E-bikes changing legal landscape 

E-bikes changing legal landscape 

As market shares for e-bikes across Europe grow, so does the need for the correct regulatory framework to help this booming business thrive. This online magazine looks at the legal changes being made and what is on the horizon, including the new battery regulation which is aimed at developing a competitive and sustainable battery industry in Europe. Also, as a last mile delivery opportunity and eco-friendly alternative to a car, the relevance of the cargo bike is growing. A new European standard for this category is needed to help standardise the legal patchwork that exists throughout Europe.

Highlights in this latest online magazine (Issue 26 | April 2023) include:

  • Cargo bike standard nears completion
  • Europe awaits finalisation of battery regulation
  • FTA to push Thailand as bicycle supplier
  • Reform of EU Competition Law completed
On a European scale, CEN (European Committee for Standardization) is working on standards for (e-)cargo bikes to align with the Machinery Directive. – Photo Shutterstock

LEV framework in the Netherlands faces further delays

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - The Dutch Light Electric Vehicles (LEV) framework has been postponed once more, according to the RAI Association, the professional organization for (e-)bike manufacturers in the Netherlands. Initially set to take effect on January 1, 2025, the framework is now delayed until July 2025. Implementation of the new framework will have implications for amongst others, e-cargobike users in the country.

Changes in the trade agreements with both Thailand and Malaysia could be disruptive. – Photo Bike Europe

Free trade agreements Malaysia and Thailand: Towards a new bicycle...

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Finalising the trade agreements currently under negotiation is one of the tasks of the next Trade Commissioner, Maros Sefcovic. The agreements with Malaysia and Thailand will certainly be part of that commitment. The best-known company in the bicycle industry based in Thailand is Vittoria while Malaysia is the home of Shimano's supplier Kwang Li Industry.

The Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) already confiscated 16,500 illegal bikes, and Ouxi fatbikes have now been declared illegal across the European Union.

Ouxi V8 fatbikes declared illegal in the EU

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Commission has officially declared that Ouxi V8 fatbikes are considered an 'unauthorised' vehicle in the European Union. This means that anyone riding these vehicles is driving illegally and uninsured on the road. The China-made vehicles have risen in popularity in the Netherlands this year.

The current review in the UK relates to all bicycles and components imported from China and consigned from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Tunisia. – Photo Bike Europe

UK now also examining anti-dumping duties on bicycles from China

LONDON, UK - The anti-dumping duty on bicycles and bicycle parts from China in the UK is now also under review. Last May the British Trade Remedies Authority already advised to revoke the anti-dumping duties on China made e-bikes in a preliminary recommendation. In case the same would be suggested for bicycles, it would bring a lot of uncertainty in the UK.