In 2009, the EN 15194 standard for Electronically Assisted Cycles went into force. The mandatory status of the standard is sometimes dicussed10. It is however assumed that the pedelecs in the EU must comply with this standard. The EN15194 gives specifications about safety requirements and test methods of pedelecs using battery voltage up to 48 VDC or an integrated charger with a 230 V input. The EN 15194 regards to design and assembly, electrical circuits including charging systems, batteries, electric cables and connections, measurement of maximum power, power management, maximum speed for which assistance is given by the electric motor etc. EN 15194 includes the requirements EN 14764 for mechanical parts.

 

As the EN 15194 regards to safety and reliability public organisations involved in procurement of pedelecs should require documents (or certificates) that prove the pedelecs offered comply with this EN 15194.

 

National regulations

 

EN 15194 regards to technical aspects of pedelecs. The use of pedelecs depends on national regulation and may be different in the various member states. The pedelec is considered to be a bike. In some countries a pedelec that can drive at a low speed without human power is not considered to be a bike but an e-bike and may require a driving license (Information derived from ADFC11 for the situation in Germany). In other countries use of helmets may be required for those pedelecs. The national regulations develop often slower than technology does. Probably the authorities never had the intention to introduce driving licenses or helmets for this type of vehicles. In practice the enforcement of this type of regulations may be weak but in case of accidents these regulations may cause trouble with authorities and insurance companies. The public organisation introducing pedelecs for personal mobility should inform about the national regulations on pedelecs. Special attention should be paid to pedelecs propelled without human energy. It should be required the pedelec offered is a bike according to national regulation.

 

 

Source: http://www.pro-ee.eu/fileadmin/pro_ee/inhalte/dokumente/Pedelecs_Guidelines.pdf

 

European legislation stipulates that only pedelecs “which are equipped with an auxiliary electric motor having a maximum continuous rated power of 0.25 kW, of which the output is progressively reduced and finally cut off as the vehicle reaches a speed of 25 km/h, or sooner, if the cyclist stops pedalling”79 are classified as bicycles. For these vehicle types, the European standard EN 15194 (EPAC – Electrically Power Assisted Cycles) has been implemented.

 

E-bikes and pedelecs of which the motor output exceeds 0.25 KW and/or the motor assists beyond 25 km/h are classified as mopeds. They have to comply with the type-approval legislation as laid down in Directive 2002/24/EC and all accompanying Directives. Full details on all legislation governing pedelecs and E-bikes are in the fact sheet “Legal Framework”.