Chainless eBike status clarified by EU Commission

With notes from the most recent Meeting of the Forum for the Exchange of Information on Enforcement now published, it has been confirmed that a Series Hybrid (SH) system equipped bike has the same status as other 250W eBikes, which do not require type-approval.

The wording of the Commission’s statement is as follows:

“The exemption under Article 2.2(h) of Regulation (EU) 168/2013 applies to pedal cycles with pedal assistance, equipped with an auxiliary electric motor having a maximum continuous rated power of less than or equal to 250 W, for which the motor cuts off when the cyclist stops pedalling and otherwise progressively reduces and finally cuts off before it reaches 25 km/h.”

• The auxiliary function of the motor is to be interpreted that the vehicle should not be propelled only by the motor.
• In addition, the motor should provide assistance only as long as the cyclist pedals continuously.

Highlighting the status of eBikes, irrespective of drive train type:

“The type-approval legislation is technology neutral. Therefore, the fact whether the vehicle has a chain or not, is irrelevant for determining if the vehicle concerned falls under the exemption in Article 2.2(h) of Regulation (EU) 168/2013.”

“Consequently, any electric cycle equipped with a SH system of which the motor cuts off at 25 km/h and with a maximum continuous rated power of 250W is excluded from Regulation 168/2013 under Article 2.2(h) and must be granted the same legal status as any other Electrically Pedal Assisted Cycle (EPAC).”

“Electric cycles equipped with a SH system must comply with the Machinery, EMC and RoHS Directives.”

Prior to this announcement there has been some questioning of the legal status of this kind of ‘chainless’ drive train system, with an inconsistency of view between German and Dutch regulators. With a variety of media outlets reporting on the update to the SH system status, all suggest that it is cargo bikes which will see this new ruling as most advantageous. Expectation is that rapid innovation will follow.

For a more in-depth, historical, exploration of Series Hybrid, this Electric Bike Report article digs deep into the differences and advantages the system offers.