Thin end of the wedge?

[stevew]

Culled from Bike Europe.

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2 categories in type-approval

In the new type-approval, there are 2 categories that can accommodate electric bikes. L1e-A is for “powered cycles” with a maximum speed of 25 km/h and maximum 1 kW of power. L1e-B is for “mopeds” with maximum 45 km/h and 4 kW. The mention of “cycles designed to pedal”, as explained before, comes under this category.

It is unclear how the member states will rule on the conditions for use of these vehicles. Some ministries still seem totally unaware of the issue of electric bikes in type-approval. Others have started up a decision process. The German and Dutch ministers seem to be in favour of a moped helmet. The Belgian minister has been advised that a bicycle helmet should do the job. All this concerns so-called speed pedelecs. So far, nobody seems to be aware of the L1e-A category. No statements have been made so far about helmet obligations for this category. In the meantime, some helmet manufacturers are ready for possible moped helmet obligations on speed pedelecs. Both Cratoni and Abus have developed a pedelec model that complies with standard ECE 22.05.
Unsolved problems

The details of the type-approval have been elaborated by the European Commission and laid down in 4 separate Regulations. They deal with environmental and propulsion performance, vehicle construction, functional safety and with administrative requirements. Whereas the framework Regulation is difficult to change, these Regulations can be quite easily modified. That is why the Commission is continuously talking to the Members States and the stakeholders in the Motorcycle Working Group on necessary corrections, amendments, etc.

In that framework, there are still quite a few issues on the agenda for electric bicycles. One of which is the categorization of electric bikes that have a so-called throttle. The Member States have asked for clear guidelines. It seems that the Commission is willing to exclude pedal assisted bikes with throttles up to 25 km/h – 250 W. All other throttle operated bikes would come under L1e-A and require type-approval. A second, very important issue is the categorization of so-called speed pedelecs that do not comply with factor 4 (ratio of auxiliary propulsion power and actual pedal power). The question is whether they can be type-approved as L1e-B, whilst falling outside the scope of the mention on cycles designed to pedal. The Commission has not yet given a final opinion on this.

Published by Jack Oortwijn on 5 Jan 2016

last update: 5 Jan 2016

[reohn2]

Could you see the likes of NL,Germany or France,going along with compulsory helmets for 250w 25kph pedelecs?
Faster electrically powered bikes would fall under moped motorcycle euro regs,(which include helmets) already in place surely,needing reg plates,3rd party insurance and road worthiness certificates.

[stevew]

I do hope you are right

If the helmet law comes into being for the "speed" E-bikes it may make it easier for the pro helmet brigade to have their way with the L1e-A category and then normal bicycles.

Just my thoughts and open to debate

[rmurphy195]

Faster electrically powered bikes would fall under moped motorcycle euro regs,(which include helmets) already in place surely,needing reg plates,3rd party insurance and road worthiness certificates.

Good, so they should.

[[XAP]Bob]

Have to say it could be an interesting option - particularly if you can have a "switch" to convert to e-bike regs and allow appropriate shortcuts...

[reohn2]

Have to say it could be an interesting option - particularly if you can have a "switch" to convert to e-bike regs and allow appropriate shortcuts...

In an ideal world you wouldn't be able to do that.

The lad who killed my Granddaughter,and himself at the same time was 17,had passed the motorcycle riding test,but because of his age was only allowed to ride a 600cc motorbike with the power restricted to 33bhp.
Reasonable enough,but it's so easy to remove such restrictors enabling 100bhp for the same bike,as to be ludicrous,and too much of a temptation for some.

Unless such matters are policed effectively anything can happen,and frequently does.

[[XAP]Bob]

Sadly I'll have to side with you - despite it being a really attractive transport option..

A kW licensed moped limited to 30mph, with an option to drop that power and run as an ebike for a cycle only cut through would be nice.... but would be abused by some idiots...