Dutch LEV framework postponed yet again
15 days ago
3 minutes
The RAI Association, the Dutch professional organization for (e-)bike manufacturers, has announced that the Dutch LEV framework has once again been postponed until July 2025. Until recently, January 1, 2025, was the proposed date. Meanwhile, the new government and the new parliament are not exactly showing much interest in the matter.
From July next year, e-scooters and (e-)cargo bikes, among others, will be subject to a mandatory inspection by the RDW (Netherlands Type-Approval Authority) based solely on Dutch technical requirements. In addition, the Netherlands is working on national road use conditions for so-called Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs). For example, cargo bike riders would need to hold an AM (moped) license, and all LEVs, including scooters, would be required to have a license plate.
Over the past few years, LEVA-EU, together with ICBF, the LEV knowledge center, and Legaal Rijden, has consistently protested against these specifically national regulations. According to LEVA-EU, the Dutch technical requirements not only complicate access to the Dutch market, but also hinder the sustainability of mobility by limiting the growth of LEVs.
In countries such as Belgium and France, for example, both e-scooters and (e-)cargo bikes are required to meet the Machinery Directive, the EMC Directive (Electromagnetic Compatibility), and the RoHS Directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances). Belgium and France do not impose additional technical requirements for their use on public roads, which does not result in structural safety issues. This demonstrates that the harmonised European technical framework is sufficient to ensure the safety of these vehicles.
Development of European standards
At the European level, standards for (e-)cargo bikes are currently being developed within CEN (European Committee for Standardization) to facilitate the application of the Machinery Directive. Ironically, the secretariat of this CEN working group is led by NEN, the Dutch standardization institute. For e-scooters, a European standard has existed for some time, and its revision has recently begun. This makes the development of specific Dutch requirements all the more questionable, according to LEVA-EU.
The Stint incident and political pressure
The origin of the strict Dutch LEV framework lies in a tragic accident involving a Stint several years ago, in which several children died. Although the cause of the accident was never found, the LEV framework seems to be a political response to show strength to the public. LEVA-EU emphasizes that e-scooters and cargo bikes have no connection to the vehicle type to which the Stint belongs.
Political impasse
LEVA-EU hopes that the new Dutch government and parliament will opt for a drastic course change and scrap the technical approval framework for LEVs. The organisation claims that previous policymakers systematically rejected any requests for a dialogue with the companies directly involved.
A recent invitation from LEVA-EU to use the upcoming ICBF (International Cargo Bike Festival) to exchange ideas with cargo bike companies was once again rejected by Chris Jansen, the new State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management. Only three of the 29 members of the parliamentary committee responded to LEVA-EU’s invitation, of which only one member promised to review their agenda for a possible meeting after the ICBF. Neither the chairman nor the vice-chairman of the committee responded. LEVA-EU concludes that the LEV framework still does not appear to be a priority for the relevant policymakers.
Annick Roetynck
Annick is the Manager of LEVA-EU, with decades of experience in two-wheeled and light electric mobility.
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