional car industry, it has effectively sidelined light electric vehicles (LEVs) in an unacceptable manner. At the beginning of 2025, LEVA-EU was invited by Commissioners Wopke Hoekstra and Jessika Roswall to contribute to the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry, launched under the authority of Ursula von der Leyen. In that context, LEVA-EU tabled a number of key policy demands aimed at unlocking the full potential of the light electric vehicle sector.
In the final Automotive Package, there is not the slightest trace of attention for light electric vehicles, which makes the Strategic Dialogue earlier this year look uncomfortably close to a greenwashing exercise. On the contrary, the unilateral focus on conventional passenger cars is such that it actively harms the LEV sector. The most striking illustration of this is the creation of a dedicated category for “small affordable electric cars made in the European Union”.
The issue becomes obvious when comparing the two following vehicles in this context. On the one hand, there is for instance the Jeep Avenger Electric, which is approximately 4.08 metres long and weighs between 1.52 and 1.57 tonnes. On the other hand, there is the Microlino, which measures just 2.52 metres in length and weighs between 0.49 and 0.53 tonnes.
Under the Commission’s proposal, the Jeep Avenger and similar vehicles are included in the new “small cars” category within the type-approval framework, primarily for the purpose of granting access to financial and fiscal incentives. At the same time, the Commission entirely ignores vehicles such as the Microlino or the Silence S04. Although these vehicles are demonstrably smaller, lighter, and more resource-efficient, they remain subject to largely unadapted technical legislation under the L-category. Furthermore, just because they are in the L-category, they are excluded from virtually all financial and fiscal incentives, precisely because public authorities do not recognise L-category vehicles as “small cars”.
In that light, one might reasonably suggest renaming the Small Cars Initiative as a “Less Bigger Cars Initiative”.
More importantly, the Commission should finally include the really small cars — microcars and other light electric vehicles — in its policy framework, in order to support solutions that already exist and are demonstrably sustainable. In the coming year, LEVA-EU will work closely with its members to examine how the Commission’s proposal can be amended so that genuinely small vehicles are properly taken into account.
Finally, the Commission praises the Automotive Package for its alleged respect for technological neutrality. In our view, the complete neglect of light electric vehicles runs directly counter to that principle. A genuinely credible Small Cars Initiative — one that also encompasses L-category vehicles — would go a long way towards correcting this fundamental inconsistency.
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Serious Concerns Over ZIV Proposals Threatening Europe’s E-Cargo Cycle Sector
Comments Off on Serious Concerns Over ZIV Proposals Threatening Europe’s E-Cargo Cycle SectorNearly fifty companies active in the e-carrier-cycle sector have jointly signed a declaration urging the preservation of the current legal framework for electric cargo cycles and, in particular, the safeguarding and proper implementation of the EN 17860 standards. ZIV’s proposals to impose limits on maximum assistance ratio, peak power and vehicle weight would result in many electric cargo cycles used for zero-emission urban logistics being reclassified under Regulation 168/2013. This shift would effectively render the EN 17860 standards obsolete, as these vehicles would instead become subject to type-approval obligations.
It is widely recognised within the sector that L-category type-approval is not fit for purpose for bicycle-like vehicles. The practical consequence would be the disappearance of most cargo cycles from the market. Even for those able to pass type-approval, existing usage rights equivalent to those of conventional bicycles would no longer apply. Such an outcome would inevitably force a large share of today’s urban cargo cycles to be replaced once again by conventional delivery vans. The major logistics companies are anything but eager for that. It is therefore not surprising that Coolblue also co-signed the declaration.
Through the LEVA-EU open letter and the recently published declaration, several hundred stakeholders have expressed their strong opposition to the proposals advanced by the German bicycle-industry association. The level of resistance is now significant enough to call the proposal fundamentally into question. It is legitimate to ask why the European e-bike and light-electric-vehicle sector is being constrained by the actions of a single national trade association. It is equally legitimate to ask why the European umbrella organisation for the bicycle industry, CONEBI, has not yet provided a clear response. This absence of decisiveness fuels uncertainty and division — precisely at a time when the sector can least afford it.
In the meantime, market conditions continue to deteriorate; companies are closing, bankruptcies are rising, and every market analysis points deeper into negative territory. Instead of focusing on recovery, innovation and future growth, the sector is compelled to divert precious time and energy to defending itself against ill-considered regulatory concepts. It is increasingly clear that the future of our industry cannot be based solely on bicycles and two-wheeled e-bikes. Our work is no longer about bicycles alone; it is about mobility. And mobility offers vast opportunities — provided our sector can deliver a diverse range of vehicles that meet real-world use-cases and the needs of all users.
Despite this, efforts continue to undermine established European standardisation work and results. The disregard shown in the proposal toward five years of rigorous work on the 17860-series, carried out by dozens of experts from the European electric-cargo-cycle community is astonishing.
It is unacceptable for a single national association to wield such disproportionate influence over the future of an entire European sector. It is equally unacceptable for the corresponding European umbrella organisation to remain passive in the face of such developments.
Our association calls on all stakeholders — national and European — to reaffirm their commitment to evidence-based policymaking, to the integrity of the European standardisation process and to a regulatory environment that supports innovation, diversity of vehicle types and the long-term sustainability of the light-electric-vehicle sector including cargo cycles.
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LEVA-EU Calls for Clear and Consistent Inclusion of Light Electric Vehicles in EU Urban Mobility Data Legislation
Comments Off on LEVA-EU Calls for Clear and Consistent Inclusion of Light Electric Vehicles in EU Urban Mobility Data LegislationThe European Commission has drafted an Implementing Regulation that sets out how EU Member States must collect and submit urban mobility data for each designated urban node under Regulation (EU) 2024/1679. This data covers three major areas:
- Sustainability (e.g., mobility trends, mode shares),
- Safety (e.g., accident data by road-user type), and
- Accessibility (e.g., availability of parking infrastructure).
In the framework of the public consultation on this draft legislation, LEVA-EU has submitted feedback to the Commission. The core message of this feedback is that the draft legislation fails to correctly recognise and categorise Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs)—and that this omission will lead to poor-quality, inconsistent, and incomplete mobility data across the EU.
LEVs still “invisible” in EU legislation
LEVA-EU highlights a long-standing structural problem: light electric vehicles are scattered across multiple legislative frameworks never designed with them in mind. As a result, LEVs remain largely invisible in EU mobility policy. Attempts to introduce terms, such as “micromobility“, “light means of transport” or “personal mobility devices”, have only added confusion, resulting in unclear or contradictory classifications. This problem, LEVA-EU notes, is repeated in the draft implementing regulation and its Annex. Various vehicle types are mixed or misnamed, others left out entirely—undermining the goal of generating high-quality, harmonised data across the EU.
EGUM has already set the direction
In its feedback, LEVA-EU stresses that the Commission’s own Expert Group on Urban Mobility has already recognised the need to consistently reference light electric mobility, alongside walking and cycling, in its 2024 recommendations for the mid-term review of the Road Safety Policy Framework 2021–2030. These recommendations call for better counting methods and harmonised data frameworks capturing LEV use and user behaviour.
To fix inconsistencies and ensure reliable data, LEVA-EU proposes a simple and unified approach: define LEVs according to their legal status under Regulation (EU) 168/2013 and the Machinery Directive. This would clearly include EPACs, e-scooters, self-balancing vehicles, powered cycles, speed pedelecs, e-mopeds, electric motorcycles, tricycles, quadricycles, and micro-cars.
The organisation recommends introducing this definition directly into the regulation through a new Article 2(17): “Light Electric Vehicles’ means all electric vehicles for on-road use and subject to Regulation 168/2013 and all electric vehicles for on-road use subject to Directive 2006/42/EC until 31 December 2026 and Regulation 2023/1230 as of 1 January 2027.”
Key amendments proposed by LEVA-EU
To enable accurate and harmonised mobility data, LEVA-EU proposes the following changes:
1. Updated indicators for Sustainability- Add “using light electric vehicles” as a distinct category in trip-counting indicators (SU.2), ensuring LEV usage is measured separately from walking and cycling.
- Clarify whether micro-cars (L7 vehicles) are included in the stock of registered passenger cars (SU.3).
2. Revised Safety Indicators
- Replace vague or outdated categories with a clear list of LEV types: micro-cars, tricycles, e-motorcycles, e-mopeds, speed pedelecs, powered cycles, speed pedelecs, EPACs, e-scooters, self-balancing vehicles, … This ensures road safety data reflects the full diversity of modern mobility.
3. Parking and Infrastructure Definitions
Amend definitions to include LEVs—such as modifying “secure bike parking facility” to “secure bike and light electric vehicle parking facility.”4. Accident Data Collection
The current draft uses a single term, “road vehicle,” to cover everything from bicycles to trucks. LEVA-EU finds this unacceptable and calls for clearer distinctions between heavy and light vehicles to avoid misleading accident statistics.Urgent Need for an Update to CARE Database Terminology
LEVA-EU concludes by stressing that the EU’s CARE accident database urgently needs a terminology update aligned with the organisation’s proposals. LEVA-EU stands ready to assist the Commission in implementing these improvements.
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LEVA-EU Submits Open Letter to ZIV, CONEBI and EU Commission
Comments Off on LEVA-EU Submits Open Letter to ZIV, CONEBI and EU CommissionLEVA-EU has formally submitted the open letter to the German Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV) in which it calls on ZIV to immediately retract its proposal on EPAC regulation and urges CONEBI and the Commission not to follow or support this proposal. The letter warns that the measures put forward by ZIV—such as restrictive limits on assistance ratios, peak power, and vehicle weight—would force many EPACs into type-approval under Regulation 168/2013, eliminating entire categories of LEVs, undermining user accessibility, and stifling innovation across the sector.
Strong international support from the LEV sector and beyond
The open letter is backed by a broad coalition of signatories from across the LEV community and related fields. In total, 196 signatories represent 22 countries inside and outside Europe, illustrating the global significance of Europe’s regulatory choices for light electric mobility.
The signatory base includes:
• 90 LEV companies active in manufacturing and development
• 17 LEV component companies supplying key technologies
• 9 companies offering LEV-related services, including logistics and maintenance
• 5 associations representing industry and civil society interests
• 6 academics from 6 different academic institutionsThis diversity demonstrates consensus across a wide group of people and companies that Europe needs a future-proof, innovation-friendly regulatory framework for LEVs.
Call for a dedicated LEV Regulation
LEVA-EU and the signatories urge the European Commission to build on the recommendations of the Expert Group on Urban Mobility (EGUM) and to engage meaningfully with the LEV sector in designing a dedicated LEV Regulation. Such a framework would restore technology neutrality, remove today’s regulatory inconsistencies, and support the EU’s climate, mobility, and industrial ambitions.
The open letter + the signatories is here: https://leva-eu.com/open-letter-sent-to-ziv-196-signatures-from-22-countries/
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Open Letter Sent to ZIV: 196 Signatures From 22 Countries
Comments Off on Open Letter Sent to ZIV: 196 Signatures From 22 CountriesOpen Letter To:
- The German Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV)
- The Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI)
- The European Commission
Do not let Europe become the desert of light electric mobility innovations
Over the past decade, Electrically Power Assisted Cycles (EPACs) have achieved remarkable success in Europe. This success has not been the result of alleged “legal equivalence with bicycles,” as recently claimed by ZIV, but rather of the decision by all member states to grant EPACs the same terms of use as conventional bicycles.
ZIV is wrongfully trying to create the impression that this decision resulted from the exclusion of EPACs from Regulation 168/2013, which governs type-approval for L-category vehicles. That is exactly why ZIV fails to mention that other vehicles have also been granted the same traffic rules as conventional bicycles. For example, in Belgium this applies to electric scooters, to 25 km/h and 1 kW L1e-A powered cycles and to a large degree also to Speed Pedelecs. In other words, that decision by the Member States was independent of the technical legislation for EPACs or any other Light Electric Vehicle (LEV).
On 7 April 2025, ZIV published its position paper “E-bikes – Active Mobility as Success Factor”. ZIV’s proposal would impose arbitrary restrictions on EPACs—such as limits on assistance ratios, peak power, and vehicle weight—and would force many EPACs into the L-category type-approval system under Regulation 168/2013.
If implemented, this proposal would:
- Eliminate entire categories of LEVs essential for sustainable logistics, accessibility, and mobility innovation;
- Discriminate against elderly, disabled, and physically weaker users by restricting access to vehicles that meet their mobility needs;
- Obstruct European innovation and competitiveness, protecting incumbents while sidelining new entrants and technologies;
- Undermine the EU’s climate and mobility goals by reducing the modal shift potential of LEVs and stifling their contribution to decarbonisation.
The deeper structural problem
The present split between Regulation 168/2013 and the Machinery Directive already constitutes an infringement of the principle of technology neutrality enshrined in EU law.
Article 114 TFEU obliges the Union to adopt harmonisation measures that ensure the proper functioning of the internal market, without creating unjustified obstacles or distortions. Article 173 TFEU commits the Union to industrial policies that strengthen the competitiveness of European industry. Together, these provisions enshrine the requirement that EU legislation must not discriminate between technologies that deliver the same function or carry the same risk profile.
Today, vehicles with identical weight and speed — and therefore identical risks — are regulated under entirely different regimes depending on arbitrary technical parameters such as motor power. For example, a 250W EPAC is excluded from type-approval and placed on the market via self-certification under the Machinery Directive, while an otherwise identical 300W vehicle must undergo costly and unsuitable type-approval under Regulation 168/2013. This regulatory split is neither proportionate nor neutral, and it undermines competitiveness and innovation across the LEV sector.
Technology neutrality and the right policy instruments
Technical legislation is purpose-limited: it must ensure product safety and a well-functioning internal market, and it must remain technology neutral. It may not be used to steer user behaviour or to “encourage active travel” by constraining technical parameters (e.g., assistance ratios, peak power, weight) unrelated to intrinsic product safety.
Promoting active mobility is a legitimate public objective, but it should be pursued through appropriate instruments—including fiscal and financial incentives, public procurement, infrastructure investment, and education—not by distorting technical rules for LEVs. Using product legislation to engineer behaviour would violate technology neutrality, reduce accessibility, and unfairly disadvantage many legitimate LEV use-cases (logistics, inclusivity, terrain).
A dedicated LEV Regulation is the right remedy: it would remove the structural breach of technology neutrality and ensure that all Light Electric Vehicles are regulated according to their real safety and use characteristics, not outdated or arbitrary distinctions.
We, the undersigned, therefore:
Call on CONEBI not to support this proposal and on ZIV to immediately withdraw the ZIV proposal as it represents a narrow industrial agenda that is harmful to Europe’s broader sustainability, competitiveness, and mobility goals.
Call on the European Commission not to follow ZIV’s proposal but instead to build on the recommendations of the Expert Group on Urban Mobility (EGUM) and work with the LEV community on a dedicated LEV Regulation. Such a framework would finally correct the breach of technology neutrality inherent in the current regulatory split and enable a fair, innovation-friendly, and future-proof market for light electric mobility in Europe.
Signatories LEVA-EU Open Letter Business/Organisation Name Job Title Country Type Gran Tourismo Bike GmbH Martin Edelsbrunner Assistant Manager AT LEVs Brussels Mobility Martin Lefrancq New Mobility Senior Policy Advisor B Public authority Elhe Globe bv/vanmoofista.be Elisa Longo MD B LEVs Epac Producer Benjamin Declercq Founder B LEVs Fietstaxi BV Johan De Ruyck Founder B LEV Service Flywheels nv Patrick De Cooman CEO B LEVs Ghent University Alex Van den Bossche Em.prof.dr.ir. B Academic IntuEdrive Simon Forrez Developper B LEVs IntuEdrive/Ellio Bikes Jorrit Heidbuchel CEO & Co-Founder B LEVs IntuEdrive/Ellio Bikes Tomas Keppens CTO B LEVS Klimaatpunt Hendrik Ballegeer President B Other LEVA-EU Annick Roetynck Managing Director B Association LEVA-EU Bram Rotthier Technical Director B Association LVL Group SRL – Ampyre Arnaud Legrand CEO B LEVs LVL Group SRL – Ampyre Kenny Latomme Co-Owner B LEVs SBS Edward Eccleston SBS-Expert B Association Thompson nv Isabel De Smet General Manager B LEVs Thompson nv Tim De Smet CEO B LEVs Uze David Coertjens Head of Business B LEV Service Vrije Universiteit Brussel Peter Van den Bossche Professor B Academic Greenway Damian Aregger Electrical Engineer CH LEVs Kyburz AG Martin Kyburz CEO CH LEVs Micro Mobility Systems /Microlino Oliver Ouboter COO CH LEVs Revolt Zycling George Merachtsakis CEO CH LEVs Series Hybrid Cycle Pioneer Andreas Fuchs Physicist, PhD,Master in Medical Physics / Rehabilitation Engineering CH Academic Yakbike Cédric Flüeli CEO CH LEVs Gobao Electronic Technology GmbH Jack Brandsen Chief Strategy Officer CN LEV components 4EVER s.r.o. Radim Broz CEO CZ LEVs ekolo.cz s.r.o. Jakub Ditrich Managing Director CZ LEVs Katanga s.r.o Stephane Boving Manager CZ LEVs Levit s.r.o. Kateřina Vlčková Quality Specialist CZ LEVs AES Akku Energie Systeme GmbH Matthias Behlke CEO D LEV components Avinox Ferdinand Wolf Product Experience Director D LEV components Bikeshop Jörn Lehmann Owner D LEVs Cengalo Thomas Reinhardt Manager D LEVs DJI Matteo Natale Senior Regulatory Compliance Manager D LEV components Dos Caballos GmbH Marc CEO D LEVs DW Boris Geilert Picture Editor D Other Dynamic Drives Giessen GmbH Anton Papenfuss CEO D LEV components Fahrrad Franz GmbH Florian Schäfer CEO D LEVs Fahrrad Franz GmbH Maximilian Jansen Purchaser D LEVs Fahrrad Kaiser Mathias Kaiser Manager D LEVs Fahrrad XXL Feld GmbH Nicholas Feld Manager D LEVs Fahrrad XXL Feld GmbH Peter Feld Manager D LEVs Fahrrad XXL Franz Alexander Loos Purchaser D LEVs Fahrrad XXL Walcher Markus Walcher CEO D LEVs Fulmo Kurierunion Gbr Leon Imeri Coordinator D LEVs + LEV Service Fulmo Velobility Tilman Keding Head of Engineering D LEVs + LEV Service Heinzmann Alexander Herm Technical Director Electric Drives D LEV components Heiss GmbH Das Radcenter Florian Heiss Manager D LEVs Hypabox c/o Bächer Bergmann GmbH Sebastian Bächer CEO D LEV components Kulms Engineering Stefan Kulms Product Development Expert D Other Mario’s Bike GmbH Dennis Wauch Assistant General Manager D LEVs Metrucks GmbH Dr. Nicole Menon CEO D LEVs Metrucks GmbH Srinath Menon Founder & CEO D LEVs MotionLab Berlin Christoph Neye Founder D Other Motofocker Velocar Maté Fock Owner, designer D LEVs Movaria GmbH Bastian Biener Project Manager D LEV components Movaria GmbH Felix Ballendat CEO D LEV components Movaria GmbH Georg Müller Service Engineer D LEV components Movaria GmbH Julian Serban Production Technician D LEV components Movaria GmbH Lenz Karbaumer Software Engineer D LEV components Movaria GmbH Max Herbst IT Manager D LEV components Movaria GmbH Moritz Seibt Technical Editor D LEV components Movaria GmbH Sara Loeblein Executive Assistant D LEV components Movaria GmbH Simon Manthe Engineer D LEV components Muhr und Bender KG – Business Unit Micromobility Konrad Schlösser Managing Director D LEVs N.A. Jens Höffgen Solar Bicycle Pilot D Other Panicke GbR Ingrid Panicke Owner/Development D Other Pedilio Solar Velomobil GmbH Thomas Viebach CEO Development D LEVs Private citizen Alexander Gregor Music Teacher D Other Rad-Sportshop Odenwaldbike Tord Steinbock CEO D LEVs RikCar Günther Vehns Elektro- & IT-Meister D LEVs SEG Automotive Tobias Nowak Head of Light Electric Mobility – Europe D LEV Service The Urban Idea GmbH Konrad Otto-Zimmermann Creative Director & Authorized Representative D Other Velocar.net Stefan Schmidt Webmaster, mechanic & user D LEVs Veloxiter Jörg Klenke Developper D LEVs Veloxiter Marc Schlüter Developper D LEVs XYZ Cargo Till Wolfer CEO D LEVs Zemmi GmbH Helge Neubauer CEO D LEVs Zweirad Joos Christoph Alff Manager D LEVs Viridus Manufacturing A/S Bjarne Lykkegaard Quality Manager DK LEV components Vok Bikes Indrek Petjärv CEO EE LEVs FEVEMP Antonio Gómez Muriana Consultant ES Association Mothium Sergio Gonzalez CEO ES LEVs Niche Mobility SL Marc Barceló CEO & Founder ES LEV components ADEME Gabriel Plassat XD Project F Public authority Ateliers Luciano Francisco Luciano Co Gérant F LEVs AVELI – association des acteurs des véhicules légers intermédiaires Nicolas le douarec President F Association AVPS Bernard Cauquil Advisor F LEV Service BIKLOOW Olivier Bongard Owner F LEVs Bluemoooov Europe Emmanuel Paris CEO F LEVs Bluemooov Europe Christine Vieira Commercial F LEVs Caminade Brice Epailly CEO F LEVs Cixi Alexander Koll Head of DACH Region F LEV components CIXI Pierre Francis CEO F LEV components Concerned citizen Olivier Guyot Standardisation specialist F Douze Cycles Thomas Coulbeaut CEO F LEVs Eco-Triporteur Guillaume Delanoe Managing Director F LEVs ERKA Industries SAS Rémi Kneppert Président F LEVs E-ROE Mobility Jean-Philippe Banquet CEO F LEVs EV4 France Patrick Tonnelier Co-fondateur F LEVs France Quadricycle (Ouicycle) Matthieu Spillmann PDG F LEVs Helio2 Antoine D’Acremont Gérant – Directeur F LEVs HPR Solutions Dominique Girard CEO & Co-Founder F LEVs HPR Solutions Thierry Rouxel Managing Director F LEVs Karbikes Lucas Vancon CEO F LEVs Luz’In Julia Sorlin Directrice F Other Nokia Olivier Guyot Sustainability Standardisation Specialist F Other PRAX Jean Baptiste Ligouy Manager F LEVs Sanka Cycle Benoit Tholence CEO F LEVS Sanka Cycle Josselin Salmon General Manager F LEVs Supercycle Jean Dard Designer F LEVs Syklo Yanni Roua CEO F LEVs Vélo Solaire Pour Tous (Vhélio) Marc Laurençon Bénévole F LEVs VoltR Maxime Bleskine CEO F LEV components Fennobikes Oy Ltd Jari Komulainen CEO FI LEVs Helkama Marko Mehtonen Product Development Engineer FI LEVs Helkama Petteri Vairio Director, R&D FI LEVs Norland Dynamics Maximilian-Peter Werner Von Speyer Founder FI LEVs Ouca Bikes Oy Jani Sipilä COO FI LEVs Ouca Bikes Oy Tomi Laaksola COB FI LEVs Ouca Bikes Oy Tuomas Alapuranen CEO FI LEVs E-Magine Rides Bence Gosztonyi CEO HU Other University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Laura Po Associate Professor I Academic HL Mando Corp. Jaehyung Chun SPM Team Leader KR LEV components 040FietsService Marcel Verwimp Director/Owner NL LEVs Alligt Leo Visscher Owner/Director NL LEV components Cargo Bike Mobility BV Frank Oudegeest CEO NL LEVs De fietsfabriek Artur Margarida Lopes Company Owner NL LEVs De fietsfabriek Myrthe ten Broek Office Manager NL LEVs Design Office PetersProjects BV Peter van der Veer CEO NL Other Dragonfly’s Engineering Eduart Stigter Engineer NL Other Fietsenmakers Product Developpers Johannes Kooijman Owner NL LEVs Flevobike Technology Andre Vrielink Company Owner NL LEVs Fontys Engineering Eindhoven Auke Visser Innovator/developper/teacher NL Academic Friesland Lease B.V. Lars Dekker Mobiliteitsexpert Fleetsales & Cargo Bikes NL LEV Service Fulpra Michel van Eijnatten CGO NL LEVs Huka Kris Sonneborn QHSE-Manager NL LEVs Huka Rob Lotgerink Managing Director NL LEVs Idbike Bas d’Herripon Director NL LEV components Level One Leon Westenberg Owner/founder NL LEV Service Navee Tech Arnold Britstra Country Manager Benelux NL LEVs Nijland Cycling B.V. Jeroen Beumer Commercial Director NL LEVs Nijland Cycling B.V. Koen Nijland Director NL LEVs Nijland Cycling B.V. Luuk Nijland Director NL LEVs Nijland Cycling B.V. Willy Nijland Director NL LEVs Q square Han Goes Managing Consultant NL LEV Service RideToday Jurjen Vellinga TCO Lead NL LEV Service Rood-Runner Nederland B.V. Jean-Pierre Vos Founder & Owner NL LEVs Santos Bikes Robbert Rutgrink Director NL LEVs Speed Pedelec Evolution Jos Aerts Founder NL LEV Service Springtime Marcel Schreuder Managing Partner NL Other Stoer Bikes Joeri Visser Founder NL LEVs van Raam mobility Jan-Willem Boezel CEO NL LEVs VanMoof Eliott Wertheimer CEO NL LEVs Ecobike Grzegorz Szczygiel CEO PL LEVs Castros Illuminacoes William Soares Investigator PT Other University Politehnica of Bucharest Prof. Grigore Danciu Professor RO Academic JMK Innovation Mikael Kjellman Velomobile Designer SE Other Luvly Håkan Lutz CEO SE LEVs Velove Bikes AB Dennis Kanter Chief Product Officer/Co-Founder SE LEVs Fairly Bike Manufacturing Co. Ltd Percy Chien Executive Chairman TW LEVs Merida Sharon Chen Senior Sales Manager TW LEVs NKL Yuhung Li Product Manager TW LEV components Blue Sky IP Ean Brown CEO UK Other Cycling Made Easy Ltd Tony Wade Director of operations UK LEVs e-Werx Muddasar Akram Founder UK Other Iceni Cycles Ltd Richard Grigsby Managing Director UK LEVs Light Mobility Association UK Camilla Iftakhar Director UK Association Minimal Jessica Ridler Engineering Project Manager UK LEVs MotiveXQ Del DelaRonde CEO UK LEVs Skarper Adam Rozenberg Head of Ops UK LEV components Skarper Andy Durnan Head of Mechanical Engineering UK LEV components Skarper Harry Brown Customer Support Lead UK LEV components Skarper Jessica Nguyen Mechanical Test Engineer UK LEV components Skarper Jonathan Lemze-Wells Head of Marketing UK LEV components Skarper Liban Olaad Senior QA Engineer UK LEV components Skarper Manon Camous Head of Quality UK LEV components Skarper Mareks Zevalds Mechanical Engineer UK LEV components Skarper Michael Douglas Head of Engineering UK LEV components Skarper Nur Kost Chief of Staff UK LEV components Skarper Oliver Joyce Design Engineer UK LEV components Skarper Ran Peled Head of Design UK LEV components Skarper Suzanne Brown Event Manager UK LEV components Skarper Thomas Mallinson Designer UK LEV components Skarper Uri Meirovich Co-founder & COO UK LEV components Volt Bikes James Metcalfe Director UK LEVs Fernhay Peter Schenkman COO USA LEVs Super73 Sandra Schmidt Director of International Operations USA LEVs United Mobility Inc Rico Meier Ringrose Director of market & product development – Europe USA LEVs Kliche & Friends Laura Kliche Assistant ZA LEVs Kliche & Friends Linda Kliche Director ZA LEVs Kliche & Friends Luisa Kliche Webdesign ZA LEVs Kliche & Friends Uwe Kliche MD ZA LEVs Lumiere Technologies Ulrich Lorenzen CTO, CEO ZA LEVs -
LEVA-EU Statement on the Future of Eurobike
Comments Off on LEVA-EU Statement on the Future of EurobikeLEVA-EU does not wish to comment on the individual decisions of ZIV, Zukunft Fahrrad, Bosch, or other companies that have chosen not to participate in Eurobike. What matters is the broader question of how the light mobility sector chooses to engage with a rapidly evolving landscape.
Eurobike remains the only truly international trade show in Europe that brings together companies and visitors from around the world. There is continued value in maintaining such a platform, and Eurobike has fulfilled this role effectively for many years. While improvement is always possible, there is no reason to dismiss the platform outright. Its relevance can and should be strengthened by ensuring it fully reflects the wider world of light mobility, including emerging developments, challenges, and opportunities.
At the same time, concerns within the sector should not be ignored. The steadily rising cost of participation has become a barrier for many companies, particularly smaller and innovative ones that are essential to the future of light mobility. The relocation from the more intimate and compact setting in Friedrichshafen to the much larger and more impersonal Messe Frankfurt has likewise had clear consequences. Because the distances between halls and meeting locations are much greater, exhibitors and visitors now spend significantly more time walking from one appointment to the next. This reduces the total number of meetings they can realistically conduct and limits the spontaneous interactions that once characterised Eurobike. These developments raise the question of whether the aspiration for ever-increasing economic scale should be reconsidered in favour of qualitative growth, with greater emphasis on relevance, accessibility, and meaningful exchange.
LEVA-EU represents the Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) sector rather than the bicycle industry alone. Electrically assisted cycles are one important segment, but LEVs extend far beyond bicycles. Our mission is to advance sustainable mobility by promoting the broader adoption of LEVs. The form these vehicles take is secondary to their contribution to reducing reliance on heavy, resource-intensive transport. This transition cannot be driven by bicycles alone.
For that reason, Eurobike should continue its evolution beyond a purely bicycle-focused event and embrace the wider LEV sector. There is no valid argument for excluding LEVs; on the contrary, the bicycle and LEV industries can reinforce each other and stimulate innovation. A broader focus on mobility solutions could also attract new groups of professional visitors. Cities and local authorities, logistics and delivery companies, fleet operators, public transport providers, real estate developers, last-mile delivery specialists, and corporate mobility managers all have growing interest in light electric mobility. Their involvement would expand the show’s reach and enhance its relevance across the wider mobility ecosystem.
The development of heavy-duty cargo bikes illustrates the importance of this shift. These vehicles require specialised components not yet available from traditional bicycle suppliers. Highlighting such emerging needs would help Eurobike attract new participants and strengthen its role as a forward-looking platform.
LEVA-EU will continue to attend Eurobike, as it remains the only European event offering a comprehensive opportunity to meet and engage with a broad international audience. Our members will make their own decisions based on their individual business needs.
The situation surrounding Eurobike reflects a wider challenge within the bicycle industry. Parts of the sector appear to be struggling to adapt to a changing mobility environment, particularly in the current economic climate. There is a perception that the market is contracting and that more participants must now compete for smaller shares.
LEVA-EU does not share this view. We are convinced that the market can grow substantially if the industry focuses on advancing light, sustainable mobility. Both bicycles and LEVs have significant potential to support individuals and businesses in shifting toward cleaner transport.
Rather than withdrawing, the sector should concentrate on realising this potential. Eurobike provides a valuable platform to support that effort. It should not be abandoned, but further developed in a way that prioritises quality, inclusiveness, and future-oriented mobility solutions.
