At a recent gathering in Brussels, a top delegation from the CONEBI Neuberger E-Bike Working group met with the European Commission; discussing the future for the European regulatory framework.
The next few years are highly important for the industry with the focus being to keep the all-time boom of e-bikes at this high - with the hope that no extreme requirements can be allowed to hinder the progress (see what Bosch E-Bike CEO, Claus Fleischer, had to say about EU regulations here).
There are important legislations in place that affect the European and global industry which have been discussed, some include: EU battery revisions; machinery legislation; and classification of e-bikes and personal mobility devices.
It was an opportunity to spotlight, and share dialogue about EPAC, speed-EPAC, Cargo, and E-Cargo bike legislation, and also to review the recent “Technical Requirements and Road Safety of Personal Mobility Devices” workshop, set up by the EC - in which CONEBI were participants. The future of European Union member’s each standardisation strategy was also highlighted.
Across Europe more people are cycling or using e-kick scooters, mono wheels, and even hoverboards - a rapid change when considering the traditional history and timeline of the market. The shock adjustments have had to be discussed by EU member states; they must ensure their streets remain safe and regulated.
EU vehicle requirements and categories directly impact the design and testing of bikes. National road traffic rules vary from country to country in the EU, cycling infrastructure, helmets, licenses, and number places are but some of the issues that need to be addressed.
In 2023 stakeholders and the industry will be consulted over each nation’s safety requirements, with the aim of developing regulatory framework for PMDs.
CONEBI has long been involved with such technical topics with their overall target to support the growth of the bicycle and e-bike market in Europe. CONEBI says it will “continue to be at the forefront of those discussions”.
