e-Bike industry opinion split on legally binding range tests, says LEVA

The Light Electric Vehicle Association, a key voice between the industry and the European Commission, has advised the industry that it may be advisable to provide customers with electric consumption tests information, but that they are unlikely to be under obligation to do so anytime soon.

Writing in a post at its EU domain, LEVA published results of a recent sounding on the issue with the industry. 32 electric bike businesses shared their view on the topic, with 47% placing themselves in favour of legally binding tests for electric range, while 38% opted to leave the rules as they are. The remaining 15% wanted to explore different solutions to the issue. The survey was in direct response to the Commission who are seeking clarity.

Among e-Bike manufacturers the mood is a 50/50 split, while component makers voted 8 to 4 in favour of a legally binding test.

LEVA-EU write: “There is no need for a legally binding test as part of the type-approval. The type-approval for electric bicycles as it stands today is extremely complicated and extremely expensive, to a point where it is not feasible for small companies. The introduction of a legally binding test will further increase the price of type-approval, thus exacerbating this issue and having a negative impact on competition. LEVA-EU concluded that it is possible to supply customers and users with objective and precise information by means of a voluntary, harmonized test.”

At present, just 44% of those respondents already test the range of their electric bikes, while 78% felt it “necessary” to provide customers with detailed information on the subject.

LEVA concludes from the feedback that companies may still be struggling with in-depth knowledge of type-approval in some cases.

To read the full post, head here. To add your thoughts, the survey remains live here.